One of the biggest events on planet Earth has finally started, and Royal Caribbean has decorated its ships to join in on the celebration.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially began on Thursday, June 11, in Mexico City.
Over the next five and a half weeks, 48 soccer teams from across the world will compete in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Why is this such a big deal? For starters, this is the largest World Cup in history, with the roster being expanded from 32 teams to 48.
As such, FIFA expects attendance to top five million and generate around $3 billion in revenue — that's more than four times the ticket revenue of the men's World Cup in Qatar in 2022!
The momentum and excitement aren't limited to soccer stadiums or sports bars, either. Those on Royal Caribbean cruises have reported seeing World Cup-themed décor aboard ships.
With Miami, Florida, serving as one of the key host cities for the tournament, the cruise line is embracing that connection through themed onboard programming and special events.
For starters, ship pubs have been transformed. The ceilings are lined with promotional flags, and the walls are accented with balloons matching team colors.
Royal Caribbean also has an ongoing drink special called "Team Spirit," available for $14 (or included with the Deluxe Beverage Package). The base of the beverage is the same, comprised of pineapple, mango, and lemon juices.
However, guests can choose a spirit to reflect the different countries represented in the tournament.
These include:
- USA — Tito's Handmade Vodka
- Netherlands — Ketel One Vodka
- France — Courvoisier VS
- England — Beefeater London Dry Gin
- Mexico — Casamigos Tequila Blanco
- USA — Maker's Mark Bourbon
- Canada — Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
- Brazil — Leblon Cachaça
- Spain — Vilarnau Cava Brut Sparkling Wine
- Germany — Jägermeister
And what's a themed cocktail if you can't watch the ongoing matches that inspired it?
According to the cruise line, World Cup games will air across the ship in venues like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. They will also be broadcast on pool deck television screens and in all cabins.
Thanks to Royal Caribbean's Starlink Wi-Fi, it's also possible for guests to stream highlights, follow social media reactions, check scores, and communicate with friends and family about ongoing soccer matches.
Other Royal Caribbean FIFA World Cup 2026 Programming
Since Royal Caribbean is the Official Miami World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, the cruise line will play a visible role in local events tied to the tournament.
For example, at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Miami, Royal Caribbean will host an interactive 30x30 fan zone. Here, guests can play games, enjoy giveaways, and capture unique photo moments.
Royal Caribbean will also activate a rock-climbing wall integrated into the existing playground outside the fan zone.
Even Royal Caribbean's Chief Dog Officer, Rover, is joining in on the fun. She'll star in a special seven-episode social series called "Rover's World Cup Picks" that will be hosted by Ben Black and filmed aboard Icon of the Seas.
The series will follow Rover as she predicts the winners throughout the tournament. According to Royal Caribbean, this offers a "fun and highly shareable fan engagement angle" to the World Cup experience.
