Top 6 Cruises for sports fans
Updated May 2018
These days the main highlight of a cruise holiday is usually the ports of call visited. With pioneering technology, cruise ships can sail further and reach far beyond expectations to drop passengers off in exciting destinations worldwide.
The breadth of destinations available, plus more overnights being introduced on many cruises, mean that popular events can often be incorporated into cruise itineraries.
Great news for sports fans! A number of world famous sporting events can be experienced alongside superb sailings, making for the cruise holiday of a lifetime. Check out our top 5 cruises for sports fans below and treat yourself or the sporting supporter in your life.
Grand Prix Cruises
Thrill seekers and motorsports fanatics will love the buzzing atmosphere of the live Formula One Grand Prix. Hosted in several desirable destinations, the always exhilarating atmosphere sees excited spectators feed off the high level energy of the event. This theatre on wheels simply must be experienced on location, and can easily be combined with a captivating cruise plus stays. Find out more about the them on our blog - F1 Grand Prix Cruises: An Ultimate Guide or on our dedicated F1 cruises sales page.
FIFA World Cup Cruises
Football fans can get their fix with a cruise to the 21st FIFA World Cup. The 2018 major sporting event will see Moscow stir as supporters from 32 contributing nations make their way to witness the games. Russia’s capital city is one of the most fascinating in the world, and makes for a popular stop on many cruise holidays. Get the best of the event and the destination with a cruise. See our Azamara themed cruises for more information.
Cycling on your Cruise
Keen cyclers can combine their hobby with a European River Cruise, with AmaWaterways. Among their extensive list of possible onboard activities and excursions, ships are equipped with a fleet of bicycles available for guests to use – either as part of a guided group tour, or even to explore new cities by themselves. Biking along the Danube is a particular favourite due to the picturesque scenery and predominantly flat, wide cycle path.
Or, for an original and exciting thrill experience, try the SkyRide on Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista. This open-air attraction allows guests to cycle up to 25mph while elevated above the deck, offering incredible views of the surrounding sea.
Golf Cruises
Spanning enticing destinations, golf cruises combine the excitement of visiting somewhere new with some incredible golfing opportunities. Cruise the Seine and play on the 2018 Ryder Cup course, gain some advice from PGA’s Frank Adamowicz on Amadeus River Cruise’s Danube trip, or witness world class golf legends at the 2018 British Open Golf Championship.
Hiking on your Holiday
In addition to the walking city tours provided on many cruise holidays, there are some trips during which passengers can push themselves on a more adventurous ramble. Depending on the destination and type of cruise you are taking, independent hiking is often possible. Alternatively, for those who would prefer there are a number of holidays which include guided hikes. Why not discover ancient Polynesian sculptures on a hike across Malden Island, or take on a trek in the Flam Valley in Norway.
Sports Onboard
When you’ve exhausted all options and think you’ve seen and done it all in the sporting event cruise world, choose a cruise that brings the sport to you. With bigger ships being built each year, onboard activities have never been better. Sports fans, adrenaline junkies and the like can enjoy surf simulators, sky diving (on a ship), adventurous ropes courses, aqua parks, state of the art gymnasiums, basketball courts and more. Check out Royal Caribbean for high energy and test your mettle with Norwegian Cruise Line’s extensive ropes course.
Many cruise ships now also feature large TV's screening re-runs or even live sports events in their traditional style pubs or bars. Check out O'Sheehan's onboard Norewgian Escape or P&O Cruises with their dedicated sports channel.