Cruise to the World Cup in South Africa

Football fans looking for some unique accommodation for the World Cup in South Africa next summer are being offered the chance to stay on cruise ships moored in Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town for the whole of the tournament.

Holland America Line's two ships, Westerdam and Noordam, will provide a total of 4,600 beds, relieving pressure on South Africa's hotels.

The two cruise ships have been chartered by German firm One Ocean Club and are being sold in the UK by BAway (www.baway.co.uk).

Fans booking accommodation on the cruise ships will also be offered a hospitality programme including cultural events and excursions on-shore, organised by South Africa based tour operators.

The company will provide a shuttle service between airports, the ships and the stadia and guests are promised 24-hour security.

One Ocean Club, which managed the German Ship AIDAaura moored in Piraeus harbour during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, says the ships will be like floating luxury hotels complete with fitness facilities, spa and pool.

Guests will have a choice of different room types from cheaper inside cabins to luxurious penthouse suites, and extensive onboard dining with most of the provide bought locally.

Fans will already be excited to hear news this week that England has been named as one of the eight top seeds for the World Cup, meaning that they will avoid tough matches against other top seeds Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland or Argentina and the host nation South Africa in the first round.

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