Top solar eclipse cruises for 2026

Whether you're crafting your bucket list or have already ticked off many experiences, you’ll probably want to add another: witnessing the total solar eclipse from a cruise ship.

Even if you’re not an astronomy enthusiast, a total solar eclipse journey is a unique opportunity. In 2024, over 7 million people flocked to locations in North America along the path of totality to see the April 8 total solar eclipse. It traversed Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, sparking a boom in astrotourism.

This surge included a fresh set of cruise itineraries aimed at the eclipse's path of totality, and those 2024 voyages sold out rapidly. If you missed the chance to experience the eclipse at sea in 2024 or want to include a second eclipse sighting in your travel plans, continue reading for more information on how and where to make it happen in 2026.

When and where will the total eclipse occur in 2026?

The total eclipse occurring on August 12, 2026, will be visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small section of Portugal. A partial eclipse can be seen across Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. This will mark Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999, with Greenland expected to witness totality first at 1:07 p.m. ADT.

The eclipse's path is anticipated to be about 182 miles wide and stretch roughly 5,133 miles long. The moon's shadow is expected to traverse the Greenland ice cap, graze the western edge of Iceland — including Reykjavik — and then cross the North Atlantic Ocean into northern Spain, sweeping across the entire peninsula from the northern coast to the Mediterranean Sea.

What are the benefits of booking a cruise to view the eclipse?

If you can see the eclipse from land, what’s the appeal of heading out to sea for the view?

First, you’ll be sailing with a small group of fellow eclipse enthusiasts and will have access to experts in astronomy and space exploration. This way, you can steer clear of the land crowds and the traffic as people flock to viewing spots, vying for the best parking and vantage points to catch the spectacle.

Moreover, a cruise ship stationed off the coast of Reykjavik will offer up to two minutes and 18 seconds of totality, nearing the maximum viewing time available along the eclipse's path.

"Many believe that a large ship sways too much to view a solar eclipse effectively. However, they are actually stable enough for high-quality photography," remarked J. Kelly Beatty, senior editor of Sky & Telescope, a publication for enthusiastic skywatchers.

Beatty notes that a ship's agility and weather tracking capabilities are crucial as they allow for the flexibility to sail to another location for the best visibility. Additionally, if you’re traveling with astronomy experts, they can assist the crew in repositioning the ship to ensure that all passengers have optimal views of the eclipse.

Solar eclipse cruises for 2026

Only a handful of cruise lines are hosting celebrations for this major event, and some cruises are already fully booked. If you're eyeing a stargazing cruise in 2026, don’t delay your reservation. Based on 2024’s experience, these trips will likely be snapped up quicker than a shooting star.

Here are the top solar eclipse cruises for 2026.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

In 2026, you can select from two ships and itineraries for solar eclipse cruises with Atlas Ocean Voyages. Both routes are designed to position the ships in optimal locations for eclipse viewing.

The seven-night World Traveller itinerary will depart from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Monaco, on August 9. The ship will be at sea on August 12 for the eclipse event.

Guests aboard the World Navigator will experience the solar eclipse in Patreksfjordur, Iceland. This nine-night round-trip sailing from Reykjavik sets off on August 11.

These solar eclipse cruises will include expert astronomers as expedition guides. They will share insights about the solar eclipse during the day and provide detailed descriptions of the night sky in the evenings. Onboard, guests can look forward to special lectures and stimulating discussions about the cosmos with fellow travelers.

These cruises are anticipated to be highly sought after and may sell out rapidly. Prices for the seven-night World Traveller cruise start at $5,499.50 per person, based on double occupancy, while the nine-night World Navigator journey begins at $8,899 per person, also based on double occupancy.

Looking to enhance your sky-watching skills ahead of 2026? Atlas is introducing stargazing and astronomy workshops on select eight- to 13-night cruises in fall 2024 and summer 2025. Onboard discussions and lectures by renowned astronomers will delve into topics such as recent astronomical discoveries and the origins of the universe.

One of the available itineraries is an eight-night voyage from Reykjavik to Amsterdam, departing September 12, 2024 (starting at $2,399 per person, based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin). Additionally, a 13-night sailing from Las Palmas, Spain, to Rio de Janeiro will depart on October 14, 2024 (starting at $2,399 per person, based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin). A 12-night journey from Leith, Scotland, to Trondheim, Norway is set to depart on June 10, 2025 (starting at $6,199.50 per person, based on double occupancy, for an outside cabin).

