Finest photo voltaic eclipse cruises for 2026

If it is not already in your bucket record, you need to add this expertise: watching a complete photo voltaic eclipse from a cruise ship deck.

Even for those who’re not an astronomy geek, witnessing a complete photo voltaic eclipse is an especially uncommon occasion. In 2024, greater than 7 million individuals traveled to areas in North America that have been throughout the path of totality to witness the April 8 whole 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 likelihood to view the eclipse at sea in 2024 or wish to add a second eclipse viewing to your journey want record, learn on for extra particulars on how and the place to make it occur in 2026.

When and the place is the whole eclipse in 2026?

The entire eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, can be seen in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small space of Portugal. A partial eclipse can be seen in Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It will likely be Europe’s first whole 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 extensive 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 guide a cruise to observe the eclipse?

If you happen to can witness the eclipse from land, why would you wish to head out to sea to observe it?

First, you will sail with a small group of like-minded eclipse lovers and have entry to astronomy and area exploration consultants. You can too 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 suppose 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 images,” mentioned J. Kelly Beatty, senior editor of Sky & Telescope, a print and on-line journal for avid sky- and stargazers.

Beatty explains {that a} ship’s maneuverability and climate instrumentation are important as a result of they supply the flexibleness to sail to a different location for optimum visibility. Additionally, for those who’re crusing with astronomy consultants, they will help 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

A number of cruise traces are planning festivities for the large occasion. Nevertheless, some cruises are already offered out. If you happen to’re setting your sights on a stargazing cruise in 2026, do not wait to guide. If 2024 was any indication, these sailings will doubtless be snatched up quicker than a taking pictures star.

Under 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 places.

The seven-night World Traveller itinerary will sail from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Monaco, departing Aug. 9. The vessel can 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 professional astronomers serving as expedition guides. They are going to share insights into the photo voltaic eclipse throughout the day and supply detailed descriptions of the night-sky views within the evenings. On board, friends will take pleasure in particular lectures and interesting 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 particular person, primarily based on double occupancy. Costs for the nine-night World Navigator voyage begin at $8,899 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy.

Wish to get a head begin in your sky-watching expertise earlier than 2026? Atlas can be including stargazing and astronomy workshops to pick eight- to 13-night sailings in summer season 2025. Onboard discussions and lectures led by famend astronomers will cowl subjects reminiscent of current astronomical discoveries and the beginning of the universe.

Among the many itineraries accessible is a 12-night voyage from Leith, Scotland, to Trondheim, Norway, departing June 10, 2025. Costs begin at $6,199 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy, for an ocean-view cabin.

Albatros Expeditions

The 12-night Greenland Photo voltaic Eclipse expedition aboard Ocean Albatros will set sail Aug. 10 from Reykjavik and disembark within the distant village of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

On eclipse day, Aug. 12, friends will watch the whole 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 seashore will supply unobstructed views throughout totality.

Different highlights of the voyage into one of many world’s most distant locations embrace 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 Purple; and visiting the world’s smallest capital, the city of Nuuk.

Fares begin at $17,695 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy and together with all taxes and charges. Pricing contains Zodiac landings; all meals, with beer, wine and soda served at dinner; informative lectures by expedition groups; a complimentary parka; and transfers between Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen.

Gratuities, different drinks and excursions, and further 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. Costs begin at $5,379 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Departing Aug. 7 from Dublin, the 12-night Eire Cruise: Belfast, Dublin and Galway takes place on Azamara Quest. Alongside the way in which, passengers can discover historic landmarks reminiscent of Dublin’s Guinness Brewery, Blarney Fortress in County Cork, and Lough Gur, probably the most full Stone Age and Bronze Age websites in northwestern Europe. Costs begin at $6,249 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

The 18-night North Atlantic Cruise: Iceland, Greenland and Quebec, departs from Reykjavik, Iceland, Aug. 8. Port calls embrace Isafjordur and Grundarfjordur in Iceland; Prince Christian Sound, Paamiut and Nuuk in Greenland; and St. John’s, Newfoundland, earlier than ending in Montreal, Canada. Costs begin at $8,859 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Particulars about excursions, particular onboard programming and occasions haven’t been launched but.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival will supply its first photo voltaic eclipse cruise in 2026. The particular 11-night Carnival Journeys Eclipse cruise will depart from Dover, England, on Aug. 9.

The round-trip 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.

Shore excursions embrace climbing alongside the White Cliffs of Dover or visiting landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Huge Ben in London; exploring Claude Monet’s house at Giverny on the Seine whereas in France; and touring the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Website in Lisbon.

The ship can be positioned at sea throughout the photo voltaic eclipse on Aug. 12, offering incredible views from its deck and open-air venues.

Particulars about particular onboard programming or occasions for the eclipse haven’t been launched but.

Costs begin at $1,794 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin. (Ocean-view cabins and suites are offered out.)

Cunard

Select between two vessels and voyages for a photo voltaic eclipse crusing with British cruise line Cunard in 2026. (A 3rd seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Queen Victoria is offered out.)

