20 MARKETWATCH Across many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, 12 August 2026 will provide a rare chance to witness a total or partial solar eclipse as the moon’s orbit takes it in front of the sun. According to the National Solar Observatory, the path of totality will cross Iceland, Ireland, Great Britain, Portugal, France, Italy, the Balkans and North Africa. However, the best spot will be 20 miles off the western coast of Iceland, which is why several cruise lines have created solar eclipse itineraries to offer guests an unrivalled vantage point to witness this celestial event. On AE Expeditions’ 15-day ‘Jewels of the Arctic’ itinerary, which begins in Norway, Greg Mortimer will drop anchor off the coast of Greenland for the solar eclipse on 12 August. Totality is expected to last for two minutes and 18 seconds, but the cruise line will provide lunch onboard before guests gather on deck to witness the eclipse and then attend a celebration dinner. Azamara Cruises has planned three solar eclipse voyages: the 11-night Mediterranean cruise to Greece, Turkey and Italy onboard Azamara Onward; the 12-night ‘Ireland Intensive’ itinerary onboard Azamara Quest; and the 18-night Iceland and Canada cruise onboard Azamara Journey. “At Azamara Cruises, we’re always striving to deliver new and incredible experiences for our guests,” said Michael Pawlus, head of itinerary planning at Azamara Cruises. “The rare opportunity to include solar eclipse sailings in 2026 is very exciting and we are thrilled to deliver such a unique offering.” Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Legend will sail an 11-day ‘Carnival Journeys Eclipse’ cruise departing from Dover in the UK on 9 August. The ship will call at ports in Spain, Portugal and France, and will drop anchor at sea on 12 August to enable guests to view the eclipse. “The chance to see a total solar eclipse while having fun exploring the cultural richness of Spain, Portugal and France aboard Carnival Legend, is a truly special opportunity – among a lineup of many phenomenal cruises,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) ship Spitsbergen will set sail from Svalbard in Norway on 3 August for its 17-night ‘Solar Eclipse Expedition’ cruise, which will call at ports in Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland. On 12 August, guests can watch the solar eclipse surrounded by the fjords and glaciers of the Scoresby Sound. Following the eclipse, the ship will sail across the Denmark Strait to Iceland, ending in Reykjavík. Meanwhile, Princess Cruises will offer solar eclipse cruises from 8 August 2026 onboard two of its ships; Sky Princess Cruise lines launch special solar eclipse cruises Several operators are offering guests an unrivalled vantage point for the celestial event, which is expected in August 2026 Photo: Unsplash/Adam Dutton
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=