Whether or not you are within the course of of making your bucket checklist otherwise you’ve already checked off most experiences, you may doubtless need to add one other one: watching the overall photo voltaic eclipse from a cruise ship deck.
Even if you happen to’re not an astronomy geek, a complete photo voltaic eclipse journey is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. In 2024, over 7 million individuals traveled to areas in North America inside the path of totality to witness the April 8 complete photo voltaic eclipse. It handed over Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, prompting a surge in astrotourism.
The enhance included a brand new crop of cruise itineraries that focused the eclipse’s path of totality, and people 2024 sailings booked up rapidly. If you happen to missed your probability to view the eclipse at sea in 2024 or need to add a second eclipse viewing to your journey want checklist, learn on for extra particulars on how and the place to make it occur in 2026.
When and the place is the overall eclipse in 2026?
The overall eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, shall be seen in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small space of Portugal. A partial eclipse shall be seen in Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It will likely be Europe’s first complete photo voltaic eclipse since 1999. Greenland is predicted to be the primary locale to expertise totality at 1:07 p.m. ADT.
The trail is anticipated to be round 182 miles vast and stretch about 5,133 miles lengthy. The moon’s shadow is predicted to cross the Greenland ice cap, clip the western fringe of Iceland — together with the capital metropolis, Reykjavik — then cross over the North Atlantic Ocean to northern Spain, crossing the complete peninsula from the north coast to the Mediterranean Sea.
Why e-book a cruise to look at the eclipse?
If you happen to can witness the eclipse from land, why would you need to head out to sea to look at it?
First, you may sail with a small group of like-minded eclipse lovers and have entry to astronomy and house exploration consultants. You may also keep away from the crowds and visitors on land with individuals driving to the viewing spots and jockeying for the perfect locations to park and watch the present.
Moreover, a cruise ship positioned off the coast of Reykjavik will present as much as two minutes and 18 seconds of totality, near the utmost viewing anyplace alongside the eclipse path.
“Many individuals assume that a big ship rocks an excessive amount of to view a photo voltaic eclipse. However they’re really regular sufficient to do high-quality pictures,” mentioned J. Kelly Beatty, senior editor of Sky & Telescope, a print and on-line journal for avid sky and stargazers.
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Beatty explains {that a} ship’s maneuverability and climate instrumentation are important since they supply the flexibleness to sail to a different location for optimum visibility. Additionally, if you happen to’re crusing with astronomy consultants, they can assist information the crew on the bridge to reposition the ship so all passengers have the perfect views of the eclipse.
Photo voltaic eclipse cruises 2026
Only some cruise traces are planning festivities for the large occasion, and a few cruises are already offered out. If you happen to’re setting your sights on a stargazing cruise in 2026, do not wait to e-book. If 2024 was any indication, these sailings will doubtless be snatched up quicker than a taking pictures star.
Beneath are the perfect photo voltaic eclipse cruises for 2026.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
You’ll be able to select between two ships and itineraries for photo voltaic eclipse sailings with Atlas Ocean Voyages in 2026. Each itineraries have been tailor-made to place the ships in prime eclipse-viewing areas.
The seven-night World Traveller itinerary will sail from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Monaco, departing Aug. 9. The vessel shall be at sea Aug. 12 for the phenomenon.
Passengers crusing World Navigator will view the photo voltaic eclipse in Patreksfjordur, Iceland. This nine-night round-trip crusing from Reykjavik departs Aug. 11.
These photo voltaic eclipse sailings will characteristic knowledgeable astronomers serving as expedition guides. They may share insights into the photo voltaic eclipse throughout the day, in addition to present detailed descriptions of the night-sky views within the evenings. On board, visitors will get pleasure from particular lectures and fascinating conversations concerning the cosmos with fellow explorers.
These sailings are anticipated to be widespread and can doubtless promote out rapidly. Fares for the seven-night World Traveller crusing begin from $5,499.50 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy. Fares for the nine-night World Navigator voyage begin from $8,899 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy.
Need to get a head begin in your sky-watching abilities earlier than 2026? Atlas can also be including stargazing and astronomy workshops to pick eight- to 13-night sailings in fall 2024 and summer season 2025. Onboard discussions and lectures led by famend astronomers will cowl matters like current astronomical discoveries and the start of the universe.
