Holland America to Host First Professional Pickleball Invitational

The tournament, scheduled for March 13, 2027, will take place on four newly constructed courts on the island during a seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyage aboard the Nieuw Statendam. This competition represents a partnership between the cruise line, the Professional Pickleball Association, and Major League Pickleball.

Before the main event, Holland America will launch four specialized 'Countdown Cruises' beginning in November 2026. These sailings are designed to build momentum for the tournament, offering passengers direct interaction with professional players through clinics, coffee chats, and trivia sessions. The cruise line currently maintains pickleball courts across its entire fleet, but this series marks a shift toward integrating high-level professional exhibition play directly into their Caribbean itineraries.