Some people host watch parties. Some people fight over the best seat on the couch. And then there are our Sailors. You are in a league of your own, watching the big game surrounded by sea breeze, skyline-free horizons, and a cocktail that magically refills itself.
On Virgin Voyages sailings that coincide with the second Sunday in February, we bring the action onboard with dedicated screenings, elevated game day food, and the kind of atmosphere that makes even non-football fans lean in. Whether you’re here for every play or just the snacks and social energy, game day at sea is decidedly more fun.
Where to watch the big game onboard
We know that watching together is half the point, so our screenings take place in social, high-energy spaces designed for exactly this kind of moment.
Expect the Big Game to be shown in venues like The Social Club and the Athletic Club, where comfy seating, big screens, and a buzzy crowd turn the matchup into a true communal event. On some ships, we’ll even project it in our Red Room. Cheering is encouraged, second drinks are expected, and strangers become friends by halftime.
Pro tip: arrive a little early to grab your favorite spot and settle in before kickoff.
Game day snacks, Virgin style
No sad nachos here. Game day onboard comes with a lineup that balances classic comfort with Virgin Voyages flair — and our culinary team takes this moment seriously.
To get the inside scoop, we tapped Levi Mezick, our Director of Culinary Program Development, to talk all things snacks, nostalgia, and what Sailors should be ordering when the Big Game is on.
When it comes to his ultimate game day bite, Levi doesn’t hesitate.
His favorite snack is “a pretzel dog with spicy green chili cheese sauce.” And if you’re wondering whether there’s a backup option, the answer is simple: there isn’t.
That love for pretzel dogs runs deep. Levi’s first memory of having one was at Yankee Stadium, he says, adding, “I was in my twenties and super excited to see a game at such an iconic stadium” — and that combination of food and sport clearly stuck.
What to drink while you watch
A proper pairing matters, especially on game day. Levi’s go-to drink with his favorite snack is Boulevard Brewing Tank 7 American Saison — which just so happens to be poured onboard at the Draught Haus.
It’s crisp, a little complex, and exactly the kind of beer that works whether you’re locked into the game or chatting through commercials. If you prefer cocktails or wine, nearby bars make it easy to tailor your own perfect matchup.
The can’t-miss menu item during the big game
If you’re deciding what to order while the game is screening, Levi has a clear recommendation for Sailors.
His top pick? “Meatball sliders with provolone and pickled red onions,” available at The Social Club and the Athletic Club during the screening. They’re hearty, shareable, and designed for eating one-handed so you never miss a key moment.
In other words, they’re exactly what game day food should be.
Not just for football fans
One of the best parts about watching the big game onboard is that it’s not only for die-hard football people. The energy, the crowd reactions, and the shared experience make it a cultural moment — even if you don’t know every rule.
Levi himself proves that point. While he enjoys the onboard atmosphere around football, his personal sports passions lean toward F1 and the other football — soccer. He started playing as a kid in high school and, he adds, “was never that good but I loved to watch the sport when I was living in Europe.” That appreciation for big moments, big screens, and big reactions translates perfectly to game day at sea.
Why watching the big game at sea just works
There’s something undeniably fun about experiencing a major cultural event while traveling. You’re already relaxed, already social, and already in the mood to enjoy yourself — which makes the big event feel less stressful and more celebratory.
With Virgin Voyages, you get:
- Dedicated onboard screenings in social venues
- Elevated game day food and drink options
- A crowd that’s there for fun, not folding chairs
- The ability to walk straight from the screen to a cocktail, an included dessert, or late-night dance floor
And if the game gets tense? Hey, at least the ocean is calm.
Make your next big game a voyage
If your sailing lines up with the big game, either this weekend or next year, consider it a bonus experience — one that blends sport, food, and community in a way only Virgin Voyages can.
Because whether you’re cheering, snacking, or just enjoying the vibe, watching the American football championship at sea proves one thing: everything’s better with a view of the horizon.
