Cruise Lines

World Cup 2026 hotel prices are rising sharply on match days in some host cities, meaning fans may want to avoid longer stays during the most expensive periods.

New research shows that eight host cities are within around an hour of a major cruise port, creating options for travellers to book just one or two hotel nights for the match itself and use a cruise before or after to make the rest of the trip better value.

That gives fans a practical way to plan around peak pricing rather than relying on hotels for the full trip.

Fans can use the table below to look up their host city and identify cruise options that could fit before or after their match.

Eight World Cup host cities are within an hour of a cruise port

In several cases, sailings line up closely with match dates, making it possible to plan a short hotel stay around the fixture and travel by sea either before or after.

The key takeaway is that fans do not need to base an entire North America trip around expensive hotel stays in host cities. In several cases, it may be possible to stay briefly for the match itself, then start or finish the wider holiday from a nearby cruise port.

Together these ports will see around 90 cruise ships from 20 different cruise lines sailing during June and July 2026, the same period as the World Cup.

For travelling fans, this means it may be possible to watch a match and then continue their trip with a cruise to destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, the Bahamas or the Mexican Riviera.

• England fans heading to Boston on 23 June could pair the trip with a cruise returning on 19 or 20 June, leaving time for a short hotel stay before the match.
• Fans attending Scotland vs Brazil in Miami could limit hotel nights around the fixture, then sail from nearby PortMiami or Port Everglades afterwards.
• Travellers heading to the World Cup Final in New York could combine it with a Bermuda cruise from Manhattan Cruise Terminal, just 20 minutes from MetLife Stadium.

These are just some examples of what fans can do.

Why cruises could appeal to World Cup travellers

For many fans travelling from overseas, the World Cup is already a once in a lifetime trip. Adding a cruise can turn it into a broader holiday experience.

Cruising offers several advantages:

• The chance to visit multiple destinations during the same trip
• Accommodation, dining and entertainment included in one booking
• The ability to explore North American coastlines such as Alaska, New England or the Caribbean
• A relaxing way to extend a football trip before returning home

Rather than replacing hotels in host cities, cruises can act as a pre- or post-tournament extension for travellers already planning to visit North America.

How I found the data

The research looked at cruise itineraries sailing in June and July 2026 from North American ports located within roughly one hour of FIFA World Cup host cities. These sailings were then compared with the match calendar to identify examples where fans could attend a game with a short hotel stay and use a cruise before or after the fixture.

The dataset includes:

• 90 cruise ships
• 20 major cruise lines
• Sailings departing or arriving during the tournament window

Cruises were mapped against the World Cup match calendar to identify potential combinations where travellers could attend matches and sail before or after the event.

You can explore the full research document here: World Cup 2026 Cruise Research

Final word

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the most ambitious tournament football has ever seen, spread across three countries and 16 cities. For many fans travelling from overseas, it will already be a once in a lifetime trip.

But with so many host cities located close to major cruise ports, there is a unique opportunity to turn that football journey into an even bigger adventure.

For fans planning a World Cup trip, the opportunity may be less about swapping hotels for cruises entirely and more about using a cruise to avoid long stays during peak-priced dates. With eight host cities close to major cruise ports, the research suggests there may be a smarter way to plan the trip.

Get the best price on your cruise…

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Marella Cruises is expanding its upgraded Suite Service Max offering across its entire fleet from summer 2026, extending a package of premium perks to guests booked in its highest suite…

P&O Cruises has unveiled a new promotion giving guests up to £800 in onboard spending money on selected voyages departing from Southampton, as the line looks to boost value across…

Carnival Cruise Line is facing a new personal injury lawsuit after a former Carnival Elation guest alleged she was hurt while travelling to a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, and…

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a scheduled October 2027 sailing of Carnival Splendor from Sydney after the vessel was fully chartered by a private organisation. Guests booked on the 10-night…

P&O Cruises has unveiled a new promotion giving guests up to £800 in onboard spending money on selected voyages departing from Southampton, as the line looks to boost value across its upcoming sailings through to late 2027.

The offer applies to new Select Price bookings made between 24th March 2026 and 1st June 2026 on eligible cabin grades.

It covers a range of itineraries, including cruises to Spain and France, the Norwegian Fjords, and Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, with departures running between 1st June 2026 and 29th November 2027.

Guests booking under the promotion will be able to use the onboard credit across a variety of experiences during their cruise. This includes speciality dining venues, spa treatments, retail purchases and shore excursions, offering flexibility in how travellers enhance their holiday.

