World Cup takes to the sea

Cruise ships have become a popular choice for providing accommodation at major sporting events.
There were two in Vancouver during this year’s winter Olympics and two companies have this week announced charters for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next October. TUI Travel, the company which owns Thomson and First Choice in the UK, will be taking over P&O Australia’s Pacific Dawn, and Adventure World have agreed to charter MS Volendam for the event.
A plan to move the venerable QE2 from her retirement home in Dubai to South Africa for this year’s football World Cup fell through, but a group of enthusiasts is already talking about bringing the liner to the Thames for the 2012 London Olympics.
When the World Cup kicks off on June 11, two Holland America Line ships, the Noordam and the Westerdam, will be there to accommodate up to 4,600 guests in five-star luxury.
During the competition, Westerdam will sail between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth; Noordam between Durban and Port Elizabeth – where England play Slovenia on June 23.
As well as football-themed activities and entertainment on board, passengers will have the opportunity to play golf at some of the country’s finest courses, sample wines at vineyards near Cape Town, and even take part in a wildlife safari.
One Ocean World, the company which has chartered the ships, say security will be a priority, both in port and on the shuttle services from airports and to the football stadiums.
Fares for the package covering the England-Slovenia game start at £715 per person for an inside cabin, and up to £2,340 for a luxury verandah suite.
More details at www.oneoceanclub.com