Solar-eclipse-themed voyages have been en vogue for some time. (Case in point: The 1997 cruise comedy “Out to Sea” follows stars Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau on a solar eclipse sailing.)
But now, they are back on the radar in full force. From traditional ocean sailings to expeditions, there are plenty of options for clients to choose from that feature a full viewing of the next celestial event on Aug. 12, 2026.
Expedition (and Small Ship) Style
HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is advertising the August 2026 eclipse from the Arctic. The line describes the opportunity as “a once-in-a-lifetime journey to witness the surreal moment when day turns to night over the rugged landscapes of East Greenland.” It will also mark the company’s 130th anniversary to celebrate its century-plus exploration of the region since summer 1896.
HX’s 17-day expedition cruise is scheduled for Aug. 3-19, 2026 from Svalbard. The eclipse itself will be witnessed from Scoresby Sund surrounded by dramatic fjords and glaciers.
Also headed to Scoresby Sund is Aurora Expeditions, which will be sailing from Oslo to Reykjavik onboard Sylvia Earle on Aug. 2-26.
“Feel the anticipation grow as the moon gradually eclipses the sun, casting an ethereal glow,” described Aurora.
Albatros Expeditions will go eclipse hunting onboard Ocean Albatros in Greenland from Aug. 10 to Aug. 23, as well.
Atlas Ocean Voyages will make its own expeditions to Iceland and Greenland to view the eclipse on its Aug. 11 World Navigator departure, as well as Aug. 9 World Traveller cruise from Barcelona to Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Another small ship sailing during the eclipse is Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride, which will be sailing roundtrip from Reykjavik on Aug. 10 to circumnavigate Iceland and see the grand spectacle.
Celebrity Silhouette will sail from Reykjavik, Iceland, during the event.
Credit: 2024 Celebrity CruisesEclipse Cruises on Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises will also be cruising during the 2026 solar eclipse on Aug. 12. Guests onboard Celebrity Silhouette will embark on a weeklong voyage from Reykjavik, Iceland, to marvel at the stars.
At Princess Cruises, Sun Princess will offer one of the line’s Total Solar Eclipse sailings, in addition to Sky Princess. Having rerouted its Aug. 8, 2026, departure from Barcelona, Princess Cruises’ newest ship Sun will be sailing past southern Spain when passengers will have the chance to see the totality for its anticipated two minutes and 18 seconds.
Sun Princess truly lives up to its name, offering an out-of-this-world experience with a front-row seat for a total eclipse of the sun.
The line will offer safety glasses, expert astronomy lectures, evening stargazing, solar system trivia and even special treats and drinks. Guests will be encouraged to bring their own telescopes and don eclipse-themed clothing and accessories.
“Sun Princess truly lives up to its name, offering an out-of-this-world experience with a front-row seat for a total eclipse of the sun,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Following the incredible response to our solar eclipse voyages last year, we’re thrilled to have both Sky Princess and Sun Princess providing guests with the unique opportunity to experience one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.”
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Queen Anne is among a few Cunard Line ships that will sail in the path of totality during the 2026 solar eclipse.
Credit: 2024 Cunard LineMore Solar Eclipse Cruises Onboard Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line and Seabourn
Like corporate cousin Princess, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line and Seabourn are also planning to highlight the 2026 eclipse.
For Carnival, it will be the brand’s first-ever such sailing when Carnival Legend embarks on its 11-day Carnival Journeys Eclipse cruise from Dover, England to the Mediterranean on Aug. 9. The ship will witness the event while at sea for the day.
“The chance to see a total solar eclipse while having fun exploring the cultural richness of Spain, Portugal and France onboard Carnival Legend, is a truly special opportunity among a lineup of many phenomenal cruises,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
On Cunard, the line’s new Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria will all navigate into the path of totality, in Spain and France, Norway and Iceland, and the Western Mediterranean, respectively.
Holland America Line will offer a triple feature ranging from 13 to 35 days in length. Oosterdam will head from Portugal to Greece, Nieuw Statendam roundtrip from the Netherlands, and Zuiderdam roundtrip from Boston, Massachusetts on a month-plus-long Legendary Voyage.
And Seabourn will deploy its Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Sojourn on a 14-day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse cruise and 10-Day Spanish Gems & Solar Eclipse sailing, respectively.
Cruises From Crystal, Azamara Cruises and Virgin Voyages
Although less detailed for now, luxury competitor Crystal will sail a solar eclipse cruise in Western Europe.
Azamara Cruises will offer a trio of voyages: an 11-night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Azamara Onward on Aug. 2; a 12-night Ireland Intensive Cruise onboard Azamara Quest on Aug. 7; and an 18-night Iceland and Canada Cruise onboard Azamara Journey on Aug. 8.
Virgin Voyages is also planning to get in on the action when its Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady feature the eclipse on their respective 12-night British Isles and Iceland and 15-night Mediterranean itineraries.