In response to the road, photo voltaic eclipse-specific actions and occasions are within the works and can be introduced later.

The 14-night westbound transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 will depart Southampton, England, on Aug. 4 and finish in New York Metropolis. Passengers could have the possibility to see the photo voltaic eclipse throughout an in a single day keep in Reykjavik on Aug. 12. Further itinerary highlights embrace stops within the picturesque cities of Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden and Skjolden, Norway; and Isafjordur, Iceland. Costs begin from $3,429 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Passengers may also board Cunard’s Queen Anne in Southampton for a seven-night round-trip Spain and France itinerary departing Aug. 9. Company can discover the Spanish ports of Santander, La Coruña 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. Costs begin at $2,409 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Associated: The 5 greatest locations you may go to on a Cunard Line cruise ship

Holland America

Holland America Line provides three sailings the place the ships can be positioned throughout 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 contains an in a single day keep in Barcelona. Different port calls embrace 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. Costs begin at $2,979 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Cruisers searching 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 can be at sea throughout the eclipse. Passengers can take pleasure in a bit extra time in Scotland due to an in a single day keep in Edinburgh, Scotland. Costs begin at $5,939 per particular person, 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 embrace stops at Portland, Maine; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Nook Brook, Purple 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. Costs begin at $8,544 per particular person, 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 may also obtain eclipse glasses to view the phenomenon safely.

Associated: The 5 greatest locations you may go to on a Holland America ship

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

HX provides 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 way of Northeast Greenland Nationwide Park, the world’s largest nationwide park. Alongside the way in which, passengers may spot iconic Arctic species like musk oxen and polar bears.

Scoresby Sound is the spotlight of the expedition. Right here, passengers will witness the whole photo voltaic eclipse amid majestic fjords and glaciers. The journey ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Onboard actions embrace astronomy-related lectures and discussions hosted by consultants on the Expedition Staff and casual gatherings with the crew for every day briefings. Passengers may also have full entry to the ship’s Science Heart, and an expert photographer can be readily available to supply suggestions for taking the perfect panorama and wildlife images.

Costs begin at $19,906 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises will supply two itineraries that may present a possibility to witness the 2026 photo voltaic eclipse at sea. The 14-night Spain and Portugal crusing departs Aug. 7 aboard Ventura. It’ll dock on Spain’s northwestern coast for the photo voltaic eclipse in Ferrol.

The round-trip voyage leaves from Southampton and contains 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 among Santander’s quite a few seashores, amongst different diversions. Costs for an inside cabin begin at about $1,885 per particular person, 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 embrace an in a single day in Reykjavik. The ship can be docked in Isafjordur on Aug. 12, the day of the eclipse.

Different stops embrace the charming city of Akureyri, located on Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord, and Belfast, the place you may tour a fort, find out about Titanic historical past or go to an area pub for a pint of Guinness. Costs for an inside cabin begin at about $2,954 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises lately added a second whole 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 guide a seven-night cruise on Solar Princess, the road’s latest vessel, with choices to increase the cruise to 14 or 21 nights.

Each ships can 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 may also embrace lectures from astronomy consultants, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at evening 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. Company 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 Photo voltaic Eclipse Sky Princess voyage begin at $4,458 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin. Suites and ocean-view cabins are already offered out.

A photo voltaic eclipse crusing aboard Solar Princess is an alternative choice for eclipse chasers. The seven-night Mediterranean with Whole Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage will depart Aug. 8 from Barcelona and can finish in Rome. Cruisers can discover Gibraltar, which rises from a slim peninsula of Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast. Different port calls embrace Cartagena, Spain, and Rome and Florence in Italy.

If seven nights is not sufficient, you may prolong your voyage by reserving an extra seven-night crusing earlier than or after your photo voltaic eclipse cruise (or each).

Costs for the Whole Photo voltaic Eclipse Solar Princess voyage begin at $1,959 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.

Quark Expeditions

A pioneer in photo voltaic eclipse cruises, Quark Expeditions was the primary operator to guide a complete photo voltaic eclipse voyage in Antarctica in 2003. For 2026, adventurers could have an opportunity to view the photo voltaic eclipse from a polar ship within the Arctic.

The road’s 12-night Iceland to Greenland: A Whole Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage will depart Aug. 6 from Reykjavik, Iceland, aboard the 199-passenger Ultramarine. The itinerary options visits to Greenland Nationwide Park, the world’s largest nationwide park, and Blomsterbugten (Flower Bay), identified for its abundance of flora.

The ship can be positioned in East Greenland’s Excessive Arctic on the optimum level of totality, which is able to present passengers with a two-minute and 17.2-second view of the photo voltaic eclipse.

Vacationers may also take pleasure in onboard displays, discussions and steerage from two photo voltaic eclipse consultants: writer and science journalist David Baron and eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler.

Costs for the Iceland to Greenland: A Whole Photo voltaic Eclipse crusing begin at $16,095 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean will supply 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 embrace meandering alongside Bilbao’s historic streets of Casco Viejo or taking a cable automobile 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 Website. Embark on an architectural journey in Portugal, the place you will discover Belem’s Sixteenth-century Jeronimos Monastery and the Torre de Belem, a Sixteenth-century fort that appears to drift in the midst of the Tagus River.

