See the next solar eclipse from a true dark sky zone
In August 2026, a total solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Spain, Portugal, and a large chunk of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. These cruises will take you into the path of totality.
When the sun, Earth, and new moon perfectly align, we get the chance to see a solar eclipse. This celestial phenomenon is one of the most unique experiences you can witness. In fact, the most recent total solar eclipse across the United States drew millions of people outside to see nightfall in the middle of the day. On August 12, 2026, the next solar eclipse's path of totality is going over a large chunk of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, which means that a cruise may be the best way to see it.
Many of the best family-friendly and luxury cruise lines are hosting solar eclipse cruises that will bring travelers into the path of totality. These cruises are often filled with folks who chase eclipses around the globe, experts on space and eclipses, and those who just want to see the cosmic phenomena from a new vantage point. Even better, since cruise ships can maneuver to the best viewing spots, cruisers won’t miss the event due to clouds.
Atlas Ocean Voyages: Journey of the Solar Eclipse
Date: August 9 to August 16, 2026
One of the shorter solar eclipse cruise options is the Journey of the Solar Eclipse with Atlas Ocean Voyages. The cruise sails from Spain to Monaco, with a stop in the Mediterranean Sea on August 12 to view the eclipse. Onboard, an astronomer will give lectures and guide passengers through the solar eclipse experience. And with fewer than 200 people on the ship, passengers can get all of their questions about eclipses answered. Besides seeing the eclipse, travelers will be able to sunbathe in Ibiza, Spain, enjoy the iconic city of Cannes, France, and try their luck at the Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Holland America Line: 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse With Barcelona Overnight
Date: August 9 to August 22, 2026
Those looking for a longer sailing with multiple stops around the Mediterranean may enjoy this 13-day solar eclipse cruise with Holland America Line. The nearly two-week sailing starts in Lisbon, Portugal, and ends in Athens, Greece. The ship will sail near the coast of Spain for eclipse viewing, which is sure to be a highlight of the sailing. The best vantage point will be from the upper decks, where a momentary dark sky will wash over the pool and surrounding lounge chairs. Additionally, guests will be able to visit ports like Barcelona, Spain; Corsica, France; Puglia, Italy; and Kotor, Montenegro.
HX Solar Eclipse Expedition 2026
Date: August 3 to August 19, 2026
Travelers looking for a mix of relaxation, education, and adventure can book the 17-day Solar Eclipse Expedition 2026 cruise with HX. Guests will view the eclipse from Scoresby Sund, where fjords and glaciers dot the world’s largest fjord system. This will make viewing the eclipse even more memorable. And since this is an expedition cruise, passengers can also expect nature walks, wildlife sightings, and small watercraft landings on remote beaches and islands.
Silversea 12 Day Nice to Nice Cruise
Date: August 6 to August 16, 2026
Take in the 2026 solar eclipse from the Balearic Sea on this 12-day Nice to Nice cruise with Silversea. After embarking in Nice, France, the ship will sail along the southern coast of the country, then towards Italy and Spain. After an exciting day in Ibiza on August 12, the ship will drop anchor within the path of totality for optimal viewing of the eclipse. Along with the incredible show from the cosmos, guests are treated like stars with butler service in every suite, a nearly one-to-one ratio of guests to crew, and unlimited pours of Champagne.
Regent Seven Seas Mighty Fjords & Nordic Grace
Date: August 1 to August 15, 2026
Luxury travelers who want to see the eclipse from sea can book the Mighty Fjords & Nordic Grace itinerary from Regent Seven Seas. The 14-night cruise starts in Reykjavik, Iceland, then travels to Norway, where passengers will see the eclipse from Eidfjord. The eclipse cruise will feature themed deck parties and commemorative gifts, plus expert insight and eclipse guidance from NASA astronaut instructor, Lt. Col. Ken Verderame. While the eclipse is the highlight of the cruise, other always-included amenities are shore excursions, food and beverage, unlimited spa access, laundry service, and Wi-Fi.
Seabourn 14-Day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse
Date: August 8 to August 22, 2026
Sail from London, England, to Reykjavik, Iceland, on Seabourn’s 14-day West Ireland & Solar Eclipse cruise. The itinerary stops at Cornwall, United Kingdom; Galway, Ireland; and Oban, Scotland, with a day in the middle for the eclipse. The captain will find the best spot in the open ocean for viewing. As the skies go dark, be sure to have cameras ready for photos as the stars come out for a few minutes. Leading up to the big event, guests can learn about eclipses from experts during daily enrichment lectures and even see how the captain will find the best spot to view with the ship’s open bridge policy, allowing cruisers to get a peek behind the curtain into ocean navigation.
Virgin Voyages’ Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice
Date: August 5 to August 20, 2026
Set sail on Virgin Voyages’ Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice for a truly spectacular eclipse cruise. During the 15-night itinerary, the ship will circumnavigate the entirety of Iceland and the United Kingdom with stops in Dublin, Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Reykjavik, Iceland. Cruisers will be able to see the eclipse from the waters between Iceland and the UK, making for impeccable dark skies. And the eclipse isn’t the only thing to celebrate on this cruise, since guests will be able to dance the night away with the line’s iconic Scarlet Night and pajama parties under the stars.
Arctic Eclipse Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada
Date: August 9 to August 24, 2026
Travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise experience can book the Arctic Eclipse Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland and Canada cruise with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. The 16-day cruise on National Geographic Explorer carries just 148 people, so cruisers truly get immersed in the culture of each destination, can learn from experts in various fields, and even get hands-on photography lessons from a National Geographic photo expert. The cruise starts in Reykjavik, Iceland, before heading to Greenland, where glaciers and vikings take center stage. While crossing the Denmark Strait, travelers can marvel at the solar eclipse. The itinerary wraps up with a few days exploring Canada's Labrador Coast, where polar bears can be seen.
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