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Embark on a celestial journey with these implausible cruises, excellent for viewing the 2026 photo voltaic eclipse.
In 2026, mainland Europe will witness a complete eclipse of the solar – its first in 27 years! The final complete photo voltaic eclipse in Europe was again in 1999, so that is fairly an thrilling occasion.
Witnessing a photo voltaic eclipse is already an virtually once-in-a-lifetime expertise, however think about having fun with it from the deck of an expensive cruise ship, surrounded by nothing however ocean. With no gentle air pollution close by, you’ll have the ability to totally respect the magic as the moon blocks out the solar and the day turns – quickly – into evening.
On some cruise itineraries, chances are you’ll even have knowledgeable astronomers and/or photographers readily available to information you.
Whether you’re an avid sky-watcher otherwise you’re simply trying for a singular trip, these eclipse cruises provide the excellent mix of journey, rest, and cosmic surprise.
Info About the 2026 Solar Eclipse
When is the subsequent complete eclipse?
The subsequent complete eclipse of the solar might be Wednesday the twelfth of August 2026, the day earlier than the annual Perseid meteor bathe. It will happen in the late afternoon, however the precise time of the eclipse will fluctuate relying on location. See beneath for some key timings.
The complete eclipse will last as long as 2 minutes and 18 seconds (relying on the place you might be).
Where will it’s seen?
The 2026 complete photo voltaic eclipse might be seen in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Russia. Space.com have a listing of the time and length of the eclipse in completely different places. I’ve listed a couple of of the key places beneath:
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 solely precedence, these cruises are an important choice. Even if the climate lets us down and cloud cowl means the eclipse isn’t seen, these are nonetheless good itineraries with lots to take pleasure in!
If you desire a extra adventurous expedition that’s totally centered on witnessing the eclipse, try the specialist cruises in the second half of this text.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is providing its first-ever photo voltaic eclipse cruise in 2026. The Carnival Journeys Eclipse (ninth August, 11 nights, from/to Dover) will head to France, Portugal and Belgium.
The ship might be at sea on the day of the cruise, must be in a place the place totality (the size of time the solar is completely blocked) will last more than another 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 offer you the probability to see the photo voltaic eclipse in 2026. They weren’t particularly tailor-made for viewing the eclipse, however each these itineraries will put you in the proper place at the proper time.
Spain and Portugal on the Ventura – eighth August, 14 nights, from/to Southampton. The ship might be docked in El Ferrol on the northwest coast of Spain on the day of the eclipse.
Iceland on the Arcadia (adults solely) – fifth August, 16 nights, from/to Southampton. The ship might be docked in Isafjordur in northwest Iceland on the day of the eclipse – a main spot for viewing the phenomenon.
Princess Cruises
One of my favorite cruise strains, Princess Cruises, has a selected cruise lined up for the complete photo voltaic eclipse, in addition to a number of crusing choices on the Sun Princess which line up completely for viewing the occasion.
Spain, France & Portugal with Total Solar Eclipse on the Sky Princess – eighth August, 14 days, from/to Southampton. The ship might be off the coast of northern Spain for the eclipse.
Mediterranean on the Sun Princess – eighth August, 7 days, from Barcelona to Rome. Alternatively, there are two 14-night crusing choices (1st or eighth August) and three 21-night choices (twenty fifth July and 1st or eighth August). The ship might be at sea in the Mediterranean for the complete eclipse.
READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know about the Regal Princess – A Review
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages not too long ago introduced a brand new sequence of specialized sailings referred to as Marvellous Voyages. Amongst the lineup are two sailings for viewing the photo voltaic eclipse in 2026.
Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice – fifth August, 15 nights, from Portsmouth to Edinburgh. This itinerary hops round the UK, Ireland and Iceland – and might be docked in Akureyri on the east coast of Iceland for the eclipse.
Total Eclipse of the (Med) – tenth August, 12 nights, from Barcelona to Rome. This seaside hopping cruise round Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean might be at sea on the day of the eclipse.
Specialist Eclipse Cruises
Some cruise strains specialise in expeditions and adventures. Many of those are providing journeys particularly tailor-made for viewing the 2026 complete eclipse at its greatest.
These are often a lot pricier than the cruises listed above. But if viewing the eclipse is a bucket listing merchandise for you, one in every of these specialist cruises might be the most suitable choice.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Specialising in intimate yachting expeditions, Atlas Ocean Voyages has two specifically tailor-made itineraries for viewing the eclipse:
World Traveller – ninth August, seven nights, from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Monaco. You’ll be at sea on twelfth August with doubtlessly excellent viewing situations.
World Navigator – eleventh August, 9 nights, from/to Reykjavik, viewing the photo voltaic eclipse in Patreksfjordur, Iceland
Albatros Expeditions
Another particularly tailor-made expedition for viewing the complete eclipse at its greatest, the Greenland Solar Eclipse expedition from Albatros Expeditions might be at the exact centre of the eclipse. This means you’ll have the ability to watch the solar disappear for the longest time: totality will final 2 minutes and 17 seconds.
(tenth August, 12 nights, from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland)
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
If you need the optimum expertise for viewing the complete eclipse, HX is providing a specifically tailor-made Solar Eclipse Expedition (third August, 16 nights, from Svalbard to Reykjavik).
The ship will head to the Scoresby Sund in jap Greenland, the world’s largest fjord system, to view the eclipse. This is about to be one in every of the greatest locations to view the eclipse – the totality will final 1 minute 45 seconds and the distant landscapes will help you totally respect the complete darkness.
Why Book a Cruise to Watch the Eclipse?
A cruise generally is a good strategy to witness the uncommon phenomenon of a complete photo voltaic eclipse – whether or not you guide a specialist expedition or a extra mainstream cruise.
At sea, away from metropolis lights, you’ll acquire a significantly better appreciation of the darkness of the eclipse. And by taking a cruise to one in every of the greatest elements of the world for viewing the eclipse, you’ll be giving your self the greatest probability to see it.
Many of the cruises listed above will host particular occasions and viewing events. Some, significantly the specialist expeditions, can have consultants onboard like astronomers or skilled photographers, that can assist you perceive the magic of the eclipse (and the following day’s meteor bathe) and get the greatest photographs attainable.
Would you guide a cruise to view the photo voltaic eclipse in 2026? Scroll right down to share in the feedback!