Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.
Embark on a celestial adventure with these fantastic cruises, perfect for viewing the 2026 solar eclipse.
In 2026, mainland Europe will witness a total eclipse of the sun – its first in 27 years! The last total solar eclipse in Europe was back in 1999, so this is quite an exciting event.
Witnessing a solar eclipse is already an almost once-in-a-lifetime experience, but imagine enjoying it from the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, surrounded by nothing but ocean. With no light pollution nearby, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the magic as the moon blocks out the sun and the day turns – temporarily – into night.
On some cruise itineraries, you may even have expert astronomers and/or photographers on hand to guide you.
Whether you’re an avid sky-watcher or you’re just looking for a unique vacation, these eclipse cruises offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cosmic wonder.
Info About the 2026 Solar Eclipse
When is the next total eclipse?
The next total eclipse of the sun will be Wednesday the 12th of August 2026, the day before the annual Perseid meteor shower. It will take place in the late afternoon, but the exact time of the eclipse will vary depending on location. See below for some key timings.
The total eclipse will last up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds (depending on where you are).
Where will it be visible?
The 2026 total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Russia. Space.com have a list of the time and duration of the eclipse in different locations. I’ve listed a few of the key locations below:
- Scoresby Sund, Greenland – 4:35pm CGST
- Reykjavik, Iceland – 5:48pm GMT
- Gijón, Spain – 8:26pm CEST
- Mallorca, Spain – 8:31pm CEST
Best Cruises to See the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
If viewing the eclipse isn’t your only priority, these cruises are a great option. Even if the weather lets us down and cloud cover means the eclipse isn’t visible, these are still brilliant itineraries with plenty to enjoy!
If you want a more adventurous expedition that’s entirely focused on witnessing the eclipse, check out the specialist cruises in the second half of this article.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is offering its first-ever solar eclipse cruise in 2026. The Carnival Journeys Eclipse (9th August, 11 nights, from/to Dover) will head to France, Portugal and Belgium.
The ship will be at sea on the day of the cruise, should be in a position where totality (the length of time the sun is totally blocked) will last longer than some other spots.
READ MORE: 7 Useful Tips for People Taking a Cruise Solo
P&O Cruises
British cruise line P&O Cruises has two itineraries that give you the chance to see the solar eclipse in 2026. They weren’t specifically tailored for viewing the eclipse, but both these itineraries will put you in the right place at the right time.
- Spain and Portugal on the Ventura – 8th August, 14 nights, from/to Southampton. The ship will be docked in El Ferrol on the northwest coast of Spain on the day of the eclipse.
- Iceland on the Arcadia (adults only) – 5th August, 16 nights, from/to Southampton. The ship will be docked in Isafjordur in northwest Iceland on the day of the eclipse – a prime spot for viewing the phenomenon.
Princess Cruises
One of my favourite cruise lines, Princess Cruises, has a specific cruise lined up for the total solar eclipse, as well as several sailing options on the Sun Princess which line up perfectly for viewing the event.
- Spain, France & Portugal with Total Solar Eclipse on the Sky Princess – 8th August, 14 days, from/to Southampton. The ship will be off the coast of northern Spain for the eclipse.
- Mediterranean on the Sun Princess – 8th August, 7 days, from Barcelona to Rome. Alternatively, there are two 14-night sailing options (1st or 8th August) and three 21-night options (25th July and 1st or 8th August). The ship will be at sea in the Mediterranean for the total eclipse.
READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know about the Regal Princess – A Review
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages recently announced a new series of specialised sailings called Marvellous Voyages. Amongst the lineup are two sailings for viewing the solar eclipse in 2026.
- Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice – 5th August, 15 nights, from Portsmouth to Edinburgh. This itinerary hops around the UK, Ireland and Iceland – and will be docked in Akureyri on the east coast of Iceland for the eclipse.
- Total Eclipse of the (Med) – 10th August, 12 nights, from Barcelona to Rome. This beach hopping cruise around Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean will be at sea on the day of the eclipse.
Specialist Eclipse Cruises
Some cruise lines specialise in expeditions and adventures. Many of these are offering trips specifically tailored for viewing the 2026 total eclipse at its best.
These are usually much pricier than the cruises listed above. But if viewing the eclipse is a bucket list item for you, one of these specialist cruises could be the best option.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Specialising in intimate yachting expeditions, Atlas Ocean Voyages has two specially tailored itineraries for viewing the eclipse:
- World Traveller – 9th August, seven nights, from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Monaco. You’ll be at sea on 12th August with potentially ideal viewing conditions.
- World Navigator – 11th August, nine nights, from/to Reykjavik, viewing the solar eclipse in Patreksfjordur, Iceland
Albatros Expeditions
Another specifically tailored expedition for viewing the total eclipse at its best, the Greenland Solar Eclipse expedition from Albatros Expeditions will be at the precise centre of the eclipse. This means you’ll be able to watch the sun disappear for the longest time: totality will last 2 minutes and 17 seconds.
(10th August, 12 nights, from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland)
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
If you want the optimum experience for viewing the total eclipse, HX is offering a specially tailored Solar Eclipse Expedition (3rd August, 16 nights, from Svalbard to Reykjavik).
The ship will head to the Scoresby Sund in eastern Greenland, the world’s largest fjord system, to view the eclipse. This is set to be one of the best places to view the eclipse – the totality will last 1 minute 45 seconds and the remote landscapes will allow you to fully appreciate the total darkness.
Why Book a Cruise to Watch the Eclipse?
A cruise can be a brilliant way to witness the rare phenomenon of a total solar eclipse – whether you book a specialist expedition or a more mainstream cruise.
At sea, away from city lights, you’ll gain a much better appreciation of the darkness of the eclipse. And by taking a cruise to one of the best parts of the world for viewing the eclipse, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance to see it.
Many of the cruises listed above will host special events and viewing parties. Some, particularly the specialist expeditions, will have experts onboard like astronomers or professional photographers, to help you understand the magic of the eclipse (and the following day’s meteor shower) and get the best photos possible.
Would you book a cruise to view the solar eclipse in 2026? Scroll down to share in the comments!
