10 sports you can enjoy at sea

With an abundance of major sporting events taking place, 2026 has been described as one of the biggest years for sport in modern history. Earlier this year, the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics & Paralympics and the Six Nations Rugby tournament captivated fans before summer arrived and brought more sporting excellence. The FIFA World Cup kicked off, and the iconic Wimbledon Championships returned for another year. With plenty of other events having taken place - and more still to come - has this summer of sport inspired you to get active? 

The good news is that you don’t have to leave your favourite sports behind when you set sail. From football, basketball, and golf to cycling, swimming, and even pickleball, many cruise ships offer a wide range of sporting activities for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking to engage in some friendly competition, want to try something new, or simply like to stay active while you’re away, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we reveal ten popular sporting activities you may find on your next cruise. 

As the world’s most popular sport, football has been bringing people together for generations. The modern rules were first established in England in the 19th century, and today, major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup continue to captivate fans across the globe. Football is also one of the easiest sports to enjoy at sea, with many cruise ships featuring multi-purpose sports courts where guests can take part in a casual kickabout or a friendly match. Cruise lines like P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer football facilities on selected ships, while selected Holland America Line ships also feature sports courts suitable for a friendly game. 

Tennis has captivated players for centuries. While the sport’s origins can be traced back to the 12th century, the modern game of lawn tennis emerged in the late 19th century and has since produced iconic tournaments such as Wimbledon. If this year’s Championships have inspired you to pick up a racket, you’ll be pleased to know that some cruise lines offer opportunities to play at sea. Traditional tennis courts are relatively uncommon, with many ships instead featuring multi-purpose sports courts where guests can enjoy a friendly rally. On certain P&O Cruises ships, you may find short tennis available among the onboard sports facilities. Table tennis, meanwhile, began as an after-dinner parlour game in Victorian England before becoming one of the world’s most popular racket sports and an Olympic event in 1988. Today, it’s even more widely available on cruise ships than tennis, providing a fun way to challenge family and friends during days at sea. Whether you’re practising your backhand or simply enjoying some friendly competition, both offer a great way to spend time on board. 

Golf has become one of the world’s most prestigious sports, with tournaments such as The Open Championship, The Masters, and the Ryder Cup attracting fans from across the globe. While a full 18-hole course may not be possible, many cruise ships have found innovative ways to bring the sport to sea. Depending on the cruise line, you may find putting greens, golf nets, or even state-of-the-art simulators that allow you to practise your swing while sailing. Princess Cruises, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are among the cruise lines offering golf-inspired facilities on selected ships, providing a fun way to keep your game sharp between ports of call. If you're in the mood for something more light-hearted yet still golf-themed, some cruise lines boast crazy golf courses that the whole family will love. 

Basketball’s fast-paced nature makes it perfectly suited to life at sea. Since its invention by Dr James Naismith in 1891, the sport has grown into a global phenomenon, with the NBA attracting millions of viewers worldwide and basketball becoming an official Olympic event in 1936. Today, many cruise ships feature sports centres, spacious courts, and basketball nets where guests can shoot some hoops, work on their jump shots, or challenge fellow cruisers to a friendly match. Princess Cruises and Cunard are among the popular cruise lines that offer basketball facilities on select ships. 

Pickleball may be considered a fairly new sport compared to some others, but it also boasts a reputation as one of the fastest-growing. Invented in the United States in 1965, it combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, making it easy to learn and enjoyable for players of varying ages and abilities. It's even become popular on cruise ships, with Celebrity Cruises offering pickleball on selected ships, complete with equipment, organised tournaments and open play sessions. Holland America Line has also embraced the sport through its partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), offering courts, lessons, and events on certain ships across the fleet. Cunard is another cruise line that has embraced the sport, introducing a dedicated pickleball court on Queen Anne through an exclusive partnership with Pickleball England. 

Volleyball has been a favourite team sport for generations, combining teamwork, communication and quick reactions. Since becoming recognised as an Olympic sport in 1964, its popularity has continued to grow around the world, particularly in the summer months. It’s also a fantastic sport to enjoy on a cruise, where organised matches and informal games provide a great opportunity to meet fellow guests, enjoy some friendly competition and make memories on a sea day. 

Cycling has been known as a competitive sport since the 19th century and continues to inspire millions through iconic races such as the Tour de France. While you won’t be tackling mountain passes or winding country lanes at sea, you can still enjoy the benefits of cycling on board. Many cruise ships feature modern fitness centres equipped with exercise bikes, with some even offering instructor-led cycling classes. 

Running is a popular pastime for millions of people around the world, whether for competition, fitness or enjoyment. On a cruise, many ships feature dedicated jogging tracks where you can head out for a run while admiring uninterrupted ocean views. It’s a peaceful way to start the day or enjoy a change of pace between relaxing by the pool and exploring ashore. 

Swimming is one of the oldest competitive sports in the world and has featured at every modern Olympic Games since 1896. On a cruise, however, it's less about chasing personal bests and more about making the most of your surroundings. Whether you're cooling off in the main pool, enjoying a peaceful morning swim, or simply relaxing in the water as the scenery drifts by, there's something special about taking to the pool while at sea. Many ships also feature adults-only pools, family-friendly splash areas and whirlpools, ensuring there's a space for every type of traveller to unwind.

Often regarded as Britain’s national summer sport, cricket has been played for centuries, with the first recorded match dating back to the 17th century. Today, iconic competitions such as The Ashes, the ICC Cricket World Cup and The Hundred continue to captivate fans around the world. While cricket and cruising might not seem like an obvious pairing, P&O Cruises brings the sport to sea on selected ships. Guests can enjoy a casual game on the ship’s multi-purpose sports court or dedicated sports arena, where cricket is played alongside football, basketball and short tennis. 

Read next: If you’re interested in keeping fit on a cruise more generally, you might also enjoy our recent blog - 8 ways to keep fit on a cruise.