As part of a separate, short-term incentive, the cruise line is also introducing deposits from £20 per person on selected sailings. This applies to new Select Price and Early Saver bookings made between 24th March and 31st March 2026.

“This offer is all about giving our guests more freedom to enjoy every moment on board, and with up to £800 to spend – whether it’s dining in our speciality restaurants, unwinding in the spa or celebrating with your favourite cocktail – guests can shape their holiday around what matters most to them. Our focus is always on adding even more value to a P&O Cruises holiday and helping guests create unforgettable experiences at sea.”

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow

Example Canary Islands Sailing With Added Value

One example included in the promotion is a 14-night Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands itinerary aboard Iona, departing Southampton on 2nd October 2027. The cruise calls at Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira, Cadiz and Lisbon.

Prices for this sailing currently start from £2,799 per person, based on two people sharing a conservatory mini suite. The fare includes the full £800 onboard spending money per cabin under the Select Price promotion. Cheaper cabins, with a smaller amount of spending money, are available too on the same sailing.

Check out that cruise >

Alongside this incentive, P&O Cruises continues to promote its all-inclusive packages, which bundle drinks, Wi-Fi and speciality dining credit. Its Classic Package is priced at £49 per person per day, with the line stating this represents a saving of up to 32% compared to purchasing each element individually onboard.

Understanding Select And Saver Fares

The onboard spending promotion is only available on Select Price bookings, which are P&O Cruises’ premium fare type and include a wider range of benefits compared to lower-priced options.

Select fares typically offer added perks such as the ability to choose a specific cabin, flexible dining preferences, shuttle buses in port where applicable, and priority access to booking shore experiences and dining. Promotional extras, such as onboard spending money, are also usually tied to these fares.

By contrast, Saver fares, along with Early Saver options, are positioned as more budget-friendly alternatives. These fares generally come with restrictions, including limited or no cabin selection and fewer included benefits. While they can offer lower headline prices, they are less likely to include incentives such as onboard credit or added-value promotions.

As a result, travellers considering this latest offer will need to opt for a Select Price booking to take advantage of the onboard spending money, balancing the higher upfront fare against the additional inclusions and flexibility.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Carnival Cruise Line is facing a new personal injury lawsuit after a former Carnival Elation guest alleged she was hurt while travelling to a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, and…

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a scheduled October 2027 sailing of Carnival Splendor from Sydney after the vessel was fully chartered by a private organisation. Guests booked on the 10-night…

Not everyone on a cruise wants unlimited cocktails. In fact, more cruisers are choosing alcohol-free options than ever before. And cruise lines are starting to notice. That’s why Carnival introduced…

A major overboard scare aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas turned out to be a false alarm after crew carried out a full search operation prompted by what was…

Carnival Cruise Line is facing a new personal injury lawsuit after a former Carnival Elation guest alleged she was hurt while travelling to a shore excursion in Nassau, Bahamas, and is now seeking to hold the cruise operator responsible in federal court.

Court records show Karolrae Knight filed suit against Carnival Corporation on 20th March 2026 in the Southern District of Florida over an incident that allegedly took place on 24th March 2025.

According to the claim, Knight had booked Carnival’s “Swimming with the Pigs: Express” excursion in Nassau, a tour sold through the line that includes a short boat transfer to Pig Beach and around 30 minutes with the animals. Carnival’s excursion listing describes the experience as an express option built around a quick trip out to meet the swimming pigs.

Instead, the lawsuit alleges the outing went wrong before the excursion properly began. Knight says she was seated on a bench with two other passengers aboard the small transfer boat when the seat suddenly gave way about 10 minutes after departure.

The complaint states: “KNIGHT was seated on a bench along with two other passengers. Approximately ten (10) minutes after departure, while waters were calm, the bench suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed.”

The filing continues: “The collapse caused KNIGHT to be violently thrown downward onto the floor of the vessel. KNIGHT nearly fell overboard into the ocean. The seating was not reasonably fit for its intended purpose and failed under normal and foreseeable passenger use.”

Passenger Claims Injuries Continued After Return To Ship

Knight alleges she was unable to continue with the tour and was instead taken back to Carnival Elation, where she was reportedly diagnosed by the ship’s medical team with a fractured tail bone.

The claim further alleges that her condition worsened after the cruise and that follow-up treatment ashore identified more serious spinal injuries, including a bulging disc and tear at L4-L5 and another tear at S1.

