
HAL-Holland America Line is set to host its first Professional Pickleball Invitational on March 13, 2027, at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, a private island in the Bahamas. This event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the island’s establishment and will be part of the Nieuw Statendam’s week-long Eastern Caribbean cruise, departing on March 7, 2027.
The invitational will see professional players compete on four newly constructed pickleball courts. To enhance the experience, Holland America Line will offer four Countdown Cruises leading up to the event, featuring additional pickleball programming. These cruises will take place on the Nieuw Amsterdam on November 20, 2026, Zuiderdam on December 12, 2026, and Eurodam on January 2 and 23, 2027. Participants can look forward to engaging with PPA professionals through discussions, trivia, meet-and-greet sessions, and lessons.
Kacy Cole, HAL’s chief marketing officer, mentioned that the invitational would merge the growing enthusiasm for pickleball with the scenic backdrop of Half Moon Cay. Jacob Cohen, chief revenue officer of PPA and MLP, emphasized the event as a testament to the sport’s versatility across various venues.
This upcoming invitational expands on Holland America Line’s already established pickleball program, which includes courts on each ship, equipment, and sessions for players of all skill levels.
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