Anyone for pickleball?
It’s the fastest growing sport in the US and, as of this spring, available to play to a lucky few while cruising the Danube.
Pickleball is a mixture of tennis, table tennis and badminton and AmaWaterways is the first operator to offer a full-size court on one of its river vessels, the deluxe AmaMagna.
It was already available at sea, with cruise lines Princess, Regent Seven Seas and Carnival, but die-hard fans should book on Annette Barnette Travel’s pickleball group events, held on voyages such as Royal Caribbean International’s imminent Greek Isles Cruise.
The group has two hours of daily, exclusive access to the impressive indoor courts on Odyssey Of The Seas, culminating in a tournament, held between each stop.
Seven nights from £1,240pp, full board, including a cocktail reception, £40 on-board credit and entertainment, more information can be found here.
Want more of the best cruises for sports fans? Feast of some of the standout ones below…
Aggers, Blowers and Christmas
Cricket-lover? Ambassador Cruise Line has announced that this winter’s German Christmas Markets rivers itinerary will feature former England captain Graham Gooch and all-rounder Geoff Miller, plus Test Match Special favourites Jonathan Agnew and Henry Blofeld.
Talks, quizzes, Q&As, book signings and an auction are promised, as is the chance to meet Aggers, Blowers and co over pre-dinner drinks. There should be time to sort you Christmas pressies during stops in Hamburg and Amsterdam.
Departing from Tilbury on December 10, five nights from £519pp, full board, including all cricketing entertainment, more information can be found here.
Par for the cruise
Most large ships offer golfing facilities such as simulated driving ranges or putting greens. However, more devout players can sign up for golf-themed voyages with the likes of Cunard and European Waterways, or book onto a golf-themed Kalos Golf charter taking over Crystal Cruises, Ponant and SeaDream Yacht Club vessels.
The middle ground is provided by PerryGolf. Partnering with the plush Azamara line, it offers cruise packages with ground transportation to more than 80 global courses, including 20 of the world’s top 100. Options include regular Irish Links trips, with the next departing from Dublin on August 29.
Ten nights from £7,483pp, full board, including all golf costs, more information cab ne found here.
The good all-rounder
MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia takes some beating on this count. There’s the indoor Sportsplex, which hosts basketball, tennis and volleyball before evolving into an evening disco space. There’s also the Amusement Park with two Formula One simulators (£8.50 for six minutes) and a bowling alley (£25.50 for 30 minutes).
Winding around the perimeter are two Himalayan ropes courses of varying difficulty, while the 16th-floor solarium has table tennis and foosball tables. You’ll find darts competitions and an impressive fitness space in tandem with the Technogym.
Based in Brooklyn, Meraviglia sails between Canada and the Caribbean.
Seven nights in the Caribbean from £549pp, full board, including entertainment and access to most sports facilities, more information can be found here.
Watch the big game
The ocean’s chunkiest units tend to have sports bars. However, if you want to guarantee watching televised Premier League matches, Grand Slam finals or the like, book with Royal Caribbean International. On its Symphony Of The Seas, the Playmakers bar has more than 30 screens alongside an arcade. A version of this is coming to Oasis Of The Seas and Mariner Of The Seas.
Over-21s only, more information can be found here.
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