Cruise Into Darkness: 2026 Solar Eclipse Trips by Top Cruise Lines

Are you ready for an extraordinary adventure? On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will mesmerize travelers across the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal, and northern Spain. In this article, I’ll explain why a 2026 eclipse cruise is unbeatable and list every cruise line offering special sailings!

Why Choose a 2026 Eclipse Cruise?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon aligns perfectly with the sun, casting a dramatic shadow over Earth. The 2026 eclipse, Europe’s first since 1999, is a bucket-list event for astronomy lovers and adventurers. Viewing it from a cruise ship elevates the experience with:

• Unobstructed Horizon: No obstructions—just pure sky for the best eclipse views.

• Weather Flexibility: Ships can adjust course to dodge clouds, ensuring prime eclipse visibility.

• Luxury Experience: Enjoy fine dining, stargazing nights, and eclipse-themed activities.

• Expert Insights: Onboard astronomers provide guided eclipse watching.

With the eclipse set for August 12, 2026, cruise lines are unveiling itineraries to align with the path of totality. Below, I’ve detailed some of the major cruise lines offering 2026 eclipse cruises.

Cruise Lines Offering 2026 Solar Eclipse Sailings

1. Princess Cruises

   • Ships: Sky Princess (3,660 guests), Sun Princess (4,300 guests)

   • Itineraries:

     • 14-day Mediterranean cruise from Southampton (August 8-22, 2026), eclipse off northern Spain.

     • 7- to 21-night Mediterranean sailings, eclipse near Palma de Mallorca.

   • Highlights: Astronomer talks, themed cocktails, eclipse glasses provided.

     
     

2. Holland America Line

   • Ships: Zuiderdam (1,964 guests), Nieuw Statendam (2,666 guests), Oosterdam (1,964 guests)

   • Itineraries:

     • 35-day Voyage of the Vikings from Boston (July 18, 2026), eclipse off Iceland.

     • 28-day Scandinavian cruise from Dover (July 25, 2026), eclipse off northern Iceland.

     • 13-day Mediterranean from Lisbon (August 9, 2026), eclipse off Spain.

   • Highlights: Expert lectures, eclipse viewing events.

     
     

3. Cunard Line

   • Ships: Queen Mary 2 (2,691 guests), Queen Anne (3,000 guests), Queen Victoria (2,061 guests)

   • Itineraries:

     • 14-night transatlantic from Southampton (August 4, 2026), eclipse in Reykjavik.

     • 7-night Spain and France from Southampton (August 9, 2026), eclipse off La Coruña.

     • 7-night Mediterranean from Civitavecchia (August 10, 2026), eclipse in Tarragona.

   • Highlights: Luxury cruising, eclipse programming (TBD).

     
     

4. Royal Caribbean International

   • Ship: Liberty of the Seas

   • Itinerary:

     • 7 day Spain and Portugal from Southampton (August 7-16, 2026)

   • Highlights: Family-friendly fun, eclipse viewing parties.

     
     

5. Virgin Voyages

   • Ships: Scarlet Lady (2,770 guests))

   • Itinerary: 12 night sailing Barcellona to Rome (August 10-22, 2026)

   • Highlights: Adults-only vibe, trendy eclipse events.

     
     

6. Carnival Cruise Line

   • Ship: Legend (2,124 guests)

   • Itinerary: 11-night Carnival Journeys Eclipse cruise from Dover, England (August 9, 2026), eclipse at sea off Spain, with stops in France, Portugal, and Spain.

   • Highlights: First-ever Carnival eclipse cruise, themed fun, prime sea views.

     
     

7. Celebrity Cruises

   • Ships: Celebrity Apex (2,910 guests), Celebrity Silhouette (2,902 guests)

   • Itineraries:

     • 14-night Spain and Mediterranean from Southampton (August 1, 2026), eclipse in Cantabrian Sea.

     • Iceland cruise (August 8-15, 2026) eclipse off Iceland.

   • Highlights: Modern luxury, eclipse events.

     
     

8. Atlas Ocean Voyages

   • Ships: World Traveler, World Navigator

   • Itineraries:

     • 7-night Barcelona to Monte Carlo (August 9, 2026), eclipse at sea.

     • 9-night Reykjavik roundtrip, eclipse in Patreksfjordur.

   • Highlights: Small-ship luxury, astronomer-led voyages.

     
     

9. Ponant

   • Ship: Le Boréal (and others)

   • Itineraries:

     • 9-day Mediterranean with Smithsonian Journeys (August 11-19, 2026), eclipse off Palma.

     • 14-day Svalbard to Iceland, eclipse in Greenland.

   • Highlights: Expedition luxury

     
     

10. HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

    • Ship: MS Spitsbergen (220 guests)

    • Itinerary: 17-day Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard from Svalbard (August 3, 2026), eclipse in Scoresby Sound.

    • Highlights: Expedition-style, fjord adventures.

      
      

Tips for Booking Your 2026 Eclipse Cruise

• Book Early: Eclipse cruises sell out fast—some 2024 sailings were gone years in advance.

• Check Inclusions: Look for astronomer-led trips, eclipse glasses, and special events.

• Consult a Travel Agent: I can find the best 2026 eclipse cruise deals—contact me now!