There is one big question for football fans on a cruise this summer – will you be able to watch the World Cup while on holiday?
Watching football at sea can often be a lottery for fans as it can depend on the sports channels a cruise ship is able to show but the good news is that you won’t score an own goal by booking a cruise.
Several cruise lines have now confirmed they will screen matches.
That will be a relief for England and Scotland fans – and those from other competing nations – who may be on a summer holiday during the competition.
The Fifa World Cup is set to kick off in the United States, Canada and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July, coincidingwith the start of the peak summer holiday period.
Here are the cruise lines that have confirmed they will be screening matches.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have confirmed that guests will be able to watch matches on their cruise ships.
Passengers on Royal Caribbean sailings will be able to watch games on pool decks, in theatres and in the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, where there will also be football-themed activities.
Royal Caribbean is also extending its support to the land as host city sponsor for Miami.
The cruise line is sponsoring the FIFA Fan Festival Miami, which will transform Bayfront Park into a free family-friendly festival featuring live broadcasts of all World Cup matches.
There will also be appearances from football legends and live entertainment.
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line has secured the rights to broadcast every match of the World Cup on board its Ambience and Ambition cruise ships on Sport 24 Special Event Channels.
Venue details will be confirmed on a cruise-by-cruise basis through the daily programme and on board digital screens. There will also be a programme of match-related events and themed activities during the sailings.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises guests will be able to watch World Cup matches across its entire fleet, including on MSC World Europa and MSC World America on Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings.
Matches will be screened in a variety of onboard venues including in its sports bars, casino, poolside LED screens and designated lounges.
Beyond the live matches, guests can also enjoy a programme of tournament-themed activities for all ages including interactive games and quizzes.
Carnival cruises
Carnival Corporation cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Princess, P&O Cruises and Cunard confirmed last year that all 104 matches during the World Cup will be available to watch across their fleet.
Holland America Line, which has ships sailing around Alaska, the British Isles and Norway during the summer, said matches can be watched on guests’ stateroom televisions on Sport 24 Special Event Channels.
Select marquee matches may be showcased on the Lido Pool’s big screen or in the immersive World Stage theatre on certain ships.
Guests at sea with P&O Cruises or Cunard don’t have to worry about missing a match.
Passengers will be able to watch games in venues such as Brodie’s on P&O Cruises’ ships or the Golden Lion on Cunard.
England games and other high-profile fixtures will be screened in larger venues such as SkyDome on P&O Cruises and The Pavilion on Cunard.
That means you could watch England’s first group match against Croatia while on a 14-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Arvia with P&O Cruises, or while on a seven-night transatlantic sailing on Queen Mary 2.
Football fans on Princess Cruises’ 17 ships sailing around the Med, the Caribbean and Japan will also be able to watch games in their cabin and select matches on the big screen on the Lido Decks on board.
There will also be viewing parties inviting guests to wear their team kits so don’t forget to pack yours.
Carnival UK president Paul Ludlow said: “Whether guests are holidaying in the Mediterranean, the Norway fjords, or a little closer to home, fans can stay connected with their teams.
“This is all about combining unforgettable holidays with the shared experience of live sport – bringing people together on board while delivering the quality and comfort that guests expect from our brands.”
Read more: World Cup 2026: Our travel guide for following England and Scotland in North America
