“All tests were conducted with positive results. She is a beautiful ship with outstanding performance. Now that sea trials are completed, we can concentrate on finishing the ship and showing her to the world in June,” he said

But while there were no problems with the 153,000-ton vessel’s speed and manoeuvrability, it now appears that not everything has been going as well as first thought.

One of the six giant diesel engines on board has suffered damage and will have to be replaced – probably by cutting a hole in the side of the vessel.

The ship, the biggest ever built at the STX yard in Nantes, France, has returned to dry dock for the operation and the next sea trials are likely to be delayed, although work is expected to be completed without affecting the planned delivery date of June 15.

An NCL spokesman told me today: ” Norwegian Cruise Line was notified by STX Europe that the diesel engine of Norwegian Epic’s generator number two, of six, suffered serious damage. STX Europe has submitted a plan for repairing the engine and the delivery date is unchanged.”

When it does leave the yard, Epic is scheduled to sail to Rotterdam, and will then spend two days in Southampton being shown off to travel agents and press before setting off across the Atlantic to New York, where it will play host to Macy’s spectacular 4th of July fireworks display.

But it comes as a surprise to find them both using an almost identical sales spiel to attract passengers. The important phrase, apparently, is “key pillars” – whatever they are.

Listening to the latest gimmick announced by Oceania, you could be forgiven for thinking that the word should be “pillows.”

Oceania are introducing herb-infused bedding in their cabins, promising chamomile-induced sleep thanks to pillow-top cushions filled with gel and wrapped in scented fibre.

The beds will be introduced on the company’s Nautica this autumn 2010, followed by sister ships Regatta and Insignia, and finally the new 1,252-passenger Marina, when she debuts in early 2011.

“Cuisine, service and comfort are the three pillars of the Oceania Cruises brand,” says Bob Binder, the line’s president. “The new Prestige Tranquillity Beds will offer the most comfortable, luxurious sleep experience at sea.”

But are three pillars enough?

Introducing new 2011-12 itineraries for Azamara’s Quest and Journey this week, president and CEO Larry Pimentel explained: “Azamara Club Cruises is built around four key pillars: extraordinary service, cuisine and wines of the world, wellness and vitality, and destination immersion. But what distinguishes our brand most is our ability to deliver the destination, and our new itineraries were precisely built around that commitment.”

So destination seems to be the key difference – important, I would have thought, for holidaymakers choosing to cruise on ships like this rather than giants such as Oasis of the Seas and Norwegian Epic.

Perhaps Oceania have missed a trick with only three pillars – or maybe they take it as read that their passengers choose a cruise by destination anyway.

The five ships operated by Azamara and Oceania were originally built for the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises and carry about 670 passengers each. They have several restaurant options and luxurious public rooms; standard cabins, however, are not the roomiest at sea. Royal Princess, soon to join the P&O fleet as Adonia, is another identical sister ship. Marina is Oceania’s first new build, to a completely different design.

As the opening date of June 11 grows closer, and more cruise lines announce that they have paid for rights to screen matches, it’s beginning to look like the fans will have the upper hand.

England supporters sailing with P&O, Cunard and Ocean Village will be able to watch all their team’s games live, and the final will be screened on the 10 ships, regardless of whether Capello’s squad get that far.

Thomson Cruises will also be showing all England games on their ships, and have taken the precaution of adding other top teams as well, in the event of an ankle injury for Rooney sending our lads home at the end of the first stage.

The NCL ships sailing in Europe – that’s Norwegian Gem, Sun and Jade – will be following Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, U.S.A., Germany, Italy and England during the initial stages, and will then screen all the knock-out games through to the final. Even Norwegian Epic, the lines newest and biggest ship, which will be in the UK from June 22 before sailing to New York for its inauguration.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara announced this week that they have obtained rights to screen all matches – but only while their ships are in international waters. Best check that England are not facing a crucial tie while Independence of the Seas is tied up at Barcelona or Malaga.

Also probably best to avoid Costa and MSC’s ships if you don’t want to be swamped by armies of Italian fans.

But if you want to get away from the football altogether, then the ships of Fred Olsen Cruise Line are the place for you – I just wonder what the conversation at breakfast will be like, and how many passengers will have radios clamped to their ears to check on the results.

Incidentally, one man who must be praying for an early England exit is Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone – The British Grand Prix takes place on the same day as the World Cup final.

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