A total solar eclipse is one of the rarest and most exciting natural events. The most recent total eclipse in the United States was in April 2024, and the next one will not occur in the country until August 2044.
Luckily, the world won't have to wait decades for another total solar eclipse as another one is set to happen in August 2026 across Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and northern Spain. However, experts say this eclipse's best view may not be on dry land.
Instead, many eclipse enthusiasts will view the event from the sea, aboard cruise ships positioned in the path of totality, to get a front-row seat to the next total solar eclipse.
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Why Cruise Ships Offer The Best Eclipse Experience
The weather can make or break an eclipse experience. While viewing the event from land may have challenges, namely cloud cover, cruise ships can easily maneuver to avoid bad weather conditions. This flexibility increases the chances of seeing the full unobstructed eclipse.
Cruise ships also offer panoramic ocean views with minimal land or light pollution, allowing passengers to see stars and planets in the sky during totality or when the moon fully covers the sun. During totality, onlookers may also see a 360-degree sunset from the sun's rays just outside the moon's shadow, which would be difficult to experience on land due to obstructions.
Beyond having optimal visibility, experiencing an eclipse on a cruise ship is more comfortable and convenient. There's no need to stake out a viewing spot or be in large crowds. Most cruise lines offering a 2026 eclipse cruise will organize viewing events for you. All you have to do is show up.
Advantages of viewing the 2026 total solar eclipse from a cruise ship
Flexibility of positioning in the most optimal position for viewing Open, unobstructed views from the deck of a ship Witness totality with two-thirds of the path of totality over open water Guaranteed physical space for comfortable and convenient viewing
Eclipse glasses (with special-purpose solar filters), which are specially designed to filter out harmful rays, must be used during the eclipse's partial phases. During totality, when the sun is completely covered, it is safe to look directly at the eclipse without protection for the brief period of darkness.
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Several Cruise Lines Will Offer 2026 Eclipse Cruises
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Several cruise lines are already booking eclipse-viewing voyages in preparation for the 2026 total solar eclipse across Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and northern Spain. Princess Cruises offers three different itineraries for the August 12 event, which will be positioned off the coast of Spain and experience close to 100 percent totality. Passengers will view the eclipse from the top decks of each ship and are encouraged to set up telescopes. Holland America Line will also offer several itineraries for eclipse enthusiasts with 100 percent totality views. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is offering a 9-night Spanish Flair & Solar Eclipse cruise aboard the Liberty of the Seas, one of the older ships in the fleet.
Princess Cruises
The Enchanted Princess will depart Rome, Italy, for a 14-day Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise, including eclipse viewing off the coast of eastern Spain. The Sky Princess will sail from Southampton, England, with eclipse views near Bilbao, Spain. The Sun Princess offers flexible 7-, 14-, and 21-day itineraries from Barcelona, Spain, and Athens, Greece. All of these itineraries will experience the eclipse off the coast of Cartagena, Spain.
Holland America
The 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse With Barcelona Overnight itinerary onboard the Oosterdam sails from Lisbon, Portugal, to Athens, Greece. Passengers will view the eclipse while stopping off the coast of Alicante, Spain. The 28-Day Legendary Solar Eclipse With Greenland & Scotland itinerary aboard the Nieuw Statendam is perfect for those looking for a longer voyage. The ship departs from Dover (London), England, and includes stops in Greenland, Iceland, and Scotland. The 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings itinerary aboard the Zuiderdam departs from Boston and visits ports in Greenland, Iceland, and Europe, with eclipse viewing opportunities near Iceland.
Royal Caribbean
The ship departs from Southampton, England, and stops in Spain and Portugal. On August 12, it will be positioned off the coast of La Coruna, Spain, for 100 percent totality.
Except during the brief totality phase, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection. Even during the partial phases of an eclipse, it is equally dangerous to do so.
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Iceland Could Be A Better Viewing Location For Some
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Although the 2026 total solar eclipse will pass over several countries, Iceland, the safest country in the world, has a unique advantage. Because of its location near the Arctic Circle, Iceland will experience the longest totality duration, which will be two minutes and 18 seconds.
However, there's a catch. Iceland's weather is notorious for being unpredictable. The country's official tourism page states that clear skies are likely in August, but Spain and Portugal might have better overall weather statistics.
"Although Iceland may not be known for the best weather generally, August is one of the best times for clear skies, with about a 40% chance of clear weather. While Spain and Portugal may have better statistical chances for clear skies, they offer shorter durations of totality and are more affected by light pollution."
For some travelers, Iceland's longer totality duration is a clear benefit. But others may feel like it's not worth risking inclement weather. One thing is for sure, though. Viewing the 2026 total solar eclipse from a cruise ship will provide the best visibility, convenience, and experience.