She is seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost holiday costs, and has requested a jury trial.

The lawsuit argues that Carnival should still bear responsibility even though the excursion itself was run by an outside operator.

Knight’s legal team alleges the cruise line marketed the tour, sold it directly to guests and profited from it, while also failing to provide sufficient warning about the risks involved or clear enough notice that the excursion would be operated independently.

That point is likely to sit at the centre of the legal fight. Carnival’s own published shore excursion terms state that tours and related transportation are operated by independent contractors, not by the cruise line itself.

In its shore excursion FAQ, Carnival says: “All of the shore excursions, including any related transportation, are operated by local independent companies and they are solely responsible for their products, excursions and any related transportation.”

Carnival’s legal terms go further, stating: “Carnival neither supervises nor controls their actions, nor makes any representation either expressed or implied as to their suitability. Carnival sells tickets for all such services as a convenience to Guests only.”

Another Test For Cruise Excursion Liability

The case is the latest example of the legal tension around cruise line-run shore excursion sales, where passengers often book through the ship but the on-the-ground operation is handled by a third party.

Similar arguments are appearing in other recent filings involving Carnival. In one lawsuit filed on 26th February 2026, three Carnival Sunrise passengers alleged they were injured on a tender ride to Princess Cays and accused Carnival of negligence linked to bench safety and the handling of the boat in rough conditions.

In another case reported on 2nd March 2026, a passenger sued Carnival over a Puerto Vallarta excursion accident involving an alleged fall into an unmarked ravine.

Cruise lines have often relied on their ticket contracts and excursion disclaimers in defending these claims.

A January 2026 order in a separate Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursion case found that written disclaimers in the passenger contract and excursion paperwork defeated apparent agency arguments, underlining how important those terms can be once a case reaches court.

That does not decide Knight’s claim, but it does show the kind of legal issues likely to shape Carnival’s defence.

For now, the Nassau case remains at an early stage. What is already clear is that the lawsuit once again puts scrutiny on the gap between how cruise lines market shore excursions to passengers and how much responsibility they ultimately carry when something goes wrong off the ship.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a scheduled October 2027 sailing of Carnival Splendor from Sydney after the vessel was fully chartered by a private organisation. Guests booked on the 10-night…

Not everyone on a cruise wants unlimited cocktails. In fact, more cruisers are choosing alcohol-free options than ever before. And cruise lines are starting to notice. That’s why Carnival introduced…

A major overboard scare aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas turned out to be a false alarm after crew carried out a full search operation prompted by what was…

Virgin Voyages is preparing to make cruise history with the first-ever full fleet meetup at sea, as all four of its ships are set to converge in the Caribbean on…

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a scheduled October 2027 sailing of Carnival Splendor from Sydney after the vessel was fully chartered by a private organisation.

Guests booked on the 10-night voyage, which was due to depart on 12th October 2027, were informed of the change via email. The round-trip itinerary had been set to explore New Zealand’s North Island, with planned calls in Napier, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Islands before returning to Sydney on 22nd October.

“We are very sorry to inform you that the ship has been chartered and your cruise has been cancelled,” the notification stated.

While the sailing itself will still go ahead, it is no longer open to the public and will instead operate as a private charter. Carnival Cruise Line has not disclosed which organisation has booked the ship, which is standard practice for such arrangements.

Rebooking Options And Refund Details

Passengers affected by the cancellation have been given the choice of rebooking or receiving a full refund.

Those opting to move their booking to another sailing will have their original cruise fare protected when selecting a comparable stateroom.

However, extras such as port fees, taxes and onboard purchases are not included in this protection. As an added incentive, Carnival is offering a $100 AUD onboard credit per cabin for guests who choose to rebook.

Alternatively, guests who prefer not to make new arrangements will receive a full refund, including any pre-paid add-ons, returned to their original payment method. Refund processing is scheduled to begin from 4th April 2026, although timelines may vary depending on individual banks or payment providers.

Limited Alternatives For Similar Itinerary

The cancellation may prove particularly inconvenient for travellers seeking the same itinerary, as similar sailings are limited.

Carnival Splendor operates a range of cruises from Sydney, from short three-night voyages to longer itineraries across the South Pacific.

However, North Island-focused New Zealand cruises are relatively rare. The only comparable sailing in 2027 departs on 3rd January, while most other 10-night itineraries visit the South Island instead. A further North Island option is available on 17th January 2028.

