Every year a common question Carnival Cruse guests ask is whether NFL Football games are going to be shown onboard their Carnival Cruise ship. This post will discuss professional football games on Carnival's ship and some things you should know because watching onboard is a little different than at home.
Does Carnival show football games on the ship?
On cruises departing from the United States, Carnival tries to show NFL football games. However, not every game is going to be shown and further the exact game shown on a ship may not be known to guests until they are onboard. Carnival's website says they show "select games" that are taking place on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Thanksgiving, and post-season games.
For the 2025-2026 season Carnival confirmed they are using ESPN network with NFL syndication and Sunday ticket package. Carnival's Brand Ambassador, John Heald, mentioned in a Facebook video that the goal is to show games that are close to the ship's homeport, but the exact games shown can vary. No game is guaranteed to be shown onboard.
Does Carnival show football games on the ship?
On cruises departing from the United States, Carnival tries to show NFL football games. However, not every game is going to be shown and further the exact game shown on a ship may not be known to guests until they are onboard. Carnival's website says they show "select games" that are taking place on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Thanksgiving, and post-season games.
For the 2025-2026 season Carnival confirmed they are using ESPN network with NFL syndication and Sunday ticket package. Carnival's Brand Ambassador, John Heald, mentioned in a Facebook video that the goal is to show games that are close to the ship's homeport, but the exact games shown can vary. No game is guaranteed to be shown onboard.
Where can guests watch the NFL Football game onboard the Carnival ship?
The exact location where Carnival shows an NFL football game will vary by ship and the scheduling around other activities/events. Commonly the game shown onboard will be on the outdoor Seaside Theater for ships that have those or in a lounge. It truly will vary by ship and particular day as to where the game is going to be shown (if a game is scheduled to be shown onboard).
The exact location where Carnival shows an NFL football game will vary by ship and the scheduling around other activities/events. Commonly the game shown onboard will be on the outdoor Seaside Theater for ships that have those or in a lounge. It truly will vary by ship and particular day as to where the game is going to be shown (if a game is scheduled to be shown onboard).
When onboard how will guests know which game and where the game is going to be shown?
I recommend looking in the Carnival Hub App for the time and location for the game. If you cannot locate in the Carnival Hub App, I recommend asking at Guest Services.
I recommend looking in the Carnival Hub App for the time and location for the game. If you cannot locate in the Carnival Hub App, I recommend asking at Guest Services.
Can guests watch games in their stateroom?
Historically, guests have not been able to watch the NFL football games in their Carnival Cruise stateroom. I do not believe anything has changed in this regard so the answer is likely still no.
Historically, guests have not been able to watch the NFL football games in their Carnival Cruise stateroom. I do not believe anything has changed in this regard so the answer is likely still no.
Does Carnival do any special events on days where a football game is going to be shown onboard?
Carnival's website advertises football trivia is an event that is planned to be held onboard during football season. If this event is being held on your cruise, you should see them listed in the Carnival Hub App.
Carnival's website advertises football trivia is an event that is planned to be held onboard during football season. If this event is being held on your cruise, you should see them listed in the Carnival Hub App.
Is bar service available as guests watch the football games?
Yes, typically bartenders are either walking around to serve guests during the game or a bar is located near the venue where the game is being shown.
Yes, typically bartenders are either walking around to serve guests during the game or a bar is located near the venue where the game is being shown.
Does Carnival do anything special for the Super Bowl?
Carnival has some additional events for the Super Bowl. Please click here to read my previous post about the Super Bowl cruises.
Carnival has some additional events for the Super Bowl. Please click here to read my previous post about the Super Bowl cruises.
Just An Important Note About Watching Football Games Or Any Sports Game Onboard:
The following is something I want to emphasize, especially if you are really wanting to watch a game onboard: If there is a satellite connection issue or problem getting a particular station or network the game may not be able to show or could be disrupted. Connection could be disrupted due to weather, the location of the ship, or a variety of circumstances. Further, the game you are wanting to see may not be the one Carnival is going to show.
The following is something I want to emphasize, especially if you are really wanting to watch a game onboard: If there is a satellite connection issue or problem getting a particular station or network the game may not be able to show or could be disrupted. Connection could be disrupted due to weather, the location of the ship, or a variety of circumstances. Further, the game you are wanting to see may not be the one Carnival is going to show.
Please note, any of this information is subject to change at any time and the games or events listed may be modified or not take place on all ships.