Princess Cruises is giving travelers another option for viewing the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
The cruise line already has one total solar eclipse sailing on the books for 2026. But, amid growing demand from travelers, its leaders decided to add a second option. The line’s executives re-worked Sun Princess’ route to give guests an opportunity to view the celestial spectacle.
Sun Princess will depart Barcelona on August 8, 2026. Then, it will head to a spot off the coast of southern Spain for the eclipse on August 12, where umbraphiles will be able to marvel at more than two minutes of total darkness. Astronomy experts will be onboard, and the crew will also provide safety glasses for guests to wear. Stargazing, solar system trivia, themed treats and drinks and other offerings will round out the experience.
Bookings are open for the Sun Princess 2026 Total Eclipse Voyage, with six different durations and departure dates to choose from.
“Sun Princess truly lives up to its name, offering an out-of-this-world experience with a front-row seat for a total eclipse of the sun,” says John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Following the incredible response to our solar eclipse voyages last year, we’re thrilled to have both Sky Princess and Sun Princess providing guests with the unique opportunity to experience one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.”
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Fall is finally here. As we embrace the chillier months, travel brands are already preparing for the upcoming holidays. Just in time for spooky season, Extra Holidays is offering up to 20 percent off resort stays located in cities with Halloween spirit, activities vary from family-friendly to completely frightful—you've been warned. Marriott Bonvoy is having a Fall Flash sale where members can save up to 20 percent off of weekend hotel stays, perfect for those looking for a regenerative staycation or who want to attend an away game this football season.
Island cruising usually conjures up images of crystal-clear water and bright sunshine in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, and while MSC certainly offers sailings to both these popular destinations, the cruise line is also organizing a very different kind of island voyage.
When most Americans think of cruises, they probably think of island-hopping in the Caribbean or cruising by glaciers in Alaska from afar. That may be appealing for some people, but for others, the idea of being lazy on a ship of thousands of people for a week doesn’t sound like much of a vacation.
As I watched the Indonesian port city of Labuan Bajo fade into the horizon from the aft deck of Katherina, the bars on my phone gradually diminished before vanishing altogether. I’d spend the next 10 days cruising the coasts of Flores, Komodo, and Alor with SeaTrek Sailing Adventures, during which time my iPhone would be no more than a paperweight with a fancy camera.
Sober travelers who wish to take to the seas find it nearly impossible to book an alcohol-free cruises. Major cruise lines focus heavily on alcohol consumption, trying hard to sell expensive drinks package to cruisers. In return, cruisers who paid big bucks for their drinks package tend to indulge a lot more than usual in an attempt to get their money’s worth, creating an atmosphere that’s very unhealthy for those who want to avoid booze altogether.
River cruises are soaring in popularity. They are becoming a new luxury tipple for those looking for a more intimate cruising experience on a smaller vessel. UNIWORLD is one of the leading boutique river cruise companies specializing in all-inclusive vacations. From classic routes such as The Danube and The Rhine to jungle adventures on the Peruvian Amazon, the cruise line offers exciting itineraries across the globe, with new offerings added throughout the year. One of their most extravagant trips is the Death on the Nile (without the murder) Splendors of Egypt and the Nile Cruise.
Southeastern France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is famous for some big things, from Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, and the rolling landscapes that unfurl below it to the millennia-spanning architecture that defines the region’s capital city, Lyon, and beyond. Ironically, one of the best ways to experience all that grandeur is to think small — that is, to visit the small towns that reflect the best of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes’ endless outdoor possibilities, robust agriculture and gastronomy, and long history and cultural heritage.
St. Kilda is arguably Scotland’s most storied island destination. The archipelago, inhabited for 4,000 years and evacuated of its last 36 inhabitants in 1930, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of nearly one million seabirds, including the UK’s largest colony of Atlantic Puffin. While intriguing, the westernmost island in Scotland is, unsurprisingly, a hard place to reach. But it’s not impossible. St. Hilda Sea Adventures is one of a handful of Scottish small-ship cruise lines that can take you there.
If you’re looking for a cruise but don’t like the sound of a mega-ship, river cruises offer more intimate, handcrafted experiences, taking guests to parts of the world inaccessible to larger vessels. There’s a bunch of luxury river cruise companies providing five-star service, dining, and accommodation. One of the better in Europe is Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. With nearly 40 years of experience, Scenic’s routes range from an architectural journey through the Douro Valley in Portugal to the French vineyards and romantic towns in Budapest. They offer a range of routes, but one of the most popular is the 15-day Romantic Rhine and Moselle itinerary. It explores two of Europe’s most enchanting river valleys, lesser-known historical sites, and includes a classical concert in a UNESCO-listed church in Trier, Germany.