Solar eclipses have long captured the human imagination, and through the millennia have sparked countless myths and legends. Vikings believed they were caused by sky wolves devouring the moon and sun, while in ancient Vietnam a giant toad was said to be the culprit. Ancient Greeks, meanwhile, read them as an omen of destruction, while Inuit folklore described the natural phenomenon as a chase between estranged siblings.
Today, we may know more about the science behind them, but they still hold an endless fascination, and are something plenty of people are willing to travel to see. According to cruise.co.uk, 48 per cent of cruise travellers would be interested in watching a solar eclipse while cruising.
As Tony Andrews, its managing director, explains: “A solar eclipse is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural spectacles, and a cruise provides a unique platform from which to experience it.”
“Unlike land-based viewing, ships can often adjust their position to maximise visibility, while guests enjoy the atmosphere of sharing such a rare moment with hundreds of fellow travellers.”
Many cruise lines have responded to passengers’ desire to see a solar eclipse at sea, creating itineraries designed to coincide with them. Here are a few key dates to have in your diary:
12 August 2026: Visibility across parts of Greenland, Western Iceland and northern Spain and a small corner of Portugal, with a maximum totality lasting over two minutes.
2 August 2027: Visibility across Spain, Gibraltar, North Africa and parts of the Middle East, with a maximum totality lasting over six minutes, earning it the nickname the ‘Eclipse of the Century’.
22 July 2028: Visibility from parts of Australia, New Zealand and the Indian Ocean, with a maximum totality of over five minutes.
Without further ado, here are the five best cruises to see a solar eclipse at sea, no matter your travel style.
1. Best to avoid flying… Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen is a heritage cruise line that primarily serves the UK market. It offers an impressive line-up of no-fly cruises from a range of British ports including Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Rosyth (Edinburgh), making it an excellent choice for guests who would rather skip airport queues and cramped plane seats.
It’s also consistently popular among travellers interested in astronomy thanks to its longstanding partnership with Go Stargazing. Its scientists and experts join a variety of Fred. Olsen itineraries to run stargazing sessions, laser-guided tours of the constellations and talks on folklore and nautical navigation.
Top itinerary for 2026
Itinerary name:Northern Spain with the Solar Eclipse
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Southampton
Date of departure: 10 August 2026
Duration: 10 nights
As well as offering a phenomenal solar eclipse experience, complete with special glasses and insight from Go Stargazing experts, this sailing on Borealis will reveal ports along the Iberian Peninsula. Highlights include Vigo, with its abundant oysters, and Lisbon, where you’ll dock overnight, giving you time to see what the cosmopolitan capital has to offer beyond pastel de nata.
Top itinerary for 2027
Itinerary name: Volcanic Azores & the Solar Eclipse
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Liverpool
Date of departure: 27 July 2027
Duration: 14 nights
This adults-only cruise will take you to some of the most enviable destinations in Portugal, from its mainland to islands scattered across the Atlantic. Standout stops include an overnight in Lisbon, with plenty of time to admire the azulejos-lined streets and sip vinho verde, and a visit to Madeira, often called the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ because of its lush volcanic landscapes. Of course, the solar eclipse remains the pièce de résistance.
Bonus option: Want to bring the whole family along? Consider this Spain Siesta with the Solar Eclipse sailing from Southampton.
2. Best for families… Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is a strong contender for families and multi-gen groups. On board its ships you’ll find family-friendly accommodation, kids’ clubs tailored to specific age groups and entertainment designed to have cross-generational appeal.
On its solar eclipse sailings, the whole clan is invited to participate. Princess eclipse viewing glasses ensure guests can watch the cosmic spectacle safely, while seasoned astronomers are on hand to bring the scientific aspect to life. Celestial-themed dining adds another dimension, with eclipse-inspired cocktails for the grown-ups to toast a family holiday the kids will never forget.
Top itinerary for 2026
Itinerary name:Mediterranean with Total Solar Eclipse
Port of departure: It sails from Barcelona, ending in Rome
Date of departure: 8 August 2026
Duration: Seven days
This sailing will provide a front-row view of the total solar eclipse, as well as a whirlwind itinerary featuring Med hotspots like Gibraltar, Cartagena in Spain and La Spezia in Italy (with access to Florence and Pisa). Throw two full sea days into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
Top itinerary for 2027
Itinerary name: 14-Day Spain, France & Portugal with Total Solar Eclipse
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Southampton
Date of departure: 24 July 2027
Duration: 14 days
This cruise aboard Sky Princess has the advantage of sailing directly from a British port. As well as offering a view of the ‘Eclipse of the Century’, it will whisk guests to seven different ports across Southern Europe, putting you within easy reach of destinations like Provence and Seville.
3. Best for adults-only… Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages often bills itself as a cruise line for travellers who don’t really see themselves as “cruise people”. Its entire fleet is adults-only, which means you don’t have to worry about stray cannonballs disturbing your poolside cocktail, and the atmosphere is upscale, but never pretentious or overly formal.
