Holland America Line introduces pickleball courts on Relax Away, Half Moon Cay

Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025 0

Holland America Line has introduced four pickleball courts on Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, its private island in the Bahamas.

To inaugurate the new courts, guests on Rotterdam and Eurodam competed in a friendly pickleball tournament while visiting the island, on December 6.

The courts are located in the sports area – which also features basketball, volleyball and football – and form part of a wider enhancement programme that includes refurbished amenities and new experiences. To date, cabanas and day beds have been refreshed, while 500 extra beach chairs have been added. New clamshell loungers are planned for installation in the coming weeks.

In addition, Holland America Line will renovate the two-storey Villas on Relax Away, Half Moon Cay and open a new food pavilion.

Additional activities available on the island include tai-chi on the beach, as well as family-friendly events such as beach ball relays, scavenger hunts, sandcastle contests, ring toss and shell-collecting challenges.

Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line, said: “Pickleball has become one of our most popular activities across the fleet, so adding courts to our private island lets guests enjoy the game in one of the most stunning settings imaginable. All of the enhancements build on what makes the island so special, creating even more ways for guests to relax and enjoy their day. We’re continuing to elevate the Relax Away, Half Moon Cay experience while preserving its uncrowded beaches and unspoiled charm.”

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay features on the majority of Holland America Line’s Caribbean cruises.

The 2025/2026 season runs until April 2026 and includes six ships operating seven, nine and 14-day options, including the seven-day ‘Western Caribbean’ itinerary, departing March 1, 2026, with prices from £1,209pp, and 14-day ‘Eastern Caribbean’ voyage, departing February 28, 2026, with prices from £1,849pp. In addition, back-to-back sailings can be combined for 21-day ‘Collectors’ Voyages’.

Holland America Line is the only cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association, with all Holland America Line ships featuring top-deck pickleball courts.