No need to worry or panic, but Pacific Dawn, one of the five ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, will be overrun next year by a load of canetoads and cockroaches (mythical nicknames, not real creatures) as passionate rugby league fans board the ship for the first-ever State of Origin fan cruise from Brisbane to Sydney.

The journey from Queensland to New South Wales will depart Brisbane on 28 May 2016 on a seven-night cruise which will also include stops in Moreton Island and Newcastle. Cabins on the sailing are priced from $799 per person quad share.

As part of their fare, each passenger will receive a Bronze ticket to the first State of Origin match of the 2016 series on 01 June. The ship will berth in Sydney overnight, with all guests transported to the game at ANZ Stadium and back to the ship afterwards. Ticket upgrades to improve seating can be purchased as an upgrade when booking.

The fierce rivalry will kick off as soon as guests hop onboard, with former State of Origin players also joining the cruise, classic games from the past being screened onboard and a replica trophy available, with which guests can have their photo taken.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice-President Sture Myrmell said the State of Origin cruise was a great way for Queensland rugby league fans to travel to the game.

“Pacific Dawn is Queensland’s ship so we expect to see a lot of Maroons fans coming onboard and cheering on their team from Brisbane to Sydney and back.”

The line’s latest niche product bolsters an already strong lineup of special event sport-themed voyages which includes the Dick Smith Auckland Nines tournament in Auckland, Australian Open tennis and Emirates Melbourne Cup horse racing.