Among the many itineraries obtainable is an eight-night Reykjavik to Amsterdam voyage that departs Sept. 12, 2024 (from $2,399 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy, for an outdoor cabin). Moreover, a 13-night Las Palmas, Spain, to Rio de Janeiro crusing will depart Oct. 14, 2024 (from $2,399 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy, for an outdoor cabin). A 12-night voyage from Leith, Scotland, to Trondheim, Norway, will depart June 10, 2025 (from $6,199.50 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy, for an outdoor cabin).
Albatros Expeditions
The 12-night Greenland Photo voltaic Eclipse expedition aboard Ocean Albatros will set sail Aug. 10, 2026, from Reykjavik and disembark within the distant village of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
On eclipse day, Aug. 12, 2026, visitors will watch the overall photo voltaic eclipse from the exact heart of the phenomenon because it reaches the remoted Blosseville Coast in East Greenland at 4:37 p.m. native time. The quiet touchdown seaside will provide unobstructed views throughout totality.
Different highlights of the voyage into one of many world’s most distant locations embody glacier viewing alongside the east coast of Greenland and the strait of Prince Christian Sound; experiencing the East Greenlandic tradition in Tasiilaq; seeing the traditional stays on the farmstead of Erik the Crimson; and visiting the world’s smallest capital, the city of Nuuk.
Fares begin at $17,695 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy and together with all taxes and costs. Pricing consists of Zodiac landings; all meals, with beer, wine and soda served at dinner; informative lectures by expedition groups; a complimentary parka; and transfers between Kangerlussaq and Copenhagen. Gratuities, different drinks and excursions, and additional bills (not specified within the fare) are at an extra price. Contact a cruise specialist for particular cabin pricing.
Azamara
Vacationers can select amongst three 2026 photo voltaic eclipse sailings with Azamara.
The 11-night Mediterranean Cruise: Greece, Turkey and Italy voyage departs from Athens, Greece, Aug. 2 aboard Azamara Onward. The itinerary options stops in Ephesus, Turkey; Sorrento, Rome and Florence, Italy; and Provence, France, earlier than ending in Barcelona. Fares begin from $4,909 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy.
Departing Aug. 7, the 12-night Eire Intensive cruise aboard Azamara Quest visits iconic Irish cities corresponding to Belfast, Dublin, Galway and Donegal. Fares begin from $5,699 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy.
The 18-night North Atlantic Cruise: Iceland, Greenland and Quebec, departs from Reykjavik, Iceland, Aug. 8. Port calls embody Isafjordur and Grundarfjordur in Iceland, Prince Christian Sound, Paamiut and Nuuk in Greenland, and St. John’s, Newfoundland, earlier than ending in Montreal, Canada. Fares begin from $7,389 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy.
Particulars about excursions, particular onboard programming and occasions haven’t been launched but.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival will provide its first photo voltaic eclipse cruise in 2026. The particular 11-night Carnival Journeys Eclipse cruise will depart from Dover, England, Aug. 9, 2026.
The voyage will happen aboard the two,124-passenger Carnival Legend, that includes stops in Le Havre and Le Verdon (the port for Bordeaux) in France; St. Peter Port, Guernsey; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon and Leixoes (the port for Porto) in Portugal; and Zeebrugge (the port for Brussels) in Belgium.
The ship shall be positioned at sea throughout the photo voltaic eclipse on Aug. 12, offering improbable views from its deck and open-air venues.
Fares, onboard programming and different particulars haven’t been launched but.
Cunard
Select amongst three vessels and voyages for a photo voltaic eclipse crusing with British cruise line Cunard in 2026. In accordance with the road, photo voltaic eclipse-specific actions and occasions are within the works and shall be launched at a later date.
The 14-night westbound transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 will depart Southampton, England, on Aug. 4, 2026, and finish in New York Metropolis. Passengers could have the prospect to see the photo voltaic eclipse throughout an in a single day keep in Reykjavik on Aug. 12. Further itinerary highlights embody stops within the picturesque cities of Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden and Skjolden, Norway; and Isafjordur, Iceland. Fares begin from $5,998 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.
