Cruise Blogs

Total Solar Eclipse Cruises 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Now is the time to begin your search for a total solar eclipse cruise 2026, as excitement builds ahead of the celestial spectacular. Mark your calendar for 12 August 2026, when the skies are set to put on an incredible show across parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

Events such as these don’t come around often – the last one visible in UK skies was back in 1999 – so it pays to plan ahead to make the most of the experience. This is where total solar eclipse cruises 2026 come into the mix; not only will you be able to explore some amazing ports of call, but the addition of the solar eclipse is guaranteed to make a memorable holiday!

Where Can I See the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse?

The 2026 Solar Eclipse will pass over the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Ocean, Portugal, and northern Spain.

The greatest eclipse and duration will occur 28 miles off the western coast of Iceland. Here, the total solar eclipse will last two minutes and 18.21 seconds. However, providing the skies are clear, you should benefit from a great view at various locations throughout Europe.

Why Embark On a Total Solar Eclipse Cruise?

Total solar eclipse cruises 2026 offer a variety of itineraries, each tailored to provide the best viewing opportunities, whether you are sailing across tranquil waters or anchoring in secluded bays known for their clear skies. Whether you set sail on a solar eclipse cruise from UK or embark on a fly-cruise, you are guaranteed an unforgettable holiday.

But the eclipse is just one highlight of your journey. The cruises also offer opportunities to explore new destinations, encounter local cultures, and enjoy the natural beauty of the seas and shores along your route.

Solar eclipse cruises 2026 from the UK

Arcadia | Iceland | 16 Nights | 5 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in Isafjordur, Iceland

The Icelandic fishing town of Isafjordur serves as an ideal gateway for those eager to explore the exceptional landscapes of the West Fjords and, for one day only, the 2026 total solar eclipse. 

The event kicks off at 16:42, with the total eclipse occurring approximately an hour later. Given this is Iceland’s first total eclipse since 1954, expect to stand alongside locals who are equally as mesmerised by the spectacle.

View the P&O Cruises 2026 solar eclipse cruise >>

P&O Cruises Ventura | Spain & Portugal | 14 Nights | 5 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in: El Ferrol, Spain

You can also embark on P&O Cruises Ventura for a solar eclipse cruise – the ship will dock in El Ferrol, located on the north-west coast of Spain, for the celestial event. Prepare for an unforgettable evening with your gaze fixed skywards; the eclipse starts at 19:30, with totality reached around an hour later. Shortly after, the day will end with a beautiful sunset.

See the details of the cruise here >>

View our exclusive solar eclipse Cruise & Stay package >> 

Sky Princess | Mediterranean | 14 Nights | 8 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse: At Sea

This cruise is special as it features an opportunity to view a total eclipse from the sea near the coast of Spain. While experiencing the eclipse, guests aboard the Sky Princess can gather on the upper decks, equipped with protective Princess safety glasses for safe viewing. The cruise will be enhanced with lectures by astronomy experts and themed refreshments. Additional activities include nightly stargazing, solar system-themed trivia, and more.

Cruise No Longer Available

Queen Mary 2 | Norway & Iceland | 14 Nights | 4 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in: Reykjavik, Iceland

Queen Mary 2 will be docked in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, for an overnight stay. Guests can witness this remarkable spectacle whether they are tasting the local Icelandic seafood specialties, savouring the renowned onboard Afternoon Tea, or stepping back onto the ship from a shore excursion. Plus, with the Queen Mary 2 moored in Reykjavik for the night, there will be ample time to delve into the city’s finest sights and experiences, soaking in the culture during the sunlit days and under the nocturnal sky.

View the 2026 total solar eclipse on a Cunard cruise >>

Queen Anne | Spain & France | 7 Nights | 9 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in: La Coruña, Spain

As the moon casts its shadow over the sun, imagine setting sail from the Spanish port of La Coruña, aboard Queen Anne in the early evening. Your day could be filled with wandering through Spanish lanes, sampling tapas in the Old Town of La Coruña, or marvelling at the majestic views from the Tower of Hercules. After exploring, retreat to the comfort of Queen Anne and enjoy the diminishing sunlight on the deck, cocktail in hand, with your viewing glasses poised for an optimal eclipse viewing experience as you glide away from the harbour. It’s the epitome of a perfect day.

