World Cup at Sea: Which Cruise Lines Will be Showing the Beautiful Game

Taking place between June 11 and July 19, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be played out in stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. And many of your clients are going to want to watch some, if not all, of the games – even if they’re on an ocean-going or river cruise ship.

Whether you’ve already got clients booked who want to know whether they’ll be able to watch the World Cup or you have potential clients on the fence about booking because of it, here’s everything you need to know about which cruise lines are doing what for the World Cup.

Which cruise lines are showing the World Cup? Which are holding watch parties? And which cruise lines won’t be making the games accessible at all?

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways will screen select matches onboard.

Avalon Waterways

Where World Cup matches are available through local EU broadcast channels, Avalon will make them accessible onboard (in the local language). Guests may alternatively stream matches through their own personal subscriptions using Avalon’s complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

Azamara Cruises

Guests will be able to watch all World Cup games in their staterooms. Depending on time of day, some games may also be shown in the Cabaret. When games overlap, multiple venues will be available to ensure guests can choose the game they want to see.

Leading up to the quarterfinals and semifinals, Azamara will also enhance the onboard atmosphere with themed events and experiences, while regular programming (such as trivia) will incorporate subtle World Cup touches.  On days of key matchups, the ship’s culinary team will highlight food items and beverages inspired by the countries playing (dependent on availability in the regions where the ships are sailing).

Celebrity Cruises

Guests will be able to watch matches in their cabins, while the “biggest” match of each day will be played in guest areas across the ship, fleetwide.

Celestyal

Celestyal will broadcast FIFA World Cup matches live in public areas on both of its ships, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey. Games will be shown in the Martini Lounge, Galazio Bar, and Halara Bar on Celestyal Journey, and in Café Nation and the Star Bar & Lounge on Celestyal Discovery. Full venue details and match timings will be confirmed on a cruise-by-cruise basis through each ship’s daily itineraries.

Crystal

Crystal has retained the rights to broadcast matches in guest staterooms and suites. If a particular match generates significant interest among guests, the onboard team will arrange a public viewing of he match in an onboard venue, such as the Hollywood Theater or the Stardust/Starlight Clubs.

Cunard

World Cup games will be broadcast across the Cunard fleet, in both guest staterooms and at the Golden Lion Pub.

Emerald Cruises

Few, if any, World Cup games will be available onboard any of Emerald’s river or yacht vessels.

Explora Journeys

Explora confirmed that it will be streaming World Cup games, but did not specify whether it will be all or just select matches.

Holland America Line

Guests will be able to watch all games in their cabins and there will be a number of viewing parties, as well.

MSC Cruises

Guests will be able to watch every match live with games shown in onboard sports bars, lounges, poolside on overhead LED screens, and in other select venues throughout each ship. Beyond the live matches, guests will also enjoy a program of tournament-themed activities such as interactive games and quizzes.

Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL will show all 104 FIFA World Cup 26 games onboard its ships. Guests will have the option to watch from the comfort of their own stateroom on one of two dedicated special event channels or watch with other guests in designated venues onboard.  

Additionally, in keeping with NCL’s signature freestyle concept, guests can even record games and watch them at a time that better suits them (within a 24-hour period).

Princess Cruises

Princess will provide in-stateroom live coverage of all games on Sport 24 Special Event channels across its entire fleet. The Lido Deck’s outdoor big screen will be used for select marquee matches, as well. Additionally, the entertainment team will host various viewing parties inviting guests to show up in their team jerseys and cheer on their favorite team.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

RSSC will not be showing any World Cup games onboard.

Royal Caribbean International

Guests will be able to watch all games from their staterooms, as well as select games at various venues fleetwide, including at pool decks, theaters, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Royal Caribbean will also schedule onboard activities centered around the tournament.

Scenic

Few, if any, World Cup games will be available onboard any of Scenic’s river or yacht vessels.

Seabourn

Guests on Seabourn ships will be able to watch all 104 matches in their suites via Sport 24 Special Event channels. Matches will also be shown in various public venues onboard, and some lounges might host informal gatherings for major matches, depending on the itinerary and shipboard schedule.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin will offer immersive watch zones throughout each voyage at The Social Club and Athletic Club. Once the Cup reaches the semi-finals, Virgin will expand the watch zones to include The Red Room and the Casino. The line is also working on some themed drinks and treats to go along with the matches.

Windstar Cruises

Few, if any, World Cup games will be available onboard any of Windstar’s ships.