As the moon gradually slid in front of the sun, daylight dimmed to an eerie twilight. The temperature dropped, birds fell silent, and a halo of pearly white light appeared where the sun was moments before. For a few surreal minutes, stars became visible in the darkened sky.
With a couple hundred million people living in or near the shadow’s path, the 2024 totality brought out North America’s biggest-ever eclipse audience to see the remarkable event.
Now the excitement has passed, thoughts have turned to the next highly anticipated total solar eclipse, set to grace the skies above parts of Europe in August 2026.
Recognizing the opportunity provided by this rare spectacle, several cruise lines, including Holland America, Cunard, Princess, and P&O Cruises, have announced special itineraries designed to give passengers an unbeatable view of the next total solar eclipse.
Why Watch A Total Eclipse From A Cruise Ship?
Watching a total eclipse from a cruise ship offers many potential advantages over a land-based tour.
Princess Cruises’ president John Padgett said a cruise ship is “the best way” to see a total solar eclipse and that guests who experienced the recent event on two of the line’s ships “were simply blown away.”
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Viewing the eclipse from the open sea can provide an unobstructed horizon and a stunning view of the event, away from city lights and other obstructions.
Depending on the itinerary and operational decisions, ships can navigate to the best possible viewing locations within the path of totality. If weather conditions look unfavorable in one area, the ship can alter its course to find clearer skies, something not possible with a fixed land location.
Cruise lines offering eclipse itineraries usually run a themed enrichment program, allowing guests to enjoy lectures, seminars, and other events related to the sky. For example, Holland America said guests on its special itineraries can expect talks from scientific experts, with eclipse glasses provided for the safety of guests.
At sea, guests can enjoy the event in comfort and style with all the amenities a modern cruise ship has to offer. From fine dining to evening entertainment and spa treatments, guests can enjoy their vacation, of which the eclipse forms only one part.
That’s an important consideration, because just like on land, there are no guarantees at sea. While the total eclipse will happen, cloud cover and other weather or sea conditions could still impact the enjoyment of the event.
What To Expect In 2026
According to NASA, the 2026 event will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal. For cruise ships, the west of Iceland and the northwest coast of Spain are among the popular destinations.
Because of these locations, many of the special itineraries depart from Britain, with Southampton cruise port a popular departure point.
On August 12, 2026, the eclipse is set to begin at 7.30pm. The total eclipse will occur about one hour later, lasting just over two minutes, quickly followed by sunset. If weather conditions allow, this could lead to some spectacular photography opportunities.
Holland America Itineraries
Holland America has unveiled its lineup of itineraries featuring prime spots in Europe to witness the total solar eclipse.
Following the success of their 2024 eclipse cruises, three Holland America ships will undertake eclipse itineraries in August 2026.
Oosterdam will navigate the Mediterranean, offering views of the eclipse off Spain's eastern coast and an overnight port call in Barcelona. This 13-day itinerary is the shortest of the three and therefore the cheapest option.
Nieuw Statendam will explore northern Europe over 28 days, providing an ideal vantage point of the eclipse off the west coast of Iceland.
Meanwhile Zuiderdam's 35-day ‘Voyage of the Vikings’ cruise also features the eclipse off Iceland’s western coast, together with visits to Greenland, Canada, Norway, and Ireland.
Cunard Itineraries
Not all ships offering eclipse itineraries will be sailing during the event itself. Cunard offers three itineraries to witness the celestial event, although on two of them the ship will be in port when it happens.
A 14-night adventure on Queen Mary 2 includes the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, and a Transatlantic crossing to New York. On eclipse day, the ship will be in Reykjavik for an overnight stay, providing time to explore the city and view the eclipse in the late afternoon.
A 7-night round trip from Southampton on the new Queen Anne visits Spanish and French ports. On eclipse day, Queen Anne departs La Coruña in the early evening, offering prime viewing from the deck as the ship sails out of port.
Queen Victoria offers a week-long cruise from Civitavecchia to Barcelona. On eclipse day, the ship will be in Tarragona, Spain, providing various viewing options ashore and aboard.
Other Solar Eclipse Cruises
Princess Cruises plans to take its Sky Princess cruise ship to Northern Spain for the 2026 event. As part of a 14-day Mediterranean sailing from Southampton, the vessel will be at sea off the coast of Northern Spain searching for the ideal spot.
Two of the fleet also offer 2026 eclipse itineraries, both from Southampton.
The adult-only Arcadia will be docked in Isafjordur in northwest island on the day of the event, as part of its 16-night cruise to Iceland. Meanwhile, the family-friendly Ventura will be docked in El Ferrol in northwest Spain as part of a 14-night Spain and Portugal itinerary.
For a more intimate experience, it’s also possible for adventurous travelers to see the eclipse in Greenland aboard a smaller expedition vessel.
Albatros Expeditions plans to anchor its Ocean Albatros expedition ship, home to just 93 guest cabins, off the coast of Greenland at the exact center of the eclipse path.
Following the spectacular event, the 13-day itinerary follows the eastern coast of Greenland giving guests a close-up experience of the glaciers, fjords, and remote coastal communities.
