Ally

Former World Cup players take the helm for football final Lovers of ‘the beautiful game’ joining P&O Cruises Arcadia departing Southampton on 2 July will be in football heaven, as they cheer England on to victory in the World Cup final with England great John Barnes.

The former Watford, Liverpool and England player boards the Best of the Canaries cruise in Tenerife on July 8, one day before the World Cup final, which will be shown live in bars and public areas around the ship.

Barnes, who played for England in the 1986 and 1990 World Cup, joins the cruise to create even more of an occasion and to be part of the P&O Cruises on board art programme, bringing a range of signed football memorabilia including official England footballs, shirts and photographs of memorable moments and goals which will be available to passengers in an exciting auction.

Barnes said he is excited about both the cruise holiday and the opportunity to meet new fans.

"This is such a novel way to watch the big match. The atmosphere on board will be awesome and I look forward to spending the evening with my fellow passengers. If England wins we’ll be glad we’re all on holiday the next day!"

Philip Price, head of brand marketing for P&O Cruises said the company wanted to do something special for the World Cup, in addition to screening all the England matches, quarter and semi finals, and final.

"Many of our passengers are football fans so this is a special treat for them and we’re excited to welcome John on board."

Joining John is ex-England footballer Dave Watson, also a former Sunderland and Manchester City player.

Both former World Cup heroes will host a number of events on board, starting with the big game on Sunday 9 July where they will be introduced to passengers before the match, host a half-time review and a post-game question and answer session. There will also be question and answer sessions on board in the days after the final for passengers to meet, greet and chat with their heroes.

For additional information on P&O Cruises, please visit their website at POcruises.com

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Ally - CruisingTalk Administrator

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10/10/2009 - Costa Classica - Grand Oriental Cruise - Shanghai, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Kobe, Naha, Keelung and Hong Kong - 16 Nights Cruising in: 274 day(s), 10 hour(s), 8 minute(s)