Have you ever found yourself standing on a local court, looking at the same cracked pavement or the same gym walls, and thought, “There has to be more to the game than this”?
At Pickleball in Paradise, we believe that pickleball is more than just a sport, it’s an invitation to see the world. And in 2027, we are taking that invitation to the next level. Imagine waking up to the gentle movement of the Rhône and Saône rivers, sliding open your balcony door to the fresh morning air as the sun rises over French vineyards, and knowing that your adventure involves both perfecting your third-shot drop and sipping world-class Chardonnay.
We are thrilled to announce our AmaCello Charter, sailing August 5, 2027, and hosted by yours truly, Elizabeth Higginbottom, and Straight Away Travel Agency owner Barb Strait. This isn’t just another vacation; it’s a full-immersion luxury experience designed to change how you see the game and the world.
Your hosts, Elizabeth Higginbottom and Barb Strait, are ready to welcome you to the French rivers!
The Magic of the River: A Different Kind of Pickleball Trip
When people think of a “pickleball cruise,” they often imagine a massive ocean liner with thousands of people and a tiny court squeezed between a waterslide and a buffet. A European River Cruise is the complete opposite.
On our AmaCello Charter, the experience is intimate, refined, and deeply social. We travel through the heart of France, from Dijon to Arles, on the “Essence of Burgundy & Provence” route. We’ll have our own exclusive Pickleball in Paradise group on board (plus special pricing and hosted programming), but we’ll be sharing the ship with other AmaWaterways guests. You’ll still connect with a fantastic community of players and forge friendships that last long after the final whistle.
The beautiful AmaCello gliding past the historic architecture of Europe.
Why Burgundy and Provence?
France is the soul of luxury travel. Our route takes us through some of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet.
- Dijon: The historic capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, where the architecture is as sharp as the mustard.
- Lyon: Widely considered the culinary capital of the world.
- Arles: The sun-drenched city that inspired Van Gogh’s most famous works.
The breathtaking views of rolling hills, ancient stone bridges, and lavender fields provide a backdrop that no local park can compete with. Whether you are on the sun deck or enjoying a gourmet meal in the dining room, the scenery is constantly evolving, offering a mesmerizing tapestry of French life.
Sharpen Your Skills with IPTPA Master Coaches in Paris
Before we even step onto the AmaCello, we are kicking things off with a literal bang. Starting August 1, 2027, we’ve organized an optional pre-cruise extension in Paris. This exclusive clinic is available for an additional costand is led by IPTPA Master Coaches John and Leesa Walker.
As IPTPA Master Coaches, John and Leesa bring a level of technical expertise that is hard to find anywhere else. These clinics aren’t just about hitting balls; they are about strategic focus and refining your technique in one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
John and Leesa Walker, our IPTPA Master Coaches, will be leading our exclusive pre-cruise clinics in Paris!
A Day in the Life: The Perfect Balance of Sport and Serenity
What does a luxury pickleball vacation actually look like? It’s all about the balance between active play and effortless relaxation. Our schedule is designed to give you the best of both worlds.
Daytime: Culture and Exploration
After we leave Paris, and the paddles are packed away, the “Paradise” part of our name takes center stage. Every morning and afternoon offers incredible excursions. You might find yourself:
- Joining a guided bike tour through the vineyards of Beaune.
A visit to Chateau Pierreclos, a medieval era winery, is a highlight of our time in Burgundy.
- Enjoying a private wine tasting in a centuries-old cellar.
- Wandering the Roman ruins of Arles.
- Simply relaxing on the AmaCello’s sun deck, taking in the mesmerizing views of the riverbank.
A look at the elegant wine bar on board—perfect for our private tastings and socializing after a day on the courts.
A sunset view on deck—moments like these are what make river cruising unforgettable.
Evenings: Gourmet Dining and Pickleball-Themed Fun
Dinner on an AmaWaterways ship is an event in itself. They pride themselves on offering a VIP-style dining experience. You can expect gourmet food prepared with fresh, local ingredients reflecting the region we are sailing through. These hosted group meals are the perfect time to unite with your fellow travelers, recount the day’s best moments, and bond over shared stories.