Albatros Expeditions

The 12-night Greenland Solar Eclipse expedition aboard Ocean Albatros will embark on August 10, 2026, from Reykjavik and arrive in the remote village of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

On eclipse day, August 12, 2026, guests will experience the total solar eclipse from the very center of the event as it reaches the secluded Blosseville Coast in East Greenland at 4:37 p.m. local time. This tranquil landing beach will provide unobstructed views during totality.

Other highlights of the journey to one of the planet's most isolated destinations include glacier sightings along Greenland's eastern coast and the Prince Christian Sound; immersing in the East Greenlandic culture in Tasiilaq; exploring the ancient ruins at Erik the Red's farmstead; and visiting Nuuk, the world's smallest capital city.

Prices start at $17,695 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes all taxes and fees. This pricing covers Zodiac landings; all meals with beer, wine, and soda served at dinner; engaging lectures from the expedition team; a complimentary parka; and transfers between Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen. Gratuities, additional beverages and excursions, and any unspecified extra costs are not included. Please consult a cruise specialist for specific cabin pricing.

Azamara

Travelers can select from three solar eclipse cruises with Azamara in 2026.

The 11-night Mediterranean Cruise: Greece, Turkey, and Italy sets sail from Athens, Greece, on August 2 aboard the Azamara Onward. This voyage includes stops at Ephesus in Turkey; Sorrento, Rome, and Florence in Italy; and Provence, France, concluding in Barcelona. Prices start at $4,909 per person, based on double occupancy.

On August 7, the 12-night Ireland Intensive cruise on the Azamara Quest will explore iconic Irish cities such as Belfast, Dublin, Galway, and Donegal. Fares begin at $5,699 per person, based on double occupancy.

The 18-night North Atlantic Cruise: Iceland, Greenland, and Quebec departs Reykjavik, Iceland, on August 8. Ports of call include Isafjordur and Grundarfjordur in Iceland, Prince Christian Sound, Paamiut and Nuuk in Greenland, and St. John's, Newfoundland, before concluding in Montreal, Canada. Prices start at $7,389 per person, based on double occupancy.

Information regarding excursions, onboard activities, and events has not yet been announced.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival will host its inaugural solar eclipse cruise in 2026. The exclusive 11-night Carnival Journeys Eclipse cruise is set to embark from Dover, England, on August 9, 2026.

This journey will take place on the 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend, with stops in Le Havre and Le Verdon (Bordeaux's port) in France; St. Peter Port, Guernsey; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon and Leixoes (the port for Porto) in Portugal; and Zeebrugge (Brussels' port) in Belgium.

The ship will be stationed at sea during the solar eclipse on August 12, offering spectacular views from its deck and outdoor venues.

Details regarding fares, onboard activities, and other information have not yet been disclosed.

Cunard

Select from three ships and itineraries for a solar eclipse cruise with the British line Cunard in 2026. The cruise line promises to announce eclipse-themed activities and events soon.

The 14-night westbound transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 will depart from Southampton, England, on August 4, 2026, arriving in New York City. Passengers will have the opportunity to view the solar eclipse during an overnight stay in Reykjavik on August 12. Other itinerary highlights include stops in the scenic towns of Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden and Skjolden, Norway; and Isafjordur, Iceland. Fares start at $5,998 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Guests can also board Cunard's Queen Anne in Southampton for a seven-night round-trip Spain and France itinerary departing August 9, 2026. They will explore Spanish ports like Santander, A Coruna, and Gijon before visiting the quaint town of Pauillac, France. Cruisers can enjoy eclipse views from the deck of Queen Anne as the ship departs the Spanish harbor. Fares start from $4,098 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

A seven-night cruise aboard Queen Victoria will set sail from Civitavecchia (near Rome) to Barcelona on August 10, 2026. This Western Mediterranean cruise includes stops in Tarragona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Villefranche and Toulon, France. On August 12, after exploring the historic town of Tarragona, guests can view the eclipse from the deck of Queen Victoria or one of the ship's open-air venues. Fares start at $3,018 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Holland America

Holland America Line features three sailings where ships will be strategically placed within the path of totality.

