United Kingdom
USASeeing a solar eclipse is epic as it is. Seeing one while on a cruise? A whole different level.
Seeing a solar eclipse is epic as it is. Seeing one while on a cruise? A whole different level.
All-out eclipse
Cruise Line: Virgin Voyages
Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line is serving up a selection of epic eclipse voyages in August 2026, giving guests (or “sailors”, as Virgin Voyages calls them) the opportunity to don their solar specs in a variety of different settings. A Northern Europe itinerary takes in Edinburgh, Dublin and Reykjavik on a roundtrip sailing from Portsmouth, UK, while Virgin’s Barcelona to Rome eclipse cruise will stop along the Amalfi Coast, as well as in Cannes and Mallorca.
Renowned space explorers and scientists will enlighten travellers on the magic of the cosmos, and galactic grandstands outfitted with telescopes and binoculars will transform the ship’s upper decks into observation viewing areas with professional astronomers on standby to lend a helping hand. New moon ceremonies, starry symphonies and cosmic culinary creations (hello, Milky Way milkshakes!) are some other space-tacular elements included in the onboard programming. Prices from £6,047; both itineraries depart in early August 2026.
£££
Find out more
Spanish solar sojourn
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
For a fun-fuelled experience for families, the Royal Caribbean solar eclipse cruise in 2026 will take in popular spots such as Bilbao in Spain and Lisbon in Portugal, with the ocean providing the ultimate backdrop to witness this rare celestial event. A roundtrip itinerary that departs and returns to Southampton makes this voyage an ideal option for families, minimising hassle and maximising fun. Onboard, younger (and older!) guests will be entertained no end by surf simulators, exhilarating waterslides, ice-skating shows and more. Prices from £1,279pp. Departs August 7, 2026.
££
Find out moreIncredible Iceland
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
An action-packed seven-night adventure awaits with Celebrity Cruises’ Iceland solar eclipse cruise 2026. Gawp at thundering waterfalls, gurgling lava fields, sweeping fjords and of course, the total solar eclipse while out at sea. Onboard the ship, make full use of state-of-the-art facilities including swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness suites and even a lawn club!
Talks, quizzes and themed dining are all expected onboard, however full details are yet to be revealed so stay tuned on this one. Guests are set to receive solar eclipse viewing merch including oh-so-snazzy solar glasses. Prime viewing of the eclipse from sea means being free from light pollution for unparalleled visibility. And, guests can expect a bumper eclipse show: starting at 15:45 on August 12 2026, the maximum eclipse will be at 17:45, and ends completely by 19:57.
Tour operator Iglu Cruise offers seven nights on Celebrity’s ‘Iceland Total Solar Eclipse from Reykjavik’ cruise, full board, with flights departing August 8, 2026. Prices from £2,467pp,
££
Find out more
Easy eclipse: roundtrip Spain & Northern France
Cruise Line: Ambassador Cruise Line
Witness the 2026 solar eclipse during a convivial multi-generational sailing to the coast of Western Europe. Expert-led workshops and discussions will make sure the whole gang are total eclipse buffs before the end of the holiday. Visit family-friendly destinations, explore historical landmarks, and enjoy activities for all ages both at sea and on land – from outdoor movie screenings under the stars, to relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Northern Spain. A perfect blend of cultural enrichment and family fun makes Ambassador’s solar eclipse cruise a great choice for multigenerational groups. Whatsmore, the itinerary is roundtrip from London Tilbury, so travel arrangements couldn’t be easier.
Tour operator Iglu Cruise offers a 10-night ‘Multi-Generational Adventure to France and Spain and the Solar Eclipse from London Tilbury, full board on Ambassador Cruise Line. Prices from £973pp. Departs August 5, 2026.
£
Find out moreSummer in the Med, with a twist
Cruise Line: Marella Cruises
If you’re looking for a solar eclipse cruise 2026 with all the bells and whistles included at no extra cost, Marella Cruises is the one to go for. The all-inclusive cruise line’s solar eclipse sailing (a revamped version of its popular ‘Cosmopolitan Charms’ voyage) aboard Marella Discovery 2 will witness the total eclipse while sailing along Spain’s rugged Costa Brava. Sipping on free cocktails while watching a lunar phenomenon? Sounds like a summer well spent to us.
Off the ship, soak in sun, culture, history and fabulous food with stops in Sicily, Corsica, Rome, Salerno (for Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast) and Mallorca. Exploring onboard will reveal a climbing wall, mini-golf course, spacious spa and nightly Broadway-style shows. Prices begin at £1,533pp.
££
Find out more
A selection of luxury cruises across the Mediterranean and Norway
Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ultra-luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched four different sailings across four ships that will sail the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2026 during the solar eclipse – and even one in 2027.
Each sailing will feature astronomy-focused enrichment programmes that include presentations from and discussions with NASA engineers and astronaut instructors, as well as a variety of curated activities that include stargazing sessions on deck. During ‘eclipse celebration hours’ (we like the sound of this) the ships’ Pool Grill will transform into the ‘Solar Eclipse Dinner Grill’ so you can dine close to the action!
Then, after the main event, it’s toasting the eclipse at parties on deck, dancing under the open sky while sipping on eclipse-themed punch, all to the sound of fabulous live music. Every guest will be the recipient of Regent-branded solar eclipse glasses as a memento for when they disembark. Prices start from £4,680 pp. Departs August 12, 2026.
£££
Find out moreTotal eclipse of the Med
Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Holland America Line’s solar eclipse cruise 2026 takes in the Mediterranean at a leisurely pace, starting out in Lisbon and finishing up in Athens, with stops in Corsica, Barcelona and Rome along the way. Witness the eclipse on day six while off the coast of Barcelona, before enjoying an overnight in the buzzing city. Though full details of this particular solar eclipse cruise are yet to be revealed, guests can look forward to opportunities to connect with scientific experts, themed activities, talks and more. Eclipse glasses will also be provided. Phew.
Iglu Cruise offers 17 nights on ‘Mediterranean Solar Eclipse & Barcelona Overnight with Lisbon and Athens Stay’ from £2,517pp. Includes full-board dining on Holland America Line’s Oosterdam ship, return flights, two nights in Lisbon, excursion credit and overseas transfers. Departs August 7, 2026.
££
Find out more
Greenland Eclipse and the Land of fire & ice
Cruise Line: AE Expeditions in partnership with New Scientist & Polar Routes
AE Expeditions has teamed up with New Scientist to take an immersive 13-day journey through Iceland and Greenland onboard 132-passenger polar expedition vessel: Sylvia Earle. Beginning on land, guests will discover Iceland’s Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park and the explosive Geyser geothermal area. A visit to Scoresby Sund, where an expansive network of waterways makes up the world’s longest fjord system teems with wildlife from Arctic foxes and Atlantic puffins to lumbering walruses. Expect blood-pumping zodiac adventures out on the water and plenty of lectures on nature, astronomy and, of course, solar eclipses, including from world-leading eclipse expert Jamie Carter. Departs on August 7, 2026 and starts at £12,405pp.
££££
Find out more
