02 December 2009

Ships chartered for World Cup

Cruise ships have been chartered to provide accommodation for football fans attending next year’s World Cup in South Africa

Holland America Line’s Westerdam and Noordam will be anchored in the harbours of Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town offering 4,600 beds.

Both vessels have been chartered by German firm One Ocean Club to help easy capacity constraints from the start of the World Cup on June 11, 2010.

BAWay acts as UK sales agent for the World Cup cruise programmes.

The ship stays will be supplemented by a hospitality programme drawn up in co-operation with South African partners and local authorities.

One Ocean Club staff have been in South Africa for three years, exchanging information with authorities and establishing a "sound basis" for close co-operation with local companies.

As a result, around 80% of the food used on board over the four-week period in June 2010 is to be supplied by local partners.

Regional cultural events, excursions organised in partnership with South African operators and numerous other co-operation projects round off the programme.

The company has instigated a "high-quality security concept", including controls in the harbours and on the ships, as well as shuttle services between airports, ships and stadiums, to provide visitors with round-the-clock protection.

An on-board hospital offering a 24-hour stand-by service and arrangements with local hospitals will ensure prompt medical attention in emergencies.

Company spokesman Werner von Moltke said: "The One Ocean Club offering is a high-class addition to the services provided by local hotels and tour operators during the World Cup.

"To this end, we are working closely with the South African authorities and numerous local partners.

"Our aim is to forge links between our guests and the host country, allowing them to experience South Africa both on board and ashore.

"In this way, we hope to make an active contribution by supporting South Africa as a successful World Cup venue."

by Phil Davies