Solar eclipse cruise on board Cunard’s Queen Anne >>

Nieuw Statendam | Iceland & Greenland | 28 Nights | 24 Jul 2026

See the solar eclipse: Off the coast of Greenland

This Holland America solar eclipse cruise 2026 from the UK takes you to prime viewing territory, as Nieuw Statendam travels right into the path of totality. Iceland and Greenland are abundant with incredible ports of call no matter when you visit, but this extra-special event will ensure your journey is even more remarkable.

See the total solar eclipse in Greenland >>

Fly-Cruises

Queen Victoria | Western Mediterranean | 7 Nights | 10 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in: Tarragona, Spain

On August 12, Queen Victoria will anchor in the historic town of Tarragona, Spain. Spend the day exploring the Roman ruins of Tarraco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can sit on the amphitheatre’s ancient stone steps overlooking the vast ocean and sky. 

When you return to the ship for the early evening eclipse, Queen Victoria offers a variety of prime viewing spots. With plenty of deck space, outdoor pools, and deck bars, you’ll find a perfect place to unwind and watch as the moon passes in front of the sun, all while reflecting on your day’s adventures ashore.

Fly to the Mediterranean to see the eclipse >>

Scarlet Lady | Mediterranean | 12 Nights | 10 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in: Ibiza, Spain

Virgin Voyages is going all out for the 2026 solar eclipse, and promises plenty of onboard extras that will really make the experience memorable. Expect talks from astronauts and astronomers, cosmic cuisine and yoga under the stars in what is guaranteed to be a total solar eclipse 2026 cruise like no other. There will also be some out-of-this-world merchandise available to buy on board.

Call 01246 819819 for more details.

MS Spitsbergen | Greenland, Iceland & Svalbard | 17 Days | 3 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in: Scoresby Sound, Greenland

Setting sail from Svalbard, you will journey to the largest national park in the world, located in East Greenland and spanning a massive 375,000 square miles. Next, you’ll travel south to Scoresby Sound to experience the spectacular total solar eclipse. This extensive network of fjords and glaciers, covers over 24,000 square miles and is where you can expect majestic fjord landscapes, historical ruins, abundant Arctic wildlife. Your voyage concludes as you cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland, ending in the charming and cultural city of Reykjavík.

Call 01246 819819 for more details.

Star Pride | Iceland | 7 Nights | 10 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse in: Isafjordur, Iceland

The total solar eclipse will pass directly over the western coast of Iceland, where luxury cruise line Windstar’s Star Pride will be perfectly positioned to experience the totality. This is just one of the ways in which you’ll encounter incredible Iceland, with its unique, otherworldly landscapes and near 24-hour midnight sun.

Call 01246 819819 for more details.

Scenic Eclipse | Greenland & Iceland | 14 Nights | 4 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse at: Blosseville Coast, East Greenland

Experience the total solar eclipse in the wild heart of East Greenland. The partial eclipse starts at 16:37 local time, setting the stage for the totality at 17:37. You and your fellow passengers will gather on deck as you eagerly await the first beams of sunlight peeking out beyond the moon, creating the spectacular ‘diamond ring’ effect. While this will signal the end of this incredible spectacle, it is a moment that will live on in your holiday memories forever.

Azamara Quest | Ireland | 12 Nights | 7 Aug 2026

See the solar eclipse: At Sea

This Azamara solar eclipse cruise will be at sea for the big event, where light pollution is at a minimum and you can truly appreciate this amazing spectacle. You won’t have to stray far from home shores, either, as this Irish adventure starts in Dublin and ends in Portsmouth.

Luxury total solar eclipse cruise >>

bccemma

Recent Posts

Northern Lights Cruises: 6 of the Best

Here are just some of the best Northern Lights cruises departing over the coming months,…

5 days ago

Oceania to Expand Inclusive Offering

Oceania Cruises is set to introduce Your World Included, which will encompass shipboard gratuities for…

2 weeks ago

Your September 2024 Update from Michael Wilson

I was delighted to see business bounce back strongly in August after a quieter period…

2 weeks ago

Free Drinks Package on Selected Fred. Olsen Cruises

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering a complimentary drinks package on a selection of sailings…

2 weeks ago

What is the Ambassador Drinks Package … and How Can I Buy It?

There are four Ambassador drinks packages to choose from - but are they worth it?

2 weeks ago

Viking Releases New China Voyages in 2025

Viking has unveiled six exciting new itineraries for Asia in 2025, offering exclusive access to…

3 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.