Watching the Big Game at Sea
Live sports on a cruise ship are common but never guaranteed. Here is how to plan.
Find a Game-Day CruiseWatching Live Sports on a Cruise
Plenty of fans have booked a cruise and then realized it overlaps with a final, a playoff or opening weekend. The good news: big ships often show major games. The honest news: it isn’t guaranteed.
Ships get live TV by satellite. What appears on the screens depends on the signal, where the ship is sailing and which broadcasts the line can legally show in that region. A game that is easy to find in the Caribbean may not be available in the Mediterranean, and a sea day in bad weather can interrupt even a strong feed.
Where to Watch Onboard
- Sports bars — several lines now build dedicated sports bars with many screens on their newer ships; Royal Caribbean’s Playmakers is one example.
- Outdoor big screens by the pool deck on many larger ships, sometimes used for marquee games.
- Theaters and lounges for very popular events, if the ship decides to host a viewing party.
- Your cabin TV — sports channels are sometimes available, but not on every ship.
How to Improve Your Odds
- Pick the right region. For US games, sailings close to the US mainland generally have the best chance of carrying US sports broadcasts.
- Choose a ship with a sports bar. Ask us which ships on your dates have one.
- Ask guest services on day one which games they expect to show and where.
- Buy a Wi-Fi package that supports streaming as a backup, and check your streaming service’s location rules.
- Consider the timing. A short cruise that returns the day before a big game avoids the problem entirely.
Big Game Questions
Will my cruise ship show the big game live?
Many ships try to show major games, but it depends on the satellite signal, the ship’s location and broadcast rights in that region. Ask guest services early in the cruise.
Can I stream the game on my phone?
Ship Wi-Fi has improved a great deal, but streaming depends on the package you buy and whether the streaming service allows viewing from the ship’s location. Test it on day one.
Is it better to watch in port?
If the ship is docked, a sports bar ashore can be a good backup. Keep an eye on the clock and the all-aboard time.
Hosting a Watch Party for Your Group
Traveling with friends who all follow the same team? Ask your advisor to request a private space for the game through the cruise line’s group department. Availability depends on the ship and whether the line can show that broadcast, so have a backup plan such as a reserved area in the sports bar. Matching shirts are optional; arriving early for good seats is not.
Find a Ship for Game Day
Tell us which game or season you don’t want to miss. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest ships and itineraries with the best chance of watching live.
Find a Game-Day Cruise