International football officials have identified transport and accommodation as two areas where improvements are needed as South Africa prepares to host the finals for the first time in Africa next June.
South African Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said Portugal, hosts of the 2004 European championship, had made successful use of cruise ships.
"They are going to be quite important especially for 2010 both as people movers and even as accommodation," Ndebele told Reuters on Wednesday during a visit to London.
He did not say how many ships would be used as "floating hotels", but expected them to be moored in Durban and Cape Town.
"The world wants a successful World Cup and we are quite confident we are going to deliver it. We have delivered already quite major events in South Africa," he said.
"It was a spectacular success," Ndebele said.
"We are going to be able to move the fans quite efficiently," he said.
"It's not just about sport, it's about transport," Ndebele said.
