Holland America Line, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have announced that the first-ever Private Island Invitational will take place on the company's private island during a Caribbean cruise departing on March 7, 2027. The event coincides with the 30th anniversary celebration of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, marking three decades of memorable experiences on this award-winning private island.
The seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise to San Juan and St. Thomas aboard the Nieuw Statendamwill include a day dedicated to pickleball on the island on March 13. The tournament will feature professional players and will be held on the four new pickleball courts at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
“At Holland America Line, we believe experiences are too good to be rushed,” said Kacy Cole, Holland America Line’s Chief Marketing Officer. “That’s why bringing the first professional pickleball tournament to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay feels like the perfect combination: it unites the excitement of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports with the unparalleled beauty of one of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary islands, in a way only Holland America can offer.”.
As a prelude to the event, the company will organize four Countdown cruises with a special pickleball program on board, allowing passengers to meet professional players and enjoy different activities related to this sport before the Private Island Invitational.
“This exciting new offering from PPA, MLP, and Holland America Line, the Private Island Invitational competition at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, proves that pickleball is a sport that can truly be played anywhere,” said Jacob Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer of PPA and MLP. “We can’t imagine a better setting for a professional tournament than alongside the pristine beaches of this tranquil private island.”.
Countdown cruises bring the fun of pickleball on board
In preparation for the Private Island Invitational cruise, Holland America will offer four select Caribbean cruises that will include a special onboard pickleball program and play sessions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, with participation from PPA players.
Throughout these Countdown cruises, passengers will have close access to players through various activities, including coffee meet-and-greets with a professional PPA player, pickleball quizzes, meet-and-greets with professional PPA players, onboard classes taught by professional players, and a pickleball clinic led by a PPA professional at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Each Countdown cruise will feature professional pickleball players, offering passengers multiple opportunities to interact with some of the sport's top talent while enjoying Holland America Line's award-winning Caribbean itineraries. Specific details about the professionals participating on each cruise will be announced in the coming months.
Countdown cruises are:
- November 20, 2026 — 9-day Southern Caribbean Cruise, Nieuw Amsterdam.
- December 12, 2026 — 7-day Western Caribbean Cruise: Greater Antilles and Mexico, Zuiderdam.
- January 2, 2027 — 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise: Amber Cove and Bahamas, Eurodam.
- January 23, 2027 — 7-day Eastern Caribbean Cruise: Amber Cove and Bahamas, Eurodam.
RelaxAway's Private Island Invitational, Half Moon Cay, expands Holland America Line's popular pickleball program offered aboard its fleet. All ships feature at least one ocean-view pickleball court, available equipment, beginner lessons, and open play sessions, giving passengers of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
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