Passengers also can board Cunard’s Queen Anne in Southampton for a seven-night round-trip Spain and France itinerary departing Aug. 9, 2026. Visitors can discover the Spanish ports of Santander, A Coruna and Gijon earlier than visiting the charming city of Pauillac, France. Cruisers can savor an eclipse view from the deck of Queen Anne because the ship leaves the Spanish harbor. Fares begin from $4,098 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.
A seven-night crusing aboard Queen Victoria departs Aug. 10, 2026, from Civitavecchia (close to Rome) and sails to Barcelona. This Western Mediterranean cruise stops in Tarragona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Villefranche and Toulon, France. On Aug. 12, after a day of exploring the historic city of Tarragona, visitors can view the eclipse from Queen Victoria’s deck or one of many ship’s open-air venues. Fares begin from $3,018 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.
Associated: The 5 finest locations you possibly can go to on a Cunard Line cruise ship
Holland America
Holland America Line affords three sailings the place the ships shall be positioned inside the path of totality.
The road’s 13-night Mediterranean Photo voltaic Eclipse itinerary on 1,964-passenger Oosterdam sails from Lisbon, Portugal, on Aug. 9, and ends in Piraeus (Athens), Greece. The itinerary consists of an in a single day keep in Barcelona. Different port calls embody Alicante, Spain; Ajaccio and Corsica, France; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Bari (Puglia), Italy; and Kotor, Montenegro. Passengers will be capable to view the eclipse from the ship because it sails from Alicante to Barcelona. Fares begin from $2,619 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.
Cruisers looking for longer sailings can select between Holland America’s 28-night Scandinavian Photo voltaic Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland and the 35-night Voyage of the Vikings: Photo voltaic Eclipse.
The 28-night Scandinavian Photo voltaic Eclipse journey departs July 24 for a round-trip crusing from Dover, England, aboard 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam. The itinerary options stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland, and the vessel shall be at sea throughout the eclipse. Passengers can get pleasure from a bit extra time in Scotland due to an in a single day keep in Edinburgh, Scotland. Fares begin from $5,594 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.
Departing July 18, the 35-night Voyage of the Vikings aboard 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam sails from Boston. It arrives in Grundarfjordur, Iceland, on the day of the eclipse. The round-trip journey will cross the Atlantic Ocean twice and can embody stops at Portland, Maine; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Nook Brook, Crimson Bay, St. Anthony and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador; Dun Laoghaire (Dublin), Eire; and Belfast, Northern Eire, in addition to the aforementioned ports in Greenland. The ship will dock in a single day in Reykjavik and Rotterdam within the Netherlands. Fares begin from $8,149 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.
All three itineraries characteristic onboard lectures from scientific consultants, photo voltaic eclipse-themed occasions and different actions. Passengers can even obtain eclipse glasses to securely view the phenomenon.
Associated: The 5 finest locations you possibly can go to on a Holland America ship
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
HX affords stargazing explorers a 16-night Photo voltaic Eclipse Expedition aboard the 335-passenger MS Spitsbergen.
The vessel departs Aug. 3 from Svalbard, Norway, the place cruisers will journey by means of Northeast Greenland Nationwide Park, the world’s largest nationwide park. Alongside the way in which, passengers would possibly spot iconic Arctic species like musk oxen and polar bears.
Scoresby Sound is the spotlight of the expedition. Right here, passengers will witness the overall photo voltaic eclipse amid majestic fjords and glaciers. The journey ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Onboard actions embody astronomy-related lectures and discussions hosted by consultants on the Expedition Group and casual gatherings with the crew for each day briefings. Passengers can even have full entry to the ship’s Science Middle, and knowledgeable photographer shall be readily available to supply ideas for taking the perfect panorama and wildlife photographs.
Charges begin from $15,702 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises will provide two itineraries that may present a chance to witness the 2026 photo voltaic eclipse at sea. The 14-night Spain and Portugal crusing departs Aug. 7 aboard Ventura. It’s going to dock on Spain’s northwestern coast for the photo voltaic eclipse in Ferrol.
