The best 2027 solar eclipse cruises to book now
Did you miss this year’s eclipse? Cruise lines are already offering sailings to view next year’s astral phenomenon
Konoly
If you missed this summer’s total solar eclipse in Europe, the good news is that there is another chance in 2027 - and one of the best viewpoints could be a cruise ship.
The 2026 total solar eclipse was the first that was visible from Europe in the 21st century and also the first of its kind since 1999.
The rare phenomenon took place on 12 August 2026, with the moon passing directly between the Earth and the sun – known as the “path of totality” – casting a shadow over land and sea that created an eerie twilight.
Eclipse glasses sold out online so people could view it safely and many guests on cruise ships had the best views from the top decks across European waters.
There is another chance to see a total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 and the best views will be in southern Spain, Morocco and Egypt.
It is expected to last for up to six minutes, depending where you are viewing from.
Many of the Egypt-focused eclipse sailings with cruise lines such as New Scientist Discovery Tours and Viking have already sold out and are operating waiting lists, although options in Europe remain.
Here is our pick of the best total solar eclipse cruises for 2027.
The best 2027 solar eclipse cruises
Ambassador: Mediterranean Moments and Solar Eclipse
Dundee – Leixoes (for Oporto) – Gibraltar – Almeria – Alicante – Valencia – Ibiza – Ceuta – Cadiz – Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela) – Dundee
Departing from Dundee aboard the 1,200-passenger capacity Ambition, guests can enjoy three sea days before reaching Portugal, where activities include a port-tasting tour.
The ship will arrive in Gibraltar on 2 August, in time to view the eclipse, before spending almost two more weeks exploring Mediterranean hotspots such as Almeria, Alicante, Valencia and Ibiza.
The cruise line is adult-only so you can expect a more relaxed atmosphere on board.
Activities include a pool bar, watching a show in The Palladium or finding a book to relax with in Bronte’s Library.
Guests can also currently get up to £600 of onboard credit depending on the booked cabin.
Departs 27 July 2027. From £2,879pp.
Celebrity Xcel: Spain and Morocco Solar Eclipse
Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca – Tangier – Cadiz (for Seville) – Malaga – Ibiza – Barcelona
You could see the eclipse while sailing on Celebrity Cruises’ newest cruise ship, Xcel.
This seven-night cruise departs from Barcelona and stops by the sunny beaches of Palma de Mallorca before a sea day dedicated to solar eclipse spotting.
Guests can spend the rest of the week exploring the tea and spice markets of Tangier in Morocco and soaking up the party atmosphere of Ibiza.
Onboard facilities include The Bazaar, where local performers and artisan shops are brought on board. Expect destination-themed festivals, complete with locally-inspired food and drink.
There is also an adult-only games room, plus an expansive pool deck with a giant steel monkey sculpture and private cabanas.
Celebrity Cruises is currently offering 35 per cent off a first and second passenger sharing a cabin.
Departs 31 July. From £3,467pp.
P&O Cruises: Mediteranean Islands
Southampton – Cádiz – Málaga – Ibiza – Cagliari, Sardinia – Mallorca – Cartagena – Gibraltar – Southampton
This 14-night P&O Cruises round-trip is a decent flight-free sailing for British passengers who want to explore the Mediterranean and see the solar eclipse.
Departing from Southampton on 30 July aboard the cruise line’s flagship Britannia, you can get acclimatised with a couple of sea days before stopping in Cadiz. The Spanish port is usually an access point for day trips to Seville, but it will be perfect viewpoint from which to view the astronomical phenomenon.
That then frees up the rest of the sailing to enjoy a variety of destinations, ranging from the party vibes of Ibiza to colourful and historical Sardinia.
The 3,647 capacity Britannia is family-friendly, making it a great summer holiday during the school break. Facilities include a splash area for children, four pools, British-style Brodie’s pub and The Glass House wine bar.
Departs 30 July. From £2,049pp.
Fred Olsen: Volcanic Azores and the Solar Eclipse
Liverpool – Porto – Lisbon – Funchal, Madeira – Ponta Delgada, Azores – Praia da Vitória, Azores – Liverpool
Fred Olsen offers another no-fly route ideal for those living in the north of England.
This 14-night solar eclipse sailing departs from Liverpool aboard adult-only Borealis.
The itinerary focuses on Portugal, with chances to explore the vibrant cities of Porto and Lisbon before a sea day for the eclipse.
More relaxing days await when you can explore the gardens and tropical plans of Madeira and the beaches of Ponta Delgada.
On board, guests will have six restaurants and 11 bars to choose from.
There is also a pool with a handy retractable roof and thermal spa to relax in, which may come in useful on the way back to the UK.
Departs 27 July. From £2,499pp.
Virgin Voyages: Solar Eclipse: Spain, Portugal, Morocco
Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca – Málaga – Cádiz – Funchal, Madeira – Tangier – Valencia – Barcelona
Adult-only cruise line Virgin Voyages is a great option for sun worshipers with large pool decks for topping up your tan and more than 20 bars and restaurants to eat and drink.
Sailing aboard Resilient Lady, this 11-night cruise departs from Barcelona and has a sea day dedicated to seeing the solar eclipse en route to Funchal, Portugal.
Guests can also explore Cadiz and Valencia in Spain and Tangier in Morocco by day before getting immersed in the party atmosphere or joining wellness activities back on the ship.
Depart 28 July. From £2,675pp.
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