Costs for Royal Caribbean’s Spanish Aptitude and Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage begin at $1,673 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.

Seabourn

Eclipse-loving cruisers can select amongst a handful of Seabourn sailings at varied lengths — 13, 19, 29 and 35 nights. (The road provided a nine-night Spanish Gems and Photo voltaic Eclipse itinerary, nevertheless it rapidly offered out.)

The 13-night West Eire Gems and Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage will happen aboard Seabourn Ovation. Departing Aug. 8 from Dover, England, it can go to ports in western Eire, together with Galway and Killybegs, earlier than ending in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The ship can be positioned off the coast of Eire within the Atlantic Ocean throughout the eclipse. On board, passengers can take pleasure in a particular Seabourn Conversations program that includes Jane A. Inexperienced, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Costs for the 13-night West Eire Gems and Photo voltaic Eclipse crusing begin at $12,884 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for a Veranda Suite.

An prolonged 35-night Photo voltaic Eclipse: Iceland, Greenland and Canada voyage on Seabourn Ovation may also be accessible. It brings extra stops to Grundarfjordur, Isafordur and Akureyri in Iceland; Qaqortoq and Nanortalik in Greenland; Nova Scotia, Canada; and U.S. ports in New England earlier than ending in New York. Costs for the 35-night Photo voltaic Eclipse: Iceland, Greenland and Canada voyage begin at $25,499 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for a Veranda Suite.

Seabourn Sojourn will sail a 19-night and 29-night Mediterranean Magic and Photo voltaic Eclipse voyage that departs Aug. 7 from Barcelona. Port calls embrace Valencia, Cartagena and Palma de Mallorca in Spain; St. Tropez, Good and Corsica in France; and Sardinia, Amalfi and Civitavecchia (Rome) in Italy (amongst different stops). For the Mediterranean Magic and Photo voltaic Eclipse voyages, costs begin at $11,999 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for an Ocean View Suite (19-night crusing) and $17,199 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy for a Veranda Suite (29-night crusing).

Vacaya

Vacaya’s nine-night Mediterranean photo voltaic eclipse cruise offered out inside 5 days of opening bookings. Nevertheless, we’re together with it right here since you may 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 Celeb Equinox will depart from Barcelona Aug. 6, and have an in a single day keep in Ibiza, Spain. Different stops embrace Tangier, Morocco; Lisbon and Porto, Portugal; and La Coruna, 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 embrace 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 buddies. Along with photo voltaic eclipse-specific actions, you may anticipate vigorous social occasions, spectacular leisure and events led by a number of the world’s greatest DJs.

Costs begin at $1,801 per particular person (primarily based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ first-ever Eclipse Voyages for August 2026 are a part of a brand new collection of sailings the road has dubbed Marvelous Voyages.

The 12- and 15-night photo voltaic eclipse sailings will observe the eclipse’s path of totality. The 12-night Whole Eclipse of the (Med) crusing will happen on board the two,770-passenger Scarlet Girl. It departs Aug. 10 from Barcelona and can embrace calls in Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain; Cannes and Corsica in France; and Amalfi, Sicily and Civitavecchia (Rome) in Italy.

Costs for the 12-night voyage on Scarlet Girl begin at $7,680 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.

The 15-night round-trip Eclipse within the Land of Hearth and Ice crusing departs Aug. 5 from Portsmouth, England, on the two,770-passenger Valiant Girl. It’ll characteristic stops in Dublin; Glasgow, Scotland; and Reykjavik. Costs for the 15-night crusing on Valiant Girl begin at $9,152 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.

Particulars of eclipse-centric onboard choices are nonetheless within the works. Nevertheless, Virgin guarantees that “galactic grandstands outfitted with telescopes and binoculars will remodel the ship’s higher decks into statement viewing areas with astronomers on standby.”

Moreover, Sailors (the road’s moniker for passengers) can anticipate particular photo voltaic eclipse-themed programming, reminiscent of new moon ceremonies, starry symphonies and cosmic culinary creations (suppose Milky Means milkshakes). They’re going to additionally snag a pair of photo voltaic eclipse shades and a commemorative information as enjoyable takeaways.

Windstar Cruises

For an intimate photo voltaic eclipse crusing, contemplate 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 contains 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 hunt down wildlife.

The crusing will characteristic particular photo voltaic eclipse programming, reminiscent of an eclipse watch get together and photo voltaic eclipse-centric onboard displays concerning the phenomenon. Particulars can be introduced at a later date, based on the road.

Whereas on board, passengers can benefit from Windstar’s open bridge coverage, which permits friends to go to ship bridges and chat with officers whereas vessels are underway. (Word that entry will generally be restricted when ships are present process tough maneuvers.)

If you wish to guide the Round Iceland: A Photo voltaic Eclipse crusing, act quick. As of this writing, it is virtually offered out. For remaining cabins, costs begin at $7,173 per particular person, primarily based on double occupancy.

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