The 2026 solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12th, 2026. As Europe’s first total solar eclipse in 27 years, there is a healthy amount of interest in the breathtaking (and fleeting) eclipse. But solar eclipses cannot be seen from anywhere which means that some people are located in less than ideal locations. This unfortunate complication has led to a spike in what some call Astro-tourism, traveling for the best views to stargaze. Some travelers have taken to the idea of getting on a cruise to get the best unobstructed views of the 2026 eclipse.
A cruise journey to view the eclipse may be the solution to high travel costs in Europe or for travelers not interested in staying abroad. The convenience of cruises may be ideal for a vacation planned around an astronomical event. Cruises allow travelers to sit back and relax while their transportation is taken care of. Travelers can even purchase rooms with patio views where they can lounge out and relax with their eclipse glasses. Many cruise lines are adding or marketing their current cruises to be eclipse-viewing cruises. There have been eclipse cruises in the past, so travelers will have everything they need to enjoy the alignment.
Cruise Options for the 2026 Eclipse
These European cruises are the best journeys for travelers to see the eclipse of 2026. There are shorter-term sailing cruises and long-term cruises, so travelers have good options. Travelers can even choose from a warm eclipse-viewing vacation or a chilly getaway.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has already claimed that they will have a cruise that will sail through Spain during the time of the eclipse. The cruise is set to be on their Sky Princess ship, which is contemporarily designed and has next-level touchless technology. Travelers interested in Princess Cruises should check their website on May 23rd, 2024. This is when they will announce more information on their cruises that have viewing opportunities.
Cunard Line
Three of Cunard’s ships will be in alignment with the eclipse. Travelers who want peak views of the event can choose from different travel destinations. The Queen Anne ship embarks on a seven-night cruise through Spanish and French ports. Travelers who prefer warmer temperatures are bound to enjoy this journey on the cruise line’s newest ship. The cruise departs from Southampton, England and goes on to explore the four different destinations. On the day of the eclipse, the ship will dock at La Coruña, which is on the northwest coast of Spain.
Cunard also offers a week-long western Mediterranean cruise on the Queen Victoria ship. The ship will depart from Civitavecchia, Rome on August 10th, 2026. By the day of the eclipse, August 12th, travelers will be exploring Tarragona, Spain. Travelers can witness the eclipse while exploring the port or view it while relaxing onboard.
If travelers appreciate chillier weather, there’s a 14-night voyage that begins in Southampton, England and ends in New York. This journey will begin on August 4th and end on August 18th of 2026. Travelers will be able to explore Iceland and Norway on the Cunard cruise. On the day of the eclipse, travelers will be in Reykjavik, Iceland, a fishing village with stunning landscapes.
Holland America
The Holland America cruise line is also planning to have multiple sailings around the eclipse. These cruises will follow the popular 2024 eclipse cruises. Travelers can expect to hear more details about the three European sailings at a later date.
Albatross Expeditions
This cruise line is a polar cruise operator, which often has sailings around Antarctica. Albatros will have an Arctic cruise during the eclipse. This 13-day journey will explore West Greenland, which is a great viewing destination. The cruise departs on August 10th from Reykjavik, Iceland and returns in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
