Holland America Line Named Exclusive Cruise Line Partner of the Professional Pickleball Association

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Holland America Line has been named the official cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), enhancing its onboard experiences with pickleball courts and free lessons. Starting February 2023, all ships will feature refreshed pickleball courts and offer complimentary beginner lessons by April 2023. This initiative aims to attract guests interested in the fast-growing sport, which is particularly popular on their vessels. Additionally, tutorial videos will be available in guest rooms, and branded pickleball starter kits will be sold onboard.

Positive

• Exclusive partnership with PPA enhances onboard activities.
• Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., attracting more guests.
• Complimentary beginner lessons rolling out fleet-wide by April 2023.

Negative

• None.

Pickleball courts, complimentary lessons and tutorials to be featured fleetwide  

SEATTLE, Dec. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A leader in cruising is teaming up with the leader of the fastest growing sport in the U.S., thanks to an exciting new partnership. Holland America Line has been exclusively named as the Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and is committed to expanding its pickleball experience at sea for guests.

"We're excited to offer our guests an elevated pickleball experience as they travel..."

All ships in the Holland America Line fleet feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views that will be refreshed by February 2023, including adding new PPA Tour partner logos. Beginning in February and rolling out fleet-wide by April 2023, complimentary beginner lessons will be offered by shipboard instructors who will teach guests the rules and basics of playing pickleball, including where the "kitchen" is and what it means to hit a "dink" shot.

"We like to say that travel unites us, but sports do that as well, and Holland America Line is proud to be the first and exclusive cruise line partner of the PPA. We're excited to offer our guests an elevated pickleball experience as they travel to spectacular and scenic cruise destinations," said Kacy Cole, vice president of marketing for Holland America Line. "Mirroring its rapid growth as the fastest growing sport in the U.S., pickleball is the most popular sport on our ships. It's wonderful to see guests bond over their shared love of the game — and the ever-changing scenery makes the perfect pickleball backdrop."

Along with shipboard activations, "How to Play Pickleball" tutorial videos will be featured on in-stateroom TV programming. Guests will be able to purchase branded pickleball starter kits in the shipboard retail shops starting in 2023.

"Pickleball has become immensely popular among travel and leisure business categories, because it is uniquely accessible, compatible with a variety of brands, and transcends a wide spectrum of age groups and lifestyles," said Connor Pardoe, commissioner and CEO of the PPA Tour. "Holland America Line has embraced and committed to pickleball in a very exciting way and will bring engaging, 360-degree collaborations between its cruise line and the sport we all love." 

In addition to shipboard activations, Holland America Line will be featured on branded signage at land-based PPA tournaments across the U.S., PPA merchandise and tour promotional materials.

Holland America Line shares a deeper connection with PPA beyond the game — pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington state, a short ferry ride from Seattle where Holland America Line is headquartered.

"To play pickleball is to make new friends, from around the neighborhood or around the world. This ageless sport welcomes players young and old, fast or slow," said Theresa Haynie, a founding board member of Seattle Metro Pickleball Association and an International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association instructor. "It's a fun game to teach and even more fun to learn. Now with pickleball on board ships with this wonderful partnership, cruisers and players have one more adventure to experience and take home with them."

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line
Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL and NYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

About the PPA Tour
The Professional Pickleball Association is the professional tour for the sport of pickleball, organizing events and rankings for the top male and female pickleball players worldwide and awarding nearly $3 million in annual prize money offering equal play and pay. With more than 20 events in 2022 at world-class facilities like the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati, Riviera Country Club in California, and the Darling Tennis Center and Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the PPA Tour is the premier provider of professional and amateur events. Founded in 2018 and based in Salt Lake City, UT, the PPA Tour provides an unparalleled experience for all, inviting players to compete and "play where the pros play," as well as offering unrivaled venues, food/beverages, live entertainment, VIP experiences, giveaways and games, pro player meet-and-greets, shopping, vendors, and more. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com. See Player Profiles and follow us on social Twitter Instagram YouTube Facebook LinkedIn.

CONTACT: Bill Zucker, Erik Elvejord
PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com

PPA TOUR: Hannah Johns, Content Director, h.johns@ppatour.com

 

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SOURCE Holland America Line

FAQ

What is the partnership between Holland America Line and the PPA about?

Holland America Line is the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association, offering pickleball courts and lessons onboard.

When will the pickleball experience roll out fleet-wide?

The pickleball experience will begin in February 2023 and be fully implemented by April 2023.

What can guests expect from the pickleball program on Holland America ships?

Guests can expect complimentary beginner lessons, on-board tutorial videos, and branded starter kits available for purchase.

How does the PPA partnership benefit Holland America Line guests?

The partnership allows guests to engage in the popular sport of pickleball while traveling, enhancing their cruising experience.

Is pickleball popular on Holland America ships?

Yes, it is reported as the most popular sport on their ships.