Some people make a living by seeing, predicting and explaining trends, while the rest of us just go about our lives.
We’re not sure why some ideas catch on and reach a tipping point, as Malcolm Gladwell might say, and we’re not sure what it might say about the current moment, or if there’s anything deeper going on at all.
But there is one thing that is certain. By the time your average person, busy enough with any number of things in their life to pay attention to, notices that one thing is suddenly a thing, then advertisers, lifestyle brands, and other companies that spend a lot of time and money identifying, and then jumping, the next big trend has already identified it. And they’re figuring out if they can use it to reach a new customer base, or to keep their existing base happy.
And that’s exactly what happened with Carnival Cruises (CCL) which is about to introduce a feature that should appeal to fans of America’s fastest and trendiest new sport.
So what is everyone doing now?
For the most part, we’re all there, just shivering. But one day, you can’t help but notice that the pickle is getting big.
In case you’re not in the know, pickleball is a racket-based sport that can be played by two or four people. The writer of this piece (that’s me!) is an indoor kid who is fundamentally, on a cellular level, incapable of understanding sports, in any way. But from what they gather, it’s kind of like tennis, but easier, and it’s also kind of like table tennis, and therefore more fun to play and easier to pick up. And you can play it with your kids or grandparents very easily, as it’s generally a cool atmosphere. Apparently, it became a way for families to pass the time during Covid.
Now, pickleball sure seems to be having a moment, as there is now a Pickleball magazine, and the current issue features “The Middle” singer Maren Morris, as spotted by Stereogum.
“I was convinced that pickleball would become a trend for my team while we were away on tour,” she says in the article. “I went on Amazon and bought a ton of gear so we could set up a field trip in every location for the duration of our tour! It’s funny, I don’t think I’ve ever played on a real pickleball court. It would be great to play on a real pitch after the tournament is over!”
Stephen Colbert will host a celebrity tour on CBS next month, and Tom Brady is investing in the game because he has nothing else in his life that could demand his attention.
So there you have it. Pickleball: Totally A Thing.
Raychel Brightman/Newsday RM via Getty Images
Carnival is bringing Pickleball to Sea
Morris has stated that “pickleball is life.” If that’s the case, then you certainly don’t want to part with the pickle any longer than you have to, even when you’re on a luxury vacation.
As such, Carnival Cruises has announced that its ship, Carnival Conquest, will introduce the first dedicated pickleball court in the Carnival fleet. It will be located on the upper deck, so you can also enjoy a nice view of the ocean.
Also, pickleball equipment will be added to some of the ship’s other existing basketball courts, as one of the appeals of the sport is that you can play it anywhere without as much prep work. Carnival SportSquare also includes mini golf and volleyball facilities.
