HUGE sports fan? Setting sail on the seas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the big game or your fitness regime.
Modern cruise ships come kitted out with all the latest wellness gear whether its high-tech courts, sports bars showing the latest footie games or themed itineraries for mega fans.
From footie sailings with NFL tickets to island-hopping cycling tours, Sophie Swietochowski picks five of the best sports voyages.
TAKE ON CROATIA ON TWO WHEELS
CYCLISTS will love this adventure along Croatia’s sun-drenched Dalmatian coast with Sail Croatia.
In just one week, you’ll tick off some of its most picturesque islands on two wheels, including mountainous Hvar and Mljet with its peaceful lakes.
Sail Croatia’s ships are small, so there will be just 38 of you on board.
Guests can hire bikes or e-bikes and will be accompanied on daily cycling adventures by a local guide.
Itineraries vary in difficulty level – the Split Return Southern route is the toughest but has breathtaking views.
This cruise also calls at Milna, Bol, Korcula, Makarska and Split.
GO: The seven-night Split Return Southern cycling cruise from £929pp leaves Split on April 18, 2025. Flights extra. See sail-croatia.com.
BIG GAME WITH MIAMI NFL CRUISE
AMERICAN Football is soaring in popularity in the UK with NFL matches taking place here for several years.
But nothing beats seeing the stars on their home turf. So Iglu Cruise has launched NFL packages that combine a voyage with tickets to top games.
Fans can hop aboard Carnival Sunrise for a nine-night Western Caribbean cruise which includes tickets to see Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills.
You’ll spend three nights in Miami then day four at sea where you can enjoy mini golf or volleyball on board, before reaching Ocho Rios in Jamaica. You’ll head to Grand Cayman then back to Miami.
GO: The nine-night NFL cruise is from £2,079pp, including Heathrow flights and Miami hotel stay. Leaves November 7. See iglucruise.com.
WATCH GRAND PRIX IN ABU DHABI
FORMULA One legends will be putting their pedals to the metal in Abu Dhabi this December for the much-anticipated grand prix.
And if one cruise line understands what racing fans want, it’s Celestyal. You’ll have to splash the cash, but it’ll be worth it for this cruise.
The Arabian Gulf package includes a short stay in a four-star hotel on the Corniche – the five-mile promenade – in Abu Dhabi and three-day grandstand ticket to the Grand Prix.
This is followed by a five-night Desert Days cruise, with an overnight stop in Dubai.
If you’ve never made it to the Grand Prix before then prepare to be dazzled as fans will not only be watching their racing favourites whizz round the tracks, they’ll also enjoy performances from Benson Boone, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry.
And the F1 fun continues on board, with passengers joined by guest speakers, former race ace David Coulthard and sports host Laura Winter, as they sail between Dubai, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.
GO: The seven-night Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cruise costs from £2,390pp including flights from the UK, all transfers, two-night hotel stay, three-day grandstand ticket and cruise.
The price also includes an exclusive beach party on Sir Bani Yas island. See celestyaltravel.com.
PUMP SOME IRON AROUND THE MED
KEEN to keep on top of your fitness? Princess Cruises has 18 ships offering top-notch gyms, blood-pumping classes and state-of-the-art courts.
Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or prefer something more low-key, the sports court of Sun Princess has something for all.
More of a runner? The gym isn’t short of treadmills, and there’s also an outdoor running track. There are fitness classes too, from pilates to spin. Revive aching muscles at the spa.
Explore Naples in Italy, Chania in Greece, Kusadasi in Turkey and Mykonos and Athens in Greece on this seven-night Med voyage.
GO: A seven-day Mediterranean with Italy & Turkey sailing is from £796pp departing Rome on May 23. Flights extra. See princess.com.
SINK HOOPS IN THE CARIBBEAN
MORE of an all-rounder? You’ll love the adults-only Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade on board Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas.
The lively venue is crammed with screens showing the biggest sports games and events.
For something more physically challenging, the sports court has a basketball area, pickleball and football. Or at Adrenaline Peak, guests can take on the rock-climbing wall or try riding waves on the surf simulator.
The ship departs Orlando and sails to CocoCay in the Bahamas, above, Cozumel (Mexico) Roatan (Honduras) and Puerto Costa Maya (Mexico).
GO: The seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise is from £1,059pp leaving on November 23. See royalcaribbean.com.