by PHILIP SPOONER

THE CRUISE SHIP OPTION which offers travel and accommodations for next year's Cricket World Cup (CWC) will be in place, as an Australian group has already sold out all its beds for the tournament.

The group from Events Worldwide, one of Australia's largest sports travel agencies, has developed an attractive package aboard the Norwegian Crown, an eight-deck, 525-cabin vessel.

The full package costs AUS$8 498 (BDS$12 440) and on Friday the organisers noted that all were sold.

"Our cruise is now sold out by all sales partners with no spare blocs held," a statement said. "Between now and up to the next stage payment and advice we will no doubt have some cancellations or adjustments, considering there is well over 12 months to departure.

"To join our wait list, please fax your booking form as an intent to book depending on what we can offer, if we can."

The deal includes return economy class flights from Australia on April 21 to Miami and 13 nights on the pleasure vessel. The lucky patrons will also have reserved match tickets to the semi-final in St Lucia and final in Barbados on April 28.

There will also be cricket-themed celebrity appearances and live broadcasts of matches while they sail the blue waters of the Caribbean.

Apart from Castries and Bridgetown, the vessel will also make stops at Martinique, Grenada and Tobago.

philipspooner@nationnews.com