How to Watch the Super Bowl on a Cruise: If you’re taking a cruise during the Super Bowl, you’re probably wondering if you’ll be able to watch the game. The good news is that you can catch the game on your cruise. Even if you are in the middle of the ocean, you can watch the Super Bowl from your ship.
Watching on a cruise can be more enjoyable than watching back home. However, the experience may differ from what you are used to on land.
A Cheap Time to Sail… and a Super Bowl in February
Likely, you are already aware that the Super Bowl is one of the world’s most popular sporting events. More than 100 million people watch the NFL championship game each year — as well as millions around the world. The commercials and halftime show have become as popular as the game itself, making it a must-see.
Despite some people’s belief that Super Bowl Sunday should be a national holiday, cruise lines continue to sail during this time of year. In fact, it is usually one of the cheapest times of year to cruise around the game, which is held annually in February. Thus, if you take advantage of these low fares, you may be wondering how you can watch the game while on your cruise.
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Taking on the big game at sea
A major network such as CBS, NBC, or Fox broadcasts the Super Bowl annually in the United States. It is a known fact that cruise lines have a limited number of television stations available on their cabin televisions. The major networks are often unavailable.
However, this does not mean you will not be able to watch the game since satellite feeds are used to receive the ship’s TV stations.
This event is streamed globally through broadcast partners around the world as a massive event. The ship will have an international stream of the game coming in via satellite even if it does not receive the specific network from the United States — passengers will still be able to watch it.
Every cruise line will provide guests with a place to view the game live onboard, given the importance of the game to guests.
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Here is where you can watch the Super Bowl on a ship
Depending on the cruise line, you will be able to watch the game on the ship in different locations. A major game like this will always be shown in the ship’s sports-themed bars. A cruise line may also show the game on an outdoor screen near the pool area. Grab a chair, relax, and enjoy the game.
The Super Bowl is likely to be broadcast to your cabin at some point during the cruise. This depends on the cruise line, the station broadcasting the game, and whether the signal is routed to your cabin. It might be necessary for you to grin and bear it if you prefer to focus on the game without the “party” atmosphere of watching with a large group.
However, if you prefer to watch the game in a social setting, you are in luck.
Almost every ship will host a Super Bowl party. For example, Carnival has a large tailgate party for the Super Bowl, which includes prizes, drinks, and food specials. A “Sailgate Party,” including the viewing of the game around the ship, is part of this event.
You will receive a daily calendar featuring details about what will be happening during your cruise on Super Bowl Sunday.
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The one drawback is that you will miss the Super Bowl commercials
Even in the middle of the ocean, you can watch one of the biggest sporting events in the world on a cruise ship.
Do you watch the Super Bowl primarily for the commercials? You might be disappointed on a cruise, since you will not be getting the traditional broadcast you are accustomed to receiving at home. Instead, it will likely be an international feed of the game. As a result, you will not always be able to view the same commercials shown on your stateside cruise.
Carnival has even stated the following on its website:
“Please note that commercials aired during the Super Bowl will be those targeted to the areas the ship is sailing and may differ from those aired at home.”
Don’t fear if you can’t watch the commercials. These days, many companies release them early, and every commercial will be available on YouTube the following day. You can always catch up later.
Overall, you can watch the Super Bowl on your cruise, and it will be just as big an event as on land. You may or may not be able to view it in your cabin. You won’t be able to watch the commercials live.