A while ago, my able associate brought it to my attention there was a story that cruise lines were beginning to cater more to male passengers, for the very good reason that there were more male passengers than ever. Not more than women, just more than before. And while I didn’t need an inducement to go cruising — they had me from “Packed?” — I reminded her that the way to a man’s heart is through football.
These may not have been the wisest words to ever leave my mouth, but she didn’t take it personally. I don’t think. The simple fact is that the American male loves football more than he loves beer and pizza, dancing girls, the family dog…I better quit. Sunday is football. Also Monday night, and the occasional Thursday, plus the odd Saturday.
Norwegian Cruise Lines gets that. Yesterday, NCL announced 44 NFL games, eight playoff games, the conference championship games and the Super Bowl will all be accessible to its passengers. 
On all ships, except the Jade and the Gem, which are in Europe, where football doesn’t even have the same definition, never mind the same passion.
They even have the games on the state-room TVs but there’s no mention of whether there will be wagering allowed in the casino (a matter of time). As for the 55% of the cruise population that thinks yardsticks are for measuring material, you know what they say about cruising — it’s all about choices, be they eating, entertainment, reading, walking, sunning or doing nothing.
Or yes, watching football.