The round-trip voyage leaves from Southampton and consists of calls at Santander and Gijon in Spain and Madeira and Lisbon in Portugal. Stroll alongside the cobblestone streets within the medieval city of Alfama and take in some solar alongside one in every of Santander’s quite a few seashores, amongst different diversions. Fares for an inside cabin begin from about $1,813 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy.
The road’s adults-only Arcadia will embark on a round-trip, 16-night crusing from Southampton on Aug. 4. Ports of name in Iceland embody an in a single day in Reykjavik. The ship shall be docked in Isafjordur on Aug. 12, the day of the eclipse.
Different stops embody the charming city of Akureyri, located on Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord, and Belfast, the place you possibly can tour a citadel, study Titanic historical past or go to a neighborhood pub for a pint of Guinness. Fares for an inside cabin begin from about $2,284 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises not too long ago added a second complete photo voltaic eclipse crusing to its 2026 schedule. Along with a 14-night Spain, France and Portugal with Whole Photo voltaic Eclipse cruise aboard 3,660-passenger Sky Princess, passengers can e-book a seven- to 21-night cruise on Solar Princess, the road’s latest vessel.
Each ships shall be positioned off the coast of Spain Aug. 12, when passengers can collect on the highest decks to view the celestial occasion with supplied security glasses. The sailings can even embody lectures from astronomy consultants, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night time and photo voltaic system trivia.
The round-trip voyage aboard Sky Princess will depart Southampton on Aug. 8, 2026, and cease at seven European ports. Visitors can soak in artwork and historical past in Cherbourg, France; discover the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao; and stroll amongst Roman ruins in Cartagena, Spain.
Costs for the Whole Eclipse Sky Princess voyage begin from $4,197 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin. Suites and oceanview cabins are already offered out.
Vacationers have six variations of the photo voltaic eclipse crusing aboard Solar Princess to select from.
The seven-night Mediterranean with Whole Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage will depart Aug. 8 from Barcelona and can finish in Rome. Two 14-night sailings will depart Aug. 1 (from Athens to Rome) and Aug. 8 (from Barcelona to Athens). Three voyages can be found for a 21-night itinerary: a round-trip from Rome, departing July 25; a round-trip from Athens, departing Aug. 1; and a round-trip from Barcelona, departing Aug. 8.
Relying in your chosen itinerary, port calls embody Gibraltar, Spain; Cartagena, Colombia; Naples, Rome and Florence, Italy; and Mykonos, Athens, and Santorini, in Greece.
Costs for the Whole Eclipse Solar Princess voyage begin from $2,528 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean will provide a particular nine-night photo voltaic eclipse crusing aboard 3,798-passenger Liberty of the Seas. The round-trip Spanish Aptitude and Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage will depart from Southampton, England, with port calls at Bilbao, Gijon, Vigo and La Coruna in Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.
Port diversions embody meandering alongside Bilbao’s historic streets of Casco Viejo or taking a cable automotive to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views. In La Coruna, ascend the Tower of Hercules, one of many world’s oldest working lighthouses and a Unesco World Heritage Web site. Embark on an architectural journey in Portugal, the place you may discover Belem’s Sixteenth-century Jeronimos Monastery and the Torre de Belem, a Sixteenth-century fort that appears to drift in the course of the Tagus River.
Costs for Royal Caribbean’s Spanish Aptitude and Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage begin from $1,761 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.
Seabourn
Eclipse-loving cruisers could have two Seabourn sailings to decide on between.
The 13-night West Eire Gems and Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage will happen aboard Seabourn Ovation. Departing Aug. 8 from Dover, England, it’ll go to ports in Western Eire, together with Galway and Killybegs, earlier than ending in Reykjavik, Iceland. The ship shall be positioned off the coast of Eire within the Atlantic Ocean throughout the eclipse. On board, passengers can get pleasure from a particular Seabourn Conversations program that includes Jane A. Inexperienced, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Vacationers also can witness the overall photo voltaic eclipse unfold throughout a nine-night Spanish Gems and Photo voltaic Eclipse itinerary that sails round-trip from Barcelona aboard Seabourn Sojourn. It departs Aug. 6 and explores the Mediterranean, Spanish Morocco, St. Tropez and locations alongside the coast of Spain. Sojourn shall be positioned off the coast of Spain within the Balearic Sea because the eclipse commences, which shall be seen nearer to the horizon close to sundown. Dallas Campbell, a science presenter, writer and broadcaster, will educate visitors concerning the photo voltaic eclipse as a part of a particular Seabourn Conversations program.
