Rugby fans take to the seas for World Cup in New Zealand

TUI, the UK's largest tour operator, is chartering a 70,000-ton superliner to take rugby union fans to the World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.

The fans will travel with TUI travel's sports brands which include Gullivers Sports Travel, Sport Abroad, Thomson Sport and Sportsworld onboard the Pacific Dawn cruise ship.

TUI has chartered the ship from P&O Cruises to provide accommodation for 2,000 rugby union fans. The cruise will have a rugby theme for supporters from the UK, continental Europe, South Africa and Australia.

It will take passengers around New Zealand's scenic attractions and transport them to rugby matches in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. Pacific Dawn will dock in Auckland on Sunday, October 23, for the Rugby World Cup final.

Darren Mee, Managing Director of TUI Travel Sport businesses said: We are delighted to be able to offer this unique cruise to solve the accommodation issues we face in the latter stages in New Zealand during Rugby World Cup 2011.

"Pacific Dawn is a superliner offering the best facilities for all Rugby fans. This is not the first time we have chartered a ship, in 2005, we chartered Pacific Sun for the British & Irish Lions Tour in New Zealand and it was a great success."

Pacific Dawn has nearly 200 balcony cabins, its own jogging track, pizzeria, nine bars and lounges, five restaurants, gym and a health spa. Package prices start from £5,295 for 20-nights with Gullivers Sports Travel.

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