When the Stars Align: 2026 Eclipse Cruises

A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of the globe on August 12, 2026

Visible in regions such as Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain, It’s no wonder that people travel thousands of miles just to stand in that shadow. Throughout history, eclipses have stirred myth, reverence, and emotion. In many cultures, they were seen as omens — not of fear, but of transformation.

The Science Behind a total solar eclipse 

A total solar eclipse is one of the universe’s most profound natural events — a rare celestial alignment where the Moon slips perfectly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow across our planet and momentarily dimming day into night. 

Here’s where it gets poetic – the Moon happens to be 400 times smaller than the Sun but also 400 times closer to Earth. A cosmic coincidence that allows it to fit perfectly over the Sun’s disk when viewed from Earth. It's an act of proportion so precise it feels intentional. 

Few experiences compare to witnessing a total eclipse at sea on a solar eclipse cruise— far from light pollution, embraced by endless panoramic horizons, and immersed in the awe of nature’s raw drama. Experience the rush of an expedition cruise while being surrounded in the creature comforts you expect, and some surprises too. 

Plan your 2026 solar eclipse cruise with MVT for VIP amenities like onboard spend credits, free suite upgrades & exclusive prices

🧭 Holland America Line – Arctic & Iceland Solar Eclipse Cruise

Route: Iceland-focused sailings with eclipse path alignment
Highlights:

• Known for exceptional scenic routing and enrichment
• Ideal for mature travelers and serious stargazers
• Eclipse watch party on deck with hot drinks and blankets

🌟 Seabourn – Ultra-Luxury Solar Eclipse Expedition

Ship: Seabourn Venture
Route: Iceland & Greenland in the Path of Totality
Highlights:

• Expedition meets elegance: submarines, Zodiacs, and fine wine
• Personal suite hosts and world-class cuisine
• Hosted by guest scientists and eclipse commentators

🌊 Viking Expeditions

Route: Iceland & Greenland Total Eclipse Sailings
Ship: Viking Polaris or Octantis
Highlights:

• Onboard astronomers and scientists
• All-balcony staterooms with expedition gear lockers
• Immersive lectures and high-tech observation

❄️ Aurora Expeditions

Route: Greenland, Iceland & Arctic Eclipse Adventure
Ship: Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle
Highlights:

• Zodiac landings, hikes, and polar plunges
• Intimate ship size with deep scientific focus
• Eclipse viewing positioned for clarity and minimal cloud risk
• Expert-led stargazing and eclipse interpretation
• Sustainability-focused

💠 Silversea – Ultra-Luxury Eclipse Voyages

Routes: Mediterranean Eclipse Sailings
Ships: Silver Shadow, Silver Muse
Highlights:

• All-suite accommodations with butler service
• Intimate ships offering personalized luxury
• Curated itineraries aligning with the eclipse path
• Gourmet dining and immersive shore excursions
• Ideal for travelers seeking a refined and exclusive eclipse experience

🌌 HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Route: Icelandic Eclipse & Arctic Exploration
Ship: MS Roald Amundsen or MS Fridtjof Nansen
Highlights:

• Hybrid-powered sustainability
• Eclipse education with onboard experts
• Citizen science programs
• Cozy Nordic style with excellent cuisine

📸 Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic

Route: Arctic Circle & Iceland Eclipse Exploration
Highlights:

• Guided by Nat Geo photographers and astronomers
• Strong focus on wildlife, geology, and polar science
• Top-tier camera gear rentals and workshops

🌍 Oceania Cruises

Route: Spain & Northern Mediterranean Eclipse Voyages
Highlights:

• Elegant, culturally immersive ports like Bilbao or San Sebastián
• Excellent cuisine and onboard comfort
• Perfect for those wanting to combine cultural immersion with the eclipse experience

🛳️ Carnival Cruise Line 

Route: Spain & North Atlantic Special Eclipse Sailings
Highlights:

• Family-friendly, high-energy eclipse viewing events
• Eclipse-themed parties and activities
• Affordable option for eclipse chasers seeking fun at sea

👑 Cunard – Queen Mary 2: Eclipse & Atlantic Grandeur

Route: Transatlantic or Northern Spain/Iceland Eclipse Voyages
Highlights:

• Classic British elegance and white-glove service
• Guest astronomers and enrichment lectures
• Afternoon tea under the Moon’s shadow? Yes, ple

🛥️ Azamara – Boutique Voyages in the Path of Totality

Routes: Iceland, Canada, Ireland, Mediterranean
Ships: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Onward
Highlights:

• Intimate ships with a destination-immersive focus
• Tailored eclipse itineraries with prime viewing locations
• Guest astronomers, enrichment lectures, and extended port stays
• Elegant onboard atmosphere with a strong cultural and wellness focus

🌐 Atlas Ocean Voyages 

Routes: Iceland & Greenland, or Barcelona to Monte Carlo
Ships: World Navigator, World Traveller
Highlights:

• Small, yacht-style ships with an upscale expedition feel
• Hosted by resident astronomers for expert-led eclipse viewing
• All-inclusive: airfare, excursions, premium drinks, and more
• Carefully routed for eclipse totality and scenic Arctic beauty

🚀 Virgin Voyages – The Celestial Party at Sea

Routes: Mediterranean and Iceland/UK
Ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady
Highlights:

• Stylish, adults-only ships with a modern, energetic vibe
• Themed eclipse experiences including dance parties and stargazing
• “Marvelous Voyages” events with guest speakers and curated entertainment
• High totality coverage (100% off Ibiza, ~98% in Iceland)
• A bold choice for travelers who want both cosmic wonder and cocktails under the stars

🌅 Princess Cruises – Mediterranean Magic Meets Celestial Spectacle

Routes: Mediterranean & Adriatic Total Solar Eclipse Voyages
Ships: Sun Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess
Highlights:

• Multiple itineraries ranging from 7 to 21 days, designed to position guests in the path of totality

• Sun Princess: Offers various Mediterranean voyages, including a 21-day Best of the Mediterranean cruise departing July 25, 2026, and a 14-day Mediterranean cruise from Athens to Rome starting August 1, 2026

🌠 Ponant – French Elegance Meets Celestial Wonder

Routes: Mediterranean, Iceland to Ireland, and Arctic Circle
Ships: Le Boréal, Le Lapérouse, Le Lyrial
Highlights:

• Three exclusive eclipse itineraries crafted for optimal viewing
• Guest experts including astronauts and astronomers onboard
• Mediterranean Voyage: August 6–14, 2026, from Nice, featuring experts Serge Brunier and Joe Rao
• Iceland to Ireland Voyage: August 10–18, 2026, from Reykjavík to Dublin, with astronaut Jean-François Clervoy
• Arctic Circle Voyage: August 1–14, 2026, from Longyearbyen to Reykjavík, featuring astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré
• All-inclusive luxury with French flair, including gourmet dining and immersive shore excursions
• Prices starting from €6,390 per person, depending on the itinerary and stateroom selection
• Unparalleled eclipse viewing positioned in the path of totality for each voyage