Solar Eclipse Cruises Are Sailing This Week — And You Can Still Book One for 2027
Imagine standing on the open deck of a cruise ship, surrounded by ocean, as daylight suddenly begins to disappear.
That’s exactly what thousands of cruise passengers are preparing to experience this week.
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and Spain, with much of the path of totality passing over the ocean. That has made cruise ships one of the most exciting places to experience this year’s eclipse.
Several cruise lines created special itineraries designed around the event, positioning their ships in or near the path of totality and turning an already memorable cruise vacation into something truly unusual.
But if you're watching all of this unfold and thinking, “I wish I had booked one,” there’s some very good news:
You haven't missed your chance.
Another total solar eclipse will take place on August 2, 2027, and cruise lines are already offering special sailings built around it — with bookings still available.
Why Solar Eclipse Cruises Are So Unique
Seeing a total solar eclipse from land is incredible, but viewing one from a cruise ship offers a very different experience.
Ships can plan their itineraries around areas expected to provide excellent eclipse viewing while guests get to experience an entire cruise vacation before and after the big event.
Instead of planning an entire trip around standing in one location for a few minutes of totality, you can combine the eclipse with destinations throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.
And the August 2, 2027 eclipse should be a spectacular one.
Its path of totality will cross southern Spain, the Strait of Gibraltar, North Africa and parts of the Middle East, putting several popular Mediterranean cruising regions in an excellent position for eclipse viewing.
Cruise lines have already responded by creating special itineraries around the event.
Carnival Miracle — Solar Eclipse Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line is getting in on the action with a special Carnival Journeys sailing aboard Carnival Miracle.
The 11-day Eclipse, Spain, Portugal & France cruise departs from Dover, England, on July 29, 2027.
August 2 is specifically designated as “Solar Eclipse Scenic Cruising,” giving guests the opportunity to experience the eclipse from the ship.
The itinerary also includes European destinations such as Portugal, Spain and France.
For Carnival cruisers who have always wanted to experience a European sailing, this could be a very different way to do it.
Royal Caribbean — Mariner of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is also offering a dedicated 7-night Spain & Morocco Solar Eclipse cruise aboard Mariner of the Seas.
The cruise departs Lisbon, Portugal, on July 30, 2027 and ends in Barcelona.
The itinerary visits Tangier and Casablanca in Morocco before spending August 2 at sea for the solar eclipse. It then continues to Gibraltar, Cartagena and Palma de Mallorca.
At only seven nights, this could be one of the more approachable options for travelers who want the eclipse experience without committing to a two-week European cruise.
Celebrity Xcel — Spain & Morocco Solar Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises has another seven-night option aboard Celebrity Xcel.
The Spain & Morocco Solar Eclipse cruise departs Barcelona on July 31, 2027.
After visiting Palma de Mallorca, Celebrity Xcel spends August 2 at sea for the eclipse.
The cruise then visits Tangier, Cádiz, Málaga and Ibiza before returning to Barcelona.
This one combines the eclipse with some fantastic Mediterranean destinations while giving guests the chance to experience one of Celebrity's newest ships.
Princess Cruises — Two Solar Eclipse Sailings
Princess Cruises is planning not one, but two eclipse voyages for August 2027.
Both depart July 24, 2027.
Enchanted Princess will sail a 14-day Mediterranean itinerary round-trip from Rome, while Sky Princess will offer a 14-day sailing round-trip from Southampton.
Both itineraries are scheduled to be at sea for the August 2 eclipse.
These longer sailings could be especially appealing to travelers who want to turn the eclipse into a bigger European vacation rather than simply taking a cruise centered around the event.
Holland America — Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery
Holland America is also returning with special eclipse cruises in 2027.
One option is a 14-day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery voyage sailing round-trip from Athens from July 31 through August 14, 2027.
Holland America also has a longer 28-day Greek Isles & Solar Eclipse voyage beginning in Barcelona on July 17.
Both combine Mediterranean cruising with the opportunity to experience the August 2 eclipse at sea.
This Could Be Your Chance to Experience the Next One
One of the fun things about watching the 2026 eclipse cruises this week is knowing that this isn't your last opportunity to experience something like it.
The next total solar eclipse arrives August 2, 2027, and cruise lines have already built some incredible vacations around it.
Whether you'd rather sail Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess or Holland America, there are options ranging from week-long cruises to extended European adventures.
And unlike the ships sailing for this week's eclipse, the 2027 sailings are still far enough away that you have time to plan.
But specialty cruises like these can attract a lot of attention, especially as photos and videos from this week's eclipse cruises begin appearing online.
If experiencing a total solar eclipse from the deck of a cruise ship sounds like something that belongs on your bucket list, now is a great time to start looking at your options.
Want to Cruise the 2027 Solar Eclipse?
I can help you compare the different solar eclipse cruises, ships, itineraries, staterooms and pricing to find the sailing that works best for you.
You don't have to figure out which cruise line or itinerary makes the most sense on your own.
Contact me at Sea Life with Stacy and let’s start planning your 2027 Solar Eclipse cruise.
Because watching a total solar eclipse is pretty incredible.
Watching one from the middle of the ocean?
That might be a cruise story you'll be telling for the rest of your life.
