At a glance
- Many ocean-going lines will air games in select venues, as well as offering channels playing live matches in-cabin
- Top cruise lines for football fans looking to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026 in style include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn and more.
Can I watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 on a cruise?
The FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by countries across North America, is set to kick off on 11 June, with the winning nation bringing home the trophy on 19 July.
It just so happens that it coincides with the peak cruising window for the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including popular destinations like the Iberian Peninsula, the French Riviera, the Adriatic, the Greek Islands, the Baltic, the British Isles, Iceland and the Norwegian fjords.
Needless to say, if you’re wondering if you’ll be able to see games at sea, you’re not alone. The good news is that many mainstream, premium and luxury ocean-going cruise lines are pitched to show some or all of the World Cup matches, with dedicated channels in staterooms and screenings in public venues.
That’s not necessarily true on expedition ships travelling to remote destinations like Antarctica, where Wi-Fi connectivity can be patchy, but on most sailings, you should be all set.
Another thing to consider? River cruises are often less geared towards dedicated screenings of every game, but many do offer complimentary Wi-Fi, which makes it easier to stream on your own device.
Plus, when you’re sailing to cities like Budapest and Cologne, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find sports bars close at hand.
Without further ado, here are 12 cruise lines that go all-out when it comes to giving guests the best possible experience of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
1. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises will broadcast all matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup across its entire fleet, following a deal struck with IMG.
That includes in-stateroom live coverage of all 104 games on Sport 24 Special Event Channels, as well as showing select marquee matches on big screens on Lido Decks. It will also hold viewing parties where guests are encouraged to show up in team shirts.
Lorna Warren, Princess Cruises vice president of hotel operations and guest experiences, has said: “Our guests shouldn’t have to choose between exploring the world and watching the world’s best teams compete.”
“By bringing live coverage to all 17 ships, we’re making sure fans can experience incredible destinations and cheer on every match whether they’re soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, taking in the Mediterranean coast, or sailing past glaciers in Alaska.”
2. P&O Cruises
As a line that puts the British market front and centre, it’s unsurprising that P&O Cruises knows how to keep football fans well entertained.
In March, for example, it welcomed football legend Sir Geoff Hurst – the only man ever to score a winning hat-trick in a men’s World Cup Final – on board Britannia to take to the stage for an intimate Q&A about his extraordinary career.
During the FIFA World Cup, games will be screened in the onboard pub Brodie’s (available on Arvia, Azura, Britannia and Iona). England matches will additionally be aired in larger venues such as SkyDome aboard Arvia and Iona, to ensure there’s space for fans to watch together.
President of P&O Cruises Paul Ludlow said, “Whether guests are holidaying in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, or a little closer to home, fans can stay connected with their teams.”
3. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International has a longstanding relationship with the world of football, and in 2024, it even named Lionel Messi godfather to Icon of the Seas.
Since then, it has officially partnered with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, and needless to say, is dedicated to offering guests an elevated World Cup experience.
Firstly, it will continue to offer a wide range of departures from Miami, where fans can experience specially organised behind-the-scenes stadium tours and a designated entertainment act on the community stage at the FIFA Fan Festival, scheduled to take place in Bayfront Park, close to where Royal Caribbean ships dock.
While on the high seas, passengers won’t miss out either, with all games available to watch in staterooms and select matches screened in venues across the fleet.
4. Holland America Line
Holland America Line (HAL) will screen FIFA World Cup games across all 11 ships in its fleet. That includes all 104 matches, which will be available on channels on stateroom televisions. The most notable games will also be aired on large screens poolside or in the immersive World Stage theatre on certain ships, depending on the weather.
Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development, has said, “Soccer is the most popular sport across the globe. The FIFA World Cup is the world’s preeminent soccer tournament, and we realise how important it is for our guests to be able to watch live on our ships.”
5. Cunard
This heritage cruise line will be broadcasting FIFA World Cup 2026 games in the Golden Lion aboard its ships, meaning guests from the UK can enjoy a home-from-home pub atmosphere and classic British fare while following matches.
