Royal Caribbean Expands TV Sports Coverage on Cruise Ships

(3:16 p.m. EDT) -- Royal Caribbean is expanding the TV sports coverage it offers to cruisers and crew on eight of its cruise ships. Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas will be the first ships to receive the expanded networks this month.

With the new offering, these ships will be able to show major U.S. and international sports games from ESPN flagship networks, as well as college athletics from SEC Network and ESPNU. This means cruisers will be able to watch the NFL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, Indy Racing League, all golf and tennis Grand Slam events, UEFA Champions League and cricket, as well as college football and basketball. The networks will be available both in-stateroom and in the Playmakers sports bars.

"Royal Caribbean always strives to provide the very best entertainment experience possible, and that includes delivering high-definition sports that are essential to our guests," said Jake McDaniel, manager of entertainment media for Royal Caribbean.

More Royal Caribbean ships will be receiving the expanded covering, starting with Oasis of the Seas in November, and by spring 2020 Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas will have been added as well.