Eclipse travel is a fascinating niche of tourism where people journey to specific locations to witness solar or lunar eclipses. Some solar eclipse chasers plan travel years in advance to position themselves in the best viewing locale.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun revealing the sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) in an other-worldly display. It suddenly becomes dark, the temperature drops and stars and planets become visible, creating a surreal night-time atmosphere in the middle of the day. If you were among those desperately seeking a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses for April 2024’s rare total solar eclipse visible over parts of Canada, time to start planning now.
When is the next total solar eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026 with a path of totality that will stretch from Siberia across eastern Greenland, Iceland, the north Atlantic, Portugal and northern Spain. Iceland will offer some of the best viewing, with the point of maximum eclipse located just outside Breiðafjörður Bay. This location offers the longest duration of totality at two minutes 18 seconds.
What makes eclipse travel special?
The experience of totality during a solar eclipse is sometimes described as profound and moving, and people seek to repeat the sight again and again. Each location in the path of totality offers a unique viewing experience based on weather, landscape, and local culture. And of course, the feeling of community that brings together people for a shared experience.
Eclipse at sea
With just a fraction of the path of the eclipse being visible from land, a cruise ship can offer a perfect viewing position. Here is a selection of special eclipse-viewing cruise options.
After two highly successful solar eclipse sailings in 2024, three ships from the Holland America Line fleet will be positioned under the path of totality for the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse. The Oosterdam will be positioned in the Mediterranean to view the eclipse off the coast of Spain. Sail aboard Zuiderdam for the popular Voyage of the Vikings cruise to take in the sights of the solar eclipse. Or, travel to Northern Europe where you can experience the total solar eclipse off the coast of Iceland aboard the Nieuw Statendam during the 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland itinerary. Nieuw Statendam will be in the path of totality at sea off the coast of northwest Iceland.
Two Virgin Voyages vessels will cruise under the path of totality for the August 2026 eclipse: in Ibiza, Spain at 100 per cent totality and in Iceland at 98.5 per cent totality. The itineraries include a lineup of tailored events, special guests, workshops and experiences guaranteed to create an unforgettable voyage. Dedicated eclipse observation areas, telescopes and binoculars plus cosmic keepsakes and special edition merchandise including Virgin Voyages eclipse glasses will be available onboard. Aboard Scarlet Lady, guests can enjoy the 12-night Total Eclipse of the Med voyage with an incredible view of the eclipse near Ibiza.
Guests aboard Celebrity Silhouette will embark on a voyage from Reykjavik, Iceland for a 7-night Northern European journey that includes eclipse viewing while at sea near the Icelandic coastline. Celebrity Silhouette is an impressive vessel that includes chic upgrades to the iconic line’s Lawn Club (who says there can’t be grass at sea?). The ship boasts more space to relax in the fresh air and 85 per cent of the ship’s staterooms are enhanced by sweeping veranda views.
The newest vessel from Princess Cruises will embark on an eclipse-viewing itinerary from Barcelona, Spain. Sun Princess will cruise past southern Spain on a 7-night Mediterranean voyage, offering guests anticipated totality for more than two minutes on August 12 before disembarking in Rome. The sailing will also include lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night and solar system-themed trivia.
Guests aboard Norwegian Star will embark from Reykjavik, Iceland for a 7-night Iceland journey around the Icelandic coast and the Faroe Islands. This breathtaking voyage circles the dramatic Icelandic coastline and ventures to the picturesque Faroe Islands, offering travellers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of these North Atlantic destinations, along with perfect positioning to view the total solar eclipse.
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