The line's 13-night Mediterranean Solar Eclipse itinerary on the 1,964-passenger Oosterdam departs from Lisbon, Portugal, on August 9, concluding in Piraeus (Athens), Greece. This itinerary includes an overnight stop in Barcelona, along with visits to Alicante, Spain; Ajaccio in Corsica, France; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Bari (Puglia), Italy; and Kotor, Montenegro. Passengers will have the chance to view the eclipse while sailing from Alicante to Barcelona. Fares begin at $2,619 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Travelers looking for longer adventures can select between Holland America's 28-night Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland or the 35-night Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse.

The 28-night Scandinavian Solar Eclipse journey sets sail on July 24 for a round-trip from Dover, England, aboard the 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam. The itinerary includes stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Scotland, with the ship at sea during the eclipse. Passengers will enjoy additional time in Scotland with an overnight stay in Edinburgh. Fares start at $5,594 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Setting sail on July 18, the 35-night Voyage of the Vikings aboard the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam departs from Boston. It reaches Grundarfjordur, Iceland, on the day of the solar eclipse. This round-trip adventure crosses the Atlantic Ocean twice, with stops including Portland, Maine; Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Red Bay, St. Anthony, and St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador; Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) in Ireland; and Belfast in Northern Ireland, along with the previously mentioned ports in Greenland. The ship will dock overnight in Reykjavik and Rotterdam, Netherlands. Fares start at $8,149 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

All three itineraries feature onboard lectures from scientific experts, solar eclipse-themed events, and various activities. Passengers will also receive special eclipse glasses for safe viewing of the phenomenon.

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

HX presents stargazing enthusiasts with a 16-night Solar Eclipse Expedition aboard the 335-passenger MS Spitsbergen.

This vessel departs on August 3 from Svalbard, Norway, and cruisers will explore Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world. Along the way, guests may encounter iconic Arctic wildlife such as musk oxen and polar bears.

Scoresby Sound is the crown jewel of this expedition, where guests will experience the total solar eclipse surrounded by breathtaking fjords and glaciers. The adventure concludes in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Onboard experiences include astronomy-themed lectures and discussions led by experts from the Expedition Team, along with informal meet-ups for daily briefings with the crew. Passengers will also enjoy full access to the ship's Science Center, and a professional photographer will provide guidance on capturing stunning landscape and wildlife images.

Rates begin at $15,702 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises will feature two itineraries that offer the chance to witness the 2026 solar eclipse at sea. The 14-night Spain and Portugal sailing departs on August 7 aboard the Ventura, docking on Spain's northwestern coast in Ferrol for the solar eclipse.

The round-trip journey departs from Southampton and features stops at Santander and Gijon in Spain, as well as Madeira and Lisbon in Portugal. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone lanes of the medieval Alfama district and basking in the sun on one of Santander's many beaches, among other activities. Rates for an inside cabin begin at approximately $1,813 per person, based on double occupancy.

The adults-only Arcadia will set sail on a round-trip, 16-night voyage from Southampton on August 4. Ports of call in Iceland include an overnight stay in Reykjavik. The ship will be docked in Isafjordur on August 12, coinciding with the eclipse.

Additional stops feature the delightful town of Akureyri, located on Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, and Belfast, where visitors can tour a castle, explore Titanic history, or enjoy a pint of Guinness at a local pub. Rates for an inside cabin start from about $2,284 per person, based on double occupancy.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has recently included a second total solar eclipse sailing in its 2026 lineup. In addition to the 14-night Spain, France, and Portugal with Total Solar Eclipse cruise on the 3,660-passenger Sky Princess, guests can also select a seven- to 21-night journey on the line's newest ship, Sun Princess.

Both vessels will be stationed off the coast of Spain on August 12, allowing passengers to gather on the top decks to witness the celestial spectacle using provided safety glasses. The voyages will feature lectures from astronomy experts, themed snacks and beverages, nighttime stargazing, and solar system trivia.

The round-trip adventure on Sky Princess is set to depart from Southampton on August 8, 2026, and will make stops at seven European ports. Guests can immerse themselves in art and history in Cherbourg, France; visit the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao; and wander through Roman ruins in Cartagena, Spain.

Fares for the Total Eclipse Sky Princess voyage start at $4,197 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin. Suites and oceanview cabins are already fully booked.

Travelers have six different options for the solar eclipse sailing aboard Sun Princess to choose from.

The seven-night Mediterranean cruise featuring the Total Solar Eclipse will set sail from Barcelona on August 8, concluding in Rome. Additionally, there are two 14-night journeys departing on August 1 (from Athens to Rome) and August 8 (from Barcelona to Athens). Three options are available for a 21-night itinerary: a round-trip from Rome leaving on July 25, a round-trip from Athens on August 1, and a round-trip from Barcelona on August 8.

