The World Cup will be arguably the biggest sporting event of the summer, and Royal Caribbean ships are ready to host the fun onboard.
To put any concerns at ease, Royal Caribbean wants soccer fans to know they won’t have to choose between taking a cruise vacation and watching the FIFA World Cup.
The cruise line announced it will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across its fleet during the tournament. This means you'll be able to watch the games live on pool decks, in sports bars, theaters, and even inside passenger cabins.
This year's World Cup is a big deal given that it's being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Miami is one of the key host cities, and Royal Caribbean is leaning heavily into that connection with onboard programming and citywide events.
How to watch the World Cup on your cruise ship
From June 11 through July 19, 2026, guests sailing on Royal Caribbean ships will be able to watch matches live through the Sport 24 television channel.
According to Royal Caribbean, every ship in the fleet will carry the broadcasts in real time.
You'll be able to watch both from your stateroom TV, as well as throughout public venues onboard.
Royal Caribbean said matches will air in venues like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, pool deck screens, theaters, and other gathering spaces around the ship.
Traditionally, internet access limitations and time zone differences made following live sporting events difficult on a cruise ship.
For cruise passengers, it removes one of the biggest concerns about traveling during a major sports tournament: missing live games because they are at sea.
However, Royal Caribbean is ensuring there's no compromise with being able to watch the games.
Because the World Cup lasts more than a month, some fans might hesitate to go on cruises because they do not want to lose access to games. Royal Caribbean is clearly trying to eliminate that hesitation.
Royal Caribbean did not announce special themed cruises or dedicated soccer sailings, but the company did say guests can expect onboard activities centered around the tournament.
That could include viewing parties, trivia contests, themed food and beverage offerings, or other fan-focused events.
The exact programming will likely vary by ship and itinerary.
High speed internet access is another way you can stay up-to-date
Royal Caribbean passengers also have the option to purchase an internet package and stream the World Cup from the ship.
Thanks to the cruise line's partnership with Starlink, connectivity has never been better at sea.
Guests can realistically stream highlights, follow social media reactions, check scores, and communicate with friends while at sea far more easily than they could just a few years ago.
Royal Caribbean is supporting the World Cup celebrations in Miami too
The company is the Official Miami World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, which means the cruise line will play a visible role in local events tied to the tournament.
One of the biggest activations will take place at the FIFA Fan Festival Miami at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.
The festival will run throughout the tournament and feature live broadcasts of every match on giant screens alongside entertainment, food, and fan experiences.
Royal Caribbean said it plans immersive brand activations at the event and additional marketing displays throughout Miami during the tournament.
Given Royal Caribbean is headquartered in Miami and a primary sponsor of the Inter Miami CF soccer team, this sponsorship makes a lot of sense.
