P&O Cruises is to become the first cruiseline to show all 380 Premiership football games on board its ships this season. Although P&O Cruises’ clientele may not necessarily fit the stereotypical football-loving Brit abroad, it was with this in mind that a deal was struck with broadcaster TWI. With selected games available live on Saturday afternoons, P&O said the coverage is better than what is currently available in the UK. The cruiseline is already looking to do a similar deal for next year’s World Cup. Travel agents welcomed the move, claiming it will help wives convince their husbands to go on trips during the football season. Alison Westall, general manager of Barrow Travel Group, which incorporates the Cumbria Cruise Club, said: “Wives will be able to pack their husbands off to the bar to watch the football while they go to the spa,” she said. Dorset-based Cruise Saver Travel general manager Anne Sola said:
TWI vice-president Richard Wise said the deal was struck following a successful trial. “P&O sees the ability to offer Premiership matches as areal asset to its on-board entertainment.
“We are delighted to be working with P&O to help provide what its passengers want.”
P&O head of brand marketing Philip Price said: “Premiership football attracts millions of viewers throughout the season and we are delighted to ensure our passengers do not miss any of the action while they are on board.”