A 10-night South Island cruise scheduled for 6th November 2027 may offer an alternative for some passengers, although the itinerary differs significantly.

Travellers open to different destinations may find more flexibility, but options within the Carnival fleet from Sydney are limited. Carnival Adventure, which is also based in the city during late 2027, does not offer any New Zealand sailings.

Charters Continue To Impact Cruise Availability

Full-ship charters are a common occurrence across the cruise industry and can lead to the cancellation of previously scheduled public sailings.

Carnival Splendor has previously hosted a variety of themed cruises, including music-focused events such as heavy metal and classic rock sailings. These types of charters, along with corporate events and special interest group bookings, often secure entire ships well in advance.

Although the specific charter behind the October 2027 sailing remains unknown, the move reflects ongoing demand for exclusive cruise experiences that can displace regular itineraries.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Not everyone on a cruise wants unlimited cocktails. In fact, more cruisers are choosing alcohol-free options than ever before. And cruise lines are starting to notice. That’s why Carnival introduced…

A major overboard scare aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas turned out to be a false alarm after crew carried out a full search operation prompted by what was…

Virgin Voyages is preparing to make cruise history with the first-ever full fleet meetup at sea, as all four of its ships are set to converge in the Caribbean on…

Carnival Encounter has arrived back in Brisbane, Australia, after completing a 17-day dry dock in Singapore that has delivered a major refresh across the ship, from a new exterior look…

Carnival Encounter has arrived back in Brisbane, Australia, after completing a 17-day dry dock in Singapore that has delivered a major refresh across the ship, from a new exterior look to upgraded leisure spaces, dining additions and fresh entertainment.

The 109,000-gross-ton vessel underwent her refit from 16th February to 5th March before setting out on a one-way voyage back to Queensland. She received a warm welcome on Friday, 20th March, as she returned to her year-round homeport.

Among the most visible changes is the addition of Carnival Cruise Line’s red, white and blue hull design, which has become a defining part of the brand’s fleet. The livery first appeared on Mardi Gras in 2021 and has since been rolled out across Carnival ships.

That marks a more substantial visual change than when Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure moved from P&O Cruises Australia to Carnival Cruise Line in early 2025. At that stage, the ships were rebranded in name, but their hulls did not receive the full Carnival treatment.

New Venues And Refreshed Outdoor Spaces

The dry dock has also introduced a number of Carnival favourites on board. Carnival Encounter now features Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites, giving guests access to saunas, steam baths and heated loungers as part of an expanded wellness offering.

Outdoor areas have also been upgraded. All five pools on the ship have been revitalised, while all seven whirlpool tubs have been replaced. The Twin Racer slides on Deck 16 have also been polished, aiming to give guests a smoother and faster ride.

Elsewhere, the ship’s basketball court has been resurfaced and fitted with new hoops and netting, adding another refreshed activity space for families and groups travelling together.

Dining has also been expanded with the addition of Bonsai Sushi Express on the starboard side of Deck 5, beside Cherry on Top. The venue adds more grab-and-go choice for guests, serving sushi, sashimi, salads, poke bowls and other light options.

One previously announced change is still to come. Carnival has already confirmed that the ship is due to receive a Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, though that part of the rebranding is not expected to be completed until early May 2026.

Exclusive Shows Added For Australia Sailings

Carnival Encounter’s entertainment line-up has also been refreshed, with two exclusive productions now featured for the cruise line’s Australia-based ships: “Rock Revolution: Summer of 69” and “Broadway Beats.”

The ship has also added “Dear Future Husband,” a show first introduced on Carnival Jubilee in 2023. Alongside those productions, guests will still find familiar onboard entertainment such as comedy performances, trivia, game shows and other interactive activities throughout each sailing.

Across the rest of the ship, passengers will also notice more Carnival staples in place, including the youth clubs, Fun Shops, Seaside Theater, and around a dozen bars spread throughout the vessel.

With the refurbishment complete, Carnival Encounter is now set to resume her regular programme from Brisbane. The ship offers sailings throughout the year ranging from three to 14 nights, depending on the departure date and itinerary.

Shorter cruises typically call at destinations such as Airlie Beach, Cairns and Willis Island, while the three-night break sailings operate as cruises to nowhere, focusing entirely on the onboard experience.

Longer voyages expand the schedule to the South Pacific, with itineraries including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, often with multiple calls across those island destinations.