Throughout your voyage you’re invited to find out what suits you, whether that’s indulging your inner foodie at 20-plus eateries, staying up late for festival-style acts or embracing complete rejuvenation with seaweed wraps at Redemption Spa.
Solar eclipse cruises are part of Virgin’s Marvellous Voyages collection and come with special programming. Think insights from astronauts, cosmic-themed cuisine and yoga under the stars.
Top itinerary for 2026
Itinerary name: Solar Eclipse: Iceland & British Isles
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Portsmouth
Date of departure: 5 August 2026
Duration: 15 nights
As well as giving you the opportunity to view a solar eclipse at sea, this voyage aboard Valiant Lady combines legendary British ports with the wild shores of Iceland. From catching comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe to hiking in the footsteps of Vikings and soaking in a thermal lagoon, it promises to be a bucket-list journey in more ways than one.
Top itinerary for 2027
Itinerary name: Solar Eclipse: Spain, Portugal and Morocco
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Barcelona
Date of departure: 28 July 2027
Duration: 11 nights
This itinerary aboard Resilient Lady combines the solar eclipse with days at sea and ones in ports across both the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic. The result is an eclectic mix of experiences. One day ashore may see you wandering the medinas of Tangier, another whale watching off the coast of Funchal or marvelling at the works of Picasso in Malaga.
4. Best for value… Ambassador Cruise Line
Seeing a total solar eclipse can be the experience of a lifetime, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost an astronomical amount. Ambassador Cruise Line prides itself on offering affordable quality. As well as competitive fares, they’ve built a reputation on transparency, with reasonable add-on packages as opposed to nickel-and-diming tactics that leave you with a surprise bill.
One reason they can pass savings onto passengers is that their ships lean traditional rather than flashy. You won’t find sprawling go-kart tracks or state-of-the-art virtual reality arcades; instead, expect an adults-only line designed for British guests who prefer the charm of classic cruising.
Top itinerary for 2026
Itinerary name: 2026 Solar Eclipse Cruise
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Dundee
Date of departure: 8 August 2026
Duration: 13 nights
This Northern European itinerary will sail to remote destinations like Reykjavík in Iceland and the Shetland Islands, as well as the waters off Ittoqqortoormiit in Greenland. The route was designed to showcase both the solar eclipse and Perseid Meteor Shower. The mysteries behind these natural phenomena will be illuminated by a roster of guest speakers, including the BBC Sky at Night’s Pete Lawrence, award-winning photographer Owen Humphreys and Go Stargazing co-founder Niell Sanders.
Top itinerary for 2027
Itinerary name: Mediterranean Moments & Solar Eclipse
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Dundee
Date of departure: 27 July 2027
Duration: 19 nights
This no-fly cruise from Scotland will sail all the way to the Med, offering opportunities to sip port in Porto, admire Moorish architecture in Almeria and dine on Andalusian cuisine in Cádiz. Other headline destinations include Alicante, where medieval fortresses await, and the enclave of Ceuta, known for its unique blend of Spanish and North African culture. The spectacular total solar eclipse off the coast of Gibraltar puts the perfect cosmic twist on a holiday spent hopping between these sun-kissed destinations.
5. Best for luxury… Windstar Cruises
Stepping aboard a Windstar ship is a million miles away from the high-octane holiday you’d get aboard a megaship, where dozens of restaurants and bars, West End-style shows and never-ending water parks vie for your attention. Instead, Windstar offers a far more intimate, private yacht-like ambience aboard its fleet of small ships.
This makes the line a natural choice for travellers looking for refined, understated luxury – spending their days diving off the marina platform directly into the sea, sampling menus developed in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and immersing themselves in local cultures with the help of an expertly curated enrichment programme.
Top itinerary for 2026
Itinerary name: Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia: A Total Solar Eclipse
Port of departure: It sails from Civitavecchia, Rome, ending in Barcelona
Date of departure: 6 August 2026
Duration: Seven nights
Guests will be invited to observe the heavenly alignment aboard the four-masted sailing yacht Wind Spirit. When they aren’t looking to the skies, they’ll have time to explore boutique ports that larger ships simply cannot navigate. Alghero, on the island of Sardinia, is a prime example. Here, away from the crowds of well-trodden tourist spots, you can dine on lobster and white wine against the backdrop of fishing boats bobbing in the turquoise sea.
Top itinerary for 2027
Itinerary name: Total Solar Eclipse from Greece and Malta
Port of departure: It sails roundtrip from Athens
Date of departure: 27 July 2027
Duration: Nine nights
Passengers aboard the 342-guest sailing yacht Wind Surf will enjoy a prime eclipse viewing spot near Malta, alongside access to a variety of sought-after ports across the Mediterranean. Notable ports include Gozo, an island long thought to be the mythical Ogygia in Homer’s Odyssey, and Gythion, famed for its ouzeries and Roman relics. Syracuse, where golden limestone palaces meet shaded piazzas, is another jewel to round things out.
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