Rugby World Cup 2011 organisers are planning to hire two large cruise ships to accommodate overseas fans and create a "floating world cup party" in the lead-up to the final.
Rugby World Cup chief executive Martin Sneddon confirmed he had been in talks to hire vessels for the lead-up to the Wellington and Christchurch quarterfinals.
After the quarterfinals the "floating world cup party" vessels would head to Auckland for the semifinals and the October 28 final, he said.
It was commonplace for cruise ships to be hired for large events, with the Rugby World Cup no exception.
Capable of accommodating 2000 passengers, the vessels would help ease accommodation and transport shortages, Mr Sneddon said.
While packages appeared "pretty expensive", they were reasonably priced when broken down, comparing favourably with hotel room rates, he said.
Looking after international guests, rather than profit, was the main motivating factor behind hiring cruise ships, he said.
Packages would include guaranteed tickets to the games, and would appeal largely to overseas tourists, who would fly to New Zealand before boarding their cruise ship.
Organisers were talking to a number of different cruise ship operators, including Carnival Australia, about hiring vessels in October, traditionally a quiet period for cruise operators worldwide.
No agreements had yet been reached, he said.
Recently returned from a cruise ship conference in Miami, Cruise NZ chairman Craig Harris said he fielded inquiries from overseas operators hoping to bring fans to New Zealand for the tournament.
"There is definite interest," he said.
More than 66,000 international visitors are expected for the tournament, which begins on September 9.
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011
• The third largest sporting event in the world.
• Expected to generate $1.15 billion in total economic activity, and $500 million in GDP.
• New Zealand can expect to attract 66,000 international supporters, with 2500 international media and VIP guests also expected to attend.