Depending on your selected itinerary, ports of call may include Gibraltar, Spain; Cartagena, Colombia; Naples, Rome, and Florence in Italy; as well as Mykonos, Athens, and Santorini in Greece.

Prices for the Total Eclipse Sun Princess voyage begin at $2,528 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin.

Seabourn

Cruisers who adore eclipses will have two exciting sailings with Seabourn to choose from.

The 13-night West Ireland Gems and Solar Eclipse cruise aboard Seabourn Ovation will embark on August 8 from Dover, England. It will make stops at ports in Western Ireland, including Galway and Killybegs, before concluding in Reykjavik, Iceland. The ship will anchor off the Irish coast in the Atlantic Ocean during the eclipse. Onboard, passengers can partake in a special Seabourn Conversations program featuring Jane A. Green, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Travelers can also experience the total solar eclipse on a nine-night Spanish Gems and Solar Eclipse itinerary, which sails round-trip from Barcelona on Seabourn Sojourn. Departing on August 6, it will explore the Mediterranean, Spanish Morocco, St. Tropez, and various Spanish coastal destinations. Sojourn will be stationed off the coast of Spain in the Balearic Sea when the eclipse begins, visible closer to the horizon at sunset. Guests will benefit from insights provided by Dallas Campbell, a science presenter, author, and broadcaster, as part of a special Seabourn Conversations program.

Bookings for the 2026 solar eclipse cruises will commence on October 10, 2024.

Vacaya

Vacaya's nine-night Mediterranean solar eclipse cruise was fully booked within just five days of opening reservations. However, we’re including this information here because you may still have an opportunity to secure a spot by joining the waitlist.

The round-trip solar eclipse voyage aboard the 2,852-passenger Celebrity Equinox will set sail from Barcelona on August 6, featuring an overnight stop in Ibiza, Spain. Additional stops will include Tangier, Morocco, as well as Lisbon, Porto, and A Coruna in Spain.

As if witnessing a solar eclipse from a cruise ship isn't exciting enough, guests will also enjoy a post-eclipse concert featuring none other than Bonnie Tyler, including her classic "Total Eclipse of the Heart."

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

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has just unveiled its inaugural Eclipse Voyages set for August 2026, as part of a fresh lineup called Marvelous Voyages.

The 12- and 14-night solar eclipse journeys will trace the eclipse's path of totality. The 12-night cruise will be aboard the 2,770-passenger Valiant Lady, stopping in Dublin, Glasgow, and Reykjavik. The 14-night journey on the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady will visit ports in Mallorca, Spain, and Cannes, France.

While itinerary details, including pricing, are still being finalized, Virgin promises "galactic grandstands equipped with telescopes and binoculars will convert the ship's upper decks into observation decks with astronomers available to assist." Sailors (the term for passengers) can also look forward to solar eclipse-themed events, including new moon ceremonies, starry symphonies, and cosmic culinary delights (imagine Milky Way milkshakes). Additionally, they’ll receive a pair of solar eclipse glasses and a commemorative guide as a keepsake.

Members of the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club will enjoy priority access to the solar eclipse voyages, with the ability to book from August 14-21, 2024 (specific booking dates depend on loyalty status). General bookings will commence in September. Stay tuned for updates.

Windstar Cruises

For a cozy solar eclipse experience, consider Windstar Cruises’ seven-night Around Iceland: A Total Solar Eclipse sailing aboard the 312-passenger Star Pride. This all-suite yacht sets sail from Reykjavik on August 10, 2026. The round-trip itinerary includes stops at Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur, Akureyri, and Heimaey, Iceland, with an overnight stay in Seydisfjordur. Along the way, guests can explore historic Viking settlements, hike to stunning waterfalls and lava fields, and spot local wildlife.

The voyage will feature unique solar eclipse activities, including an eclipse viewing party and onboard presentations focused on the phenomenon. More details will be shared in due course, as announced by the line.

While on board, guests can enjoy Windstar's open bridge policy, allowing them to visit the ship's bridge and converse with officers while the vessel is underway. (Please note that access may be restricted during complex maneuvers.)

Prices for Windstar's solar eclipse cruise begin at $3,899 per person, based on double occupancy.