Our group enjoying a festive dinner at the Chef’s Table
The main restaurant on the AmaCello where we’ll gather for our hosted group dinners.
And because we’re still Pickleball in Paradise (even when we’re not on a court!), we’ll also host fun pickleball-themed get-togethers on board—think pickleball trivia, casual mixers, and plenty of laughs with our group.
The Luxury of a Partial Charter: Why Booking Now Matters
Choosing a partial charter hosted by Pickleball in Paradise means you are getting a tailored experience that you simply cannot get by booking a standard cruise.
Limited Cabin Inventory (Book Early!)
Our group block contains 20 cabins, and 6 are already sold. Once the remaining 14 sell out, we cannot add any more cabins to our group—so if you want to join us, booking early is imperative!
Taking in the views from the deck—this is what ‘Paradise’ looks like in Europe.
The $1,000 Difference
Because of our exclusive partnership, we’re able to offer special charter pricing that’s at least $1,000 less than AmaWaterways’ standard promotional rates—giving you the same luxury for a whole lot less. It is a rare opportunity to enjoy world-class luxury at a price point that is significantly more accessible—while still sharing the ship with other guests outside our group.
Concierge-Level Planning
From the moment you sign up, our goal is to provide a stress-free experience. We handle the logistics, the court bookings, the pro instruction, and the group activities. You just need to pack your bags and bring your paddle. Whether you need help with pre-cruise hotel stays in Paris or want quotes for travel insurance, Elizabeth and Barb are here to act as your personal concierges.
What’s Included?
We believe luxury should be simple. Once onboard the AmaCello, your all-inclusive package covers your premium accommodations, gourmet meals, and fine wine and beer with lunch and dinner. We want you to leave your wallet in your cabin and focus on the experience.
Elevate Your Experience
If you’re looking for something truly special, we offer several optional upgrades. While every cabin on the AmaCello is beautiful, you can opt for premium suites that offer additional space and enhanced views of the river. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we always recommend booking early to secure your preferred room type.
You can explore all the cabin options and the full itinerary on our official booking page: 2027 AmaCello Charter Details.
Why Choose a Pickleball River Cruise Over a Resort?
We love a good resort: we frequently host trips to all-inclusive resorts in places like Turks and Caicos. However, a river cruise offers a unique “country-exploration” twist. Instead of staying in one place, your luxury hotel moves with you. Every morning you wake up in a new destination, ready to explore a new piece of French history.
It’s the ultimate way to satisfy your wanderlust without sacrificing your court time. It’s about the connection: uniting the technical passion of pickleball with the cultural allure of Europe.
Secure Your Spot in Paradise
We are so excited to partner with AmaWaterways to bring you this incredible experience!
The August 5, 2027 sailing is more than a year away, but our partial charters tend to fill up fast because of the exclusive pricing and the limited number of cabins on a river ship. We’ll have a dedicated Pickleball in Paradise community traveling together (even though the ship also welcomes other guests), and we want you to be a part of it.
If you are tired of the “same old” vacation and want to forge new friendships while improving your game under the guidance of IPTPA Master Coaches, this is the trip for you.
Ready to join us?
- Check your calendar: August 5, 2027: mark it in gold!
- Review the details: Head over to our trip page to see the full itinerary and pricing.
- Book your cabin: Secure your spot and start dreaming of the French sun.
If you have questions about the skill level requirements, travel logistics, or anything else, feel free to contact us directly.
Hone your skills, explore the heart of France, and experience the ultimate luxury pickleball vacation. We can’t wait to welcome you on board the AmaCello!
Let’s play Pickleball in Paradise, Paris style!
For more information on our other destinations, visit our Cruise Destinationspage or learn more About Us and our mission to unite the pickleball community through travel.
Contact Us!
Elizabeth Higginbottom
Director, Pickleball in Paradise
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 843-331-6955
Website: www.pickleballinparadise.com