Carnival Encounter carries 2,600 guests at double occupancy and is supported by roughly 1,100 international crew members. With the Singapore overhaul now complete, the ship returns to service with a noticeably more Carnival-branded identity and a broader range of attractions for the Australian market.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Norwegian Cruise Line is facing two separate personal injury lawsuits filed in March 2026, with passengers alleging negligence in unrelated incidents both onboard and during a shore excursion. The claims,…

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed a reversal of its controversial drink package policy for Great Stirrup Cay, while also announcing a temporary return to tender operations at the private island…

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled Disney Believe as the name of its next newbuild, confirming the vessel will become the fourth ship in the line’s Wish class when it enters…

Holland America Line has confirmed that it will no longer send cruise ships into Tracy Arm Fjord during its 2026 Alaska season, citing ongoing safety concerns following a significant landslide…

Virgin Voyages is preparing to make cruise history with the first-ever full fleet meetup at sea, as all four of its ships are set to converge in the Caribbean on 16th February 2027.

The landmark gathering, dubbed “Sisters at Sea”, will see Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady come together at a fixed point roughly 44 miles north of Nuevitas, Cuba, and 200 miles south of Nassau in the Bahamas.

The precise coordinates have been confirmed as 22°12’57″N latitude and 77°16’07″W longitude.

The unprecedented event is expected to bring together approximately 15,000 guests and crew members across the four ships.

“When we launched Scarlet Lady, we had a vision, and that vision was always four ships but one community,” said Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. “This fleetwide meet-up is that dream made real.”

Celebrations Planned Across All Ships

While full details of the onboard programme are still to be revealed, Virgin Voyages has confirmed that the occasion will feature coordinated experiences across all vessels, including a synchronised horn salute and simultaneous deck parties.

The adults-only cruise line, known for its energetic and unconventional approach to cruising, is also expected to introduce exclusive merchandise and one-off entertainment tied to the event.

“There are voyages, and then there are moments that are so epic they become lifelong memories. Sisters at Sea is the latter, and we have so much planned to blow your mind and make you laugh and cry with joy,” said Chief Marketing Officer Nathan Rosenberg.

“When those four ships are on the water together, and we hear the collective cheers from every Crew member and Sailor, it will be proof that nothing is more powerful than the community that loves and supports you and that we are better together.”

Four Sailings To Take Part

Only four itineraries will offer guests the chance to be part of the historic meetup, with voyages ranging from five to ten nights.

Scarlet Lady will operate the shortest sailing, departing Miami on 15th February 2027 for a five-night Bahamas cruise. Valiant Lady will leave San Juan on 13th February for a seven-night itinerary that includes calls in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk.

Resilient Lady will also offer a seven-night voyage, sailing from Miami on 14th February with stops in Mexico and Bimini. Meanwhile, Brilliant Lady will host the longest sailing, departing Miami on 8th February for a ten-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that includes St Maarten, Tortola, San Juan, St Croix, Bimini and Puerto Plata.

Each of the four identical ships can accommodate up to 2,700 passengers alongside approximately 1,160 crew members, ensuring a significant gathering at sea.

In addition to the meetup itself, guests onboard will receive previews of upcoming deployments and future plans for the cruise line, adding further anticipation to the event.

Cruise Industry Meetups Continue To Grow

While full-fleet gatherings remain extremely rare, multi-ship meetups have become increasingly popular across the cruise industry for milestone celebrations and special occasions.

Carnival Cruise Line notably organised several ship meetups in 2022 to mark its 50th anniversary and has already outlined plans for further gatherings in 2027 as part of its 55th anniversary celebrations.

More intimate encounters have also captured attention. On 2nd February 2026, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 met the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, creating a symbolic “royal rendezvous” despite the latter having been retired since 1967.

Virgin Voyages’ upcoming Sisters at Sea event, however, stands apart for its scale and ambition, setting a new benchmark for coordinated experiences at sea as the cruise line continues to build its brand around community and shared moments.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Carnival Encounter has arrived back in Brisbane, Australia, after completing a 17-day dry dock in Singapore that has delivered a major refresh across the ship, from a new exterior look…

Norwegian Cruise Line is facing two separate personal injury lawsuits filed in March 2026, with passengers alleging negligence in unrelated incidents both onboard and during a shore excursion. The claims,…

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed a reversal of its controversial drink package policy for Great Stirrup Cay, while also announcing a temporary return to tender operations at the private island…

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled Disney Believe as the name of its next newbuild, confirming the vessel will become the fourth ship in the line’s Wish class when it enters…