See the Next Total Solar Eclipse From the Sea on These 35 Cruises

10.12.2024 - 21:46 / matadornetwork.com / Cruises

We’ve all gone gaga for eclipses. Whether total, partial, annular, solar or lunar, we want to see them all, preferably from the best vantage point. For some, that means planning a few days in a prime viewing location, while for others, that translates to booking a special eclipse flight like the ones Southwest and Delta organized for the April 8, 2024 celestial event. Some go as far as booking cruises like the sailings Princess Cruises and Holland America Line scheduled earlier this spring specifically for the phenomenon.

While the next solar eclipses to cross the US won’t happen for another little while (2033 in Alaska, 2044 in Montana and North Dakota, and 2045 in 11 states across the nation), there will be a solar eclipse happening in 2026, but you’re going to have to travel for it. The path of totality of the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse will cover parts of Eastern Greenland, the west coast of Iceland, large swathes of Spain, and a good chunk of the Atlantic ocean.

The space between the blue lines represents the path of totality of the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse. This is where you’ll want to be. Map: NASA

17 cruise lines and touring companies have already created a total of 35 itineraries that will coincide perfectly with the astronomical event, making sure they’ll be right on the path of totality when the moon will travel between Earth and the sun, fully blocking out the sunlight for a short moment. With so many opportunities to see the 2026 solar eclipse from the sea, all you have to do is pick the one that suits you best. But don’t procrastinate too long, because the following 2026 solar eclipse cruises are sure to sell out fast — Carnival’s solar eclipse cruise for 2026 is already full.

Photo: StudioPonant-Nath Michel

Luxury and exploration-focused cruise line Ponant is partnering with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, to offer travelers to chance to see the 2026 total solar eclipse over Palma de Mallorca, the largest island in Spain’s Balearic archipelago. On August 12, 2026, on the second day of the sailing, after an afternoon of visiting the island, guests will be able to witness the eclipse starting at 7:38 PM and until it reaches totality at 8:31 PM. They’ll even stay a little longer to see the sunset at 8:49 PM.

Two Princess Cruises ships will be at the right place and the right time to view the solar eclipse in 2026: The Sky Princess and the Sun Princess. There is one possible 14-day itinerary to book to see the event from the Sky Princess, and six itineraries, ranging from seven to 21 days, available for those who would prefer to travel onboard the cruise line’s newest ship, the Sun Princess. While guests on board the Sky Princess will see the