The 2026 photo voltaic eclipse cruises will open for reserving Oct. 10, 2024.
Vacaya
Vacaya’s nine-night Mediterranean photo voltaic eclipse cruise offered out inside 5 days of opening bookings. Nonetheless, we’re together with it right here since you would possibly nonetheless have an opportunity to snag a spot by including your title to the waitlist.
The round-trip photo voltaic eclipse crusing aboard 2,852-passenger Superstar Equinox will depart from Barcelona Aug. 6, and have an in a single day keep in Ibiza, Spain. Different stops embody Tangier, Morocco, and Lisbon, Porto and A Coruna in Spain.
If viewing a photo voltaic eclipse from a cruise ship wasn’t cool sufficient already, passengers will get the deal with of a post-eclipse live performance from none aside from singer Bonnie Tyler (which is able to naturally embody a efficiency of “Whole Eclipse of the Coronary heart”).
This cruise journey firm is thought for chartering full ships that serve the complete LGBTQ+ group and straight ally mates. Along with photo voltaic eclipse-specific actions, you possibly can count on vigorous social occasions, spectacular leisure and events led by a number of the world’s finest DJs.
Costs begin from $1,801 per individual (primarily based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages not too long ago introduced the road’s first-ever Eclipse Voyages for August 2026 as a part of a brand new collection of sailings dubbed Marvelous Voyages.
The 12- and 14-night photo voltaic eclipse sailings will observe the eclipse’s path of totality. The 12-night crusing will happen on board the two,770-passenger Valiant Girl, that includes stops in Dublin; Glasgow, Scotland; and Reykjavik. A 14-night crusing aboard the two,770-passenger Scarlet Girl will embody port calls in Mallorca, Spain, and Cannes, France.
Particulars of the itineraries, together with pricing, are nonetheless within the works. Nonetheless, Virgin guarantees that “galactic grandstands outfitted with telescopes and binoculars will remodel the ship’s higher decks into commentary viewing areas with astronomers on standby.” Moreover, Sailors (the road’s moniker for passengers) can count on particular photo voltaic eclipse-themed programming, corresponding to new moon ceremonies, starry symphonies and cosmic culinary creations (assume Milky Means milkshakes). They will additionally snag a pair of photo voltaic eclipse shades and a commemorative information as a enjoyable takeaway.
Virgin Voyages Crusing Membership members could have first dibs on the photo voltaic eclipse sailings and can be capable to e-book from Aug. 14-21, 2024 (the date you possibly can e-book will depend on your loyalty standing). Bookings will open to most people starting in September. Verify again right here for updates.
Windstar Cruises
For an intimate photo voltaic eclipse crusing, think about Windstar Cruises‘ seven-night Round Iceland: A Whole Photo voltaic Eclipse crusing aboard 312-passenger Star Delight. The all-suite yacht departs from Reykjavik on Aug. 10, 2026. The round-trip voyage consists of port calls at Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur, Akureyri and Heimaey, Iceland. The ship will in a single day in Seydisfjordur. Alongside the way in which, passengers can discover historic Viking villages, hike to waterfalls and lava fields and search out wildlife.
The crusing will characteristic particular photo voltaic eclipse programming, corresponding to an eclipse watch social gathering and photo voltaic eclipse-centric onboard displays concerning the phenomenon. Particulars shall be introduced at a later date, in response to the road.
Whereas on board, passengers can make the most of Windstar’s open bridge coverage, which permits visitors to go to ship bridges and chat with officers whereas vessels are underway. (Notice that entry will generally be restricted when ships are present process tough maneuvers.)
Fares for Windstar’s photo voltaic eclipse cruise begin from $3,899 per individual, primarily based on double occupancy.
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