Fans of the beautiful game will not have their cruise compromised in favour of the World Cup this summer, as NCL has today announced that it will be screening all of the England group games and all the knockout stage matches live on-board the Norwegian Jewel. Transporting cruisers back to the glorious heyday of English football, NCL has also introduced an exclusive starting price of �1966 for a family of four.

Guests can watch Beckham and the boys in their quest for football world domination on-board the Norwegian Jewel as she cruises the Western Mediterranean on a 7-night itinerary taking in ports of call in Spain, Italy and France. "Without a doubt football is the most popular sport in the UK and to some it is almost a religion, not just a pastime!" said Francis Riley, General Manager NCL, UK. "We are constantly looking for new ways to break barriers with Freestyle Cruising on our ships - bringing our guests unexpected activities and opportunities to relax and have fun as the mood takes them. Plus, we are all realists at NCL; we know that without some key matches being broadcast, we will have some very stressed-out guests indeed!"

Die-hard fans need not worry about missing a moment of the English team's charge to the top, as cruises departing 11, 18 and 25 June and 2 and 9 July will be showing all the action kick for kick, giving British fans the chance to cheer the team to victory.

Football widows (or widowers!) will not feel left out as the fun and freedom of NCL's Freestyle Cruising offers a myriad of activity far from the nail biting intensity of the matches. As well as the tantalising shore excursions, the Norwegian Jewel, NCL's newest state-of-the-art ship, boasts:

o Two swimming pools o Six hot tubs o Bora Bora Health Spa and Beauty Salon o Body Waves Fitness Centre o Jogging and walking track o Basketball and volleyball courts o A tennis court o Golf driving nets o Library o Card room o Galleria shops

And for those who want to carry on the football chants after the game - NCL's unique Karaoke rooms are a must visit spot on board! The �1966 homage is based on a price for two adults and two children sharing an Oceanview cabin with balcony on a cruise only basis. The special price includes 7-nights Freestyle Cruising on-board the Norwegian Jewel, the screening of all corresponding matches including the England group games, second round quarter, semi, play-off and final games, port charges and all overseas transfers between airport, pier and ship and is available to book from 01 March 2006. Full package prices including return flights are also available and start from �799 per person. To find out more about NCL's World Cup fever, contact 0845 658 8010 or visit uk.ncl.com.

Notes to Editors: NCL Corporation ("NCL") is an innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of 15 ships in service and under construction. The corporation oversees the operations of Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines. The company is currently building three ships, including one more for the NCL America brand in Hawai`i - Pride of Hawai`i (delivery in April 2006), and Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem for delivery in 2007.

For further information on NCL, contact an ABTA bonded travel agent, visit NCL's web site at uk.ncl.com or dial reservations on 0845 658 8010.