The most significant ones will also be screened in larger venues across the fleet, such as The Pavilion, where passengers can watch the game while lounging by the pool.
Cunard ships frequently feature extensive sports facilities as well, including capacity for five-a-side football games, if you feel inclined to show the professionals how it’s done.
6. Ambassador Cruise Line
This affordable, no-fly cruise line is pitched to offer every single match in the 2026 World Cup across its ships, Ambience and Ambition. The games will be available in-stateroom and across onboard venues, while a programme of match-related events and themed activities will be announced on a cruise-by-cruise basis.
Bob McGowan, chief experience officer at Ambassador Cruise Line, said, “We look forward to bringing guests from across the UK together on board this summer as we kick off yet another shared experience.”
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL will join other cruise lines in broadcasting World Cup games across all of its ships, with at least two channels airing live matches. That way, if there is overlap, passengers can decide for themselves which to watch.
Guests will also be able to record and replay games for a 24-hour period, ensuring they can take part in shore excursions and activities, safe in the knowledge they can catch up at their leisure.
Gary Anslow, the cruise line’s regional vice president and head of the UK and Ireland, said: “This is a unique moment that unites nations like no other event. Whether guests are cheering for their home team or simply soaking up the exciting spirit of the tournament, we want to make sure no one misses out on these historic moments while exploring the world with us.”
8. Marella Cruises
FIFA World Cup 26 games will be shown across the Marella fleet, including on family-friendly ships such as Marella Discovery and adults-only vessels like Marella Explorer 2. That includes all home nation matches (where signal allows), with games available in staterooms and across venues such as the Broadway Show Lounge and the Pool Deck.
Late-night matches will also be covered, with showings at Squid & Anchor, which is designed to look and feel like a traditional British pub.
An advantage of the cruise line is that it operates on an all-inclusive basis, meaning you can toast wins with drinks such as draught beers, ciders, wines, spirits and cocktails bundled into your fare.
9. MSC Cruises
The well-established European cruise line will air all World Cup games across its fleet of 23 ships, which includes mega vessels such as MSC World Europa, MSC World Asia and MSC World America.
Each will have viewings in multiple venues, including sports bars, casinos, poolside LED screens and designated lounges and theatres.
Between matches, you’ll also find tournament-themed activities for different age groups on offer, including games and quizzes, so families can get into the spirit of the beautiful game.
10. Virgin Voyages
This adults-only cruise line has announced viewing parties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These will be held fleetwide, across Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady, with the line advertising stadium-energy-meets-luxe-surroundings.
While it varies from one itinerary to the next, you can expect fixtures to be shown in venues like The Social Club, Athletic Club and Red Room. There’s also a focus on elevated game day food and drink, and an emphasis on relaxed sociability.
11. Azamara Cruises
The luxury line will be making all World Cup games available in guest staterooms, and select games will be screened in venues such as the Cabaret Lounge (depending on time zones). It has also assured guests that in cases where games overlap, multiple venues will feature broadcasts, so passengers don’t miss out.
As the tournament nears the quarter and semifinals, the line will throw themed programming into the mix. Think trivia or dishes from countries playing.
12. Seabourn
This ultra-luxury line will make all 104 games available in staterooms across its fleet, with itineraries to the Mediterranean, Alaska, the Norwegian fjords and more enviable destinations scheduled for the time of the tournament.
Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn, has said, “We know how important it is for guests to experience these matches live while travelling to extraordinary destinations on board our ships. This is just one more way we deliver unforgettable moments at sea, where the thrill of global sport meets the elegance of luxury travel.”
Kate Garden, commercial director of IMG, with whom Seabourn struck a broadcasting deal, added: “The FIFA World Cup 26 represents a truly global celebration of sport, and we are pleased to support Seabourn in delivering an unforgettable viewing experience for fans on board.”
Honourable mentions
Celebrity Cruises: This family-friendly cruise line will air the most significant games across the fleet.
Crystal: Games will be accessible in staterooms, and the crew will respond to interest among guests and air select matches in venues such as the Hollywood Theatre accordingly.
Explora Journeys: The ultra-luxury line offers in-suite televisions airing major sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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