by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:25 AM ET, Thu August 13, 2026
Guests aboard Cunard's Queen Anne witnessed the 2026 total solar eclipse from northwestern Spain (Photo Credit: Cunard)
On Wednesday, a total solar eclipse swept across portions of the Northern Hemisphere, as the Moon passed directly between Earth and the Sun and briefly blocked the Sun’s disk. The path of totality stretched from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland and across Spain, with the surrounding regions experiencing a partial eclipse.
The event drew millions of skywatchers, including many who watched from cruise ships positioned along the eclipse’s path. With ships able to move into areas offering favorable views—and the open ocean providing an unobstructed horizon—cruising offered a particularly memorable way to experience the brief darkness of totality.
Thousands of guests gathered on decks across three Holland America Line ships to witness the rare phenomenon, enjoying clear skies and strategic positioning aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
Two ships were positioned off the coast of Iceland, while a third was off the coast of Spain, providing two very different perspectives to the eclipse. Eclipse experts gave viewing guidance to guests ahead of time, along with glasses and advice to view the eclipse safely.
Thousands of Holland America Line guests enjoyed the eclipse aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam (Photo Credit: Holland America Line)
“Watching a total solar eclipse unfold at sea was an unforgettable experience,” says Werner Timmers, captain of Nieuw Statendam. “One of the advantages of viewing an eclipse from a ship is the ability to carefully position the vessel for optimal conditions. Combined with an unobstructed horizon, it created a remarkable way to experience this rare phenomenon and was one of the highlights of my career as a captain.”
Meanwhile, guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Legend also had a front-row seat to the celestial event while the ship was at sea. The eclipse took place in the middle of an 11-day Carnival Journeys voyage that departed from Dover, England, and is taking guests to destinations in Spain, Portugal, Belgium and France.
Carnival provided special eclipse viewing glasses for all guests. The celebration included special eclipse programming, while themed entertainment, beverage offerings and other activities continuing throughout the voyage.
Guests aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Legend also had a front-row seat to the celestial event while the ship was at sea (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Travelers sailing aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne also got to witness the eclipse as it unfolded over northwestern Spain. Guests aboard Queen Anne enjoyed the spectacle during her seven-night round-trip voyage from Southampton.
Looking ahead, cruise lines are already gearing up for 2027 solar eclipses.
Carnival will offer three solar eclipse cruises in 2027, including a 16-day Carnival Journeys sailing aboard Carnival Firenze that will place guests in prime position to witness an annular solar eclipse on February 6, 2027. Departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina on February 2, 2027, the voyage will continue to Rio de Janeiro and Maceio in Brazil, Grenada, Martinique and St. Maarten.
Additionally, Carnival Sunshine departs Barcelona, Spain, on July 25 for a 10-day Mediterranean voyage positioned for the August 2, 2027, eclipse. Carnival Miracle departs Dover, England, on July 29 for an 11-day Carnival Journeys sailing featuring a dedicated day at sea for eclipse viewing.
Holland America Line will have two dedicated eclipse cruises, with Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam positioning in the path of totality off the coasts of Morocco and Tunisia.
Guests seeking a longer journey can sail aboard Nieuw Statendam’s 28-day “Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer” itinerary, departing July 10, 2027. Sailing roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, the voyage explores 13 ports across Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Morocco, including overnight stays in Tilbury (London) and Barcelona.
Oosterdam’s 14-day “Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery” voyage departs July 31, 2027, sailing roundtrip from Athens. The ship will sail to a prime viewing position off the coast of Tunisia before continuing to ports in Tunisia, Malta, Italy and Greece. An extended call in Valletta, Malta, gives guests time to explore the Royal Malta Observatory and learn more about the history of astronomy, navigation and the study of the stars.
Cunard will have two ships positioned in prime viewing locations for the next total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. Queen Victoria will be in Tangier, Morocco, during her 14-night voyage to Portugal, Spain and Morocco, while Queen Elizabeth will be sailing from Valletta, Malta, to Split, Croatia, during her 14-night Mediterranean and Adriatic voyage.
In addition, guests sailing on select Cunard voyages on August 28, 2026, will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse at sea.
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