Global Soccer Fan Cruise
Client Overview
The Global Soccer Fan Cruise was created to bring soccer fans together in Philadelphia to celebrate the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Produced by Philly PR Girl in partnership with City Cruises Philadelphia and Fans Owned Travel, the event series transformed the Spirit of Philadelphia into a one-of-a-kind soccer celebration on the Delaware River.
Featuring live entertainment, food and drinks, and panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline, the cruises offered fans an opportunity to celebrate their countries, connect with fellow supporters, and experience the energy of the World Cup beyond the stadium.
Our Strategy
Philly PR Girl led event production and developed an integrated marketing and public relations strategy to bring the Global Soccer Fan Cruise to life. Working closely with City Cruises Philadelphia and Fans Owned Travel, our team helped coordinate the event experience while driving awareness through strategic media relations, influencer marketing, and brand partnerships.
Leveraging our established relationships with local media, content creators, and Philadelphia businesses, we positioned the cruise as a distinctive way for soccer fans to celebrate the World Cup in their own backyard. Our approach combined earned media coverage, influencer activations, and strategic partnerships to build excitement for the cruise series while also increasing broader brand awareness for City Cruises Philadelphia and its waterfront experiences.
Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorships
Philly PR Girl helped bring the Global Soccer Fan Cruise to life through strategic partnerships that enhanced the onboard experience and connected the event with the broader soccer community.
Partnerships included Jim Beam, the official spirit of U.S. Soccer; NaBrasa Philadelphia; and Mitchell & Ness, the cruise series’ official apparel partner.
To celebrate the international spirit of the World Cup, we also brought on traditional Brazilian dancers to add cultural entertainment and energy to the onboard experience. Additionally, Frankie Flo, a soccer freestyle performer, joined us for multiple cruises, bringing interactive soccer skills and added excitement to the festivities.
By bringing together nationally recognized brands, local businesses, cultural performers, and soccer talent, Philly PR Girl created a dynamic fan experience that blended soccer culture, entertainment, food, and beverage while providing partners with opportunities to connect with fans in a memorable setting.
Event Production & Experimental Marketing
From coordinating the event experience to developing promotional opportunities, Philly PR Girl helped transform the Global Soccer Fan Cruise concept into a series of soccer-focused waterfront celebrations. In collaboration with City Cruises Philadelphia and Fans Owned Travel, we brought together entertainment, brand partnerships, and fan engagement to create an experience that celebrated the international soccer community while showcasing Philadelphia’s waterfront.
The cruise series demonstrated how experiential marketing can bring brands and audiences together around a shared passion, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement both on board and across the city.
Key Media Wins & Activations
Earned Media Coverage
Philly PR Girl secured earned media coverage across all major Philadelphia television stations, helping bring the Global Soccer Fan Cruise into the spotlight and build excitement around the event series. This broadcast exposure introduced the experience to a wider audience and positioned the cruise as a unique way for soccer fans to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia.
Influencer Marketing
Philly PR Girl incorporated influencer marketing into the first cruise to generate social media buzz and build momentum for upcoming sailings in the series. By inviting local content creators to experience the cruise firsthand, we created opportunities for authentic social media content showcasing both the Global Soccer Fan Cruise and City Cruises Philadelphia’s broader offerings.
This approach helped extend the reach of the event series while highlighting City Cruises Philadelphia as a destination for unique waterfront experiences, private events, and special occasions. The campaign supported awareness beyond the World Cup celebrations, introducing the brand to audiences interested in a variety of experiences on the water.
The Impact
The Global Soccer Fan Cruise showcased Philly PR Girl’s ability to bring together event production, public relations, influencer marketing, and strategic partnerships to create a memorable, community-focused experience.
By combining widespread television exposure with influencer content, brand collaborations, and live entertainment, we helped build awareness for the cruise series while supporting City Cruises Philadelphia’s broader brand visibility. The project demonstrated our ability to turn a creative concept into an integrated experiential event that connects brands, fans, and the Philadelphia community through sports and entertainment.
