These unique cruises are timed to coincide with the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, offering travelers the rare opportunity to experience this celestial event while sailing across some of the world’s most stunning regions.
Two Solar Eclipse Cruises in 2026
A solar eclipse over a serene, icy ocean landscape with distant mountains and planets visible in the sky. The scene, perfect for Solar Eclipse Cruises, unfolds under a starry, partly cloudy night sky.
The Eclipse Voyages will include two special itineraries aligning with the path of totality, which will traverse the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal, and northern Spain.
Guests aboard the Valiant Lady will embark on a 15-night journey from Portsmouth, England, visiting Dublin, Glasgow, and Reykjavik, with the eclipse visible over Iceland.
Meanwhile, the Scarlet Lady will offer a 12-night sailing from Barcelona, Spain, through the Mediterranean, including a stop in Ibiza, which will experience 100 percent totality, before concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.
Virgin Voyages is one of many lines planning a solar eclipse cruise in 2026.
What is planned during the solar eclipse cruise?
Additional activities include new moon ceremonies, star-themed live orchestral performances, yoga under the stars, and unique culinary offerings such as Milky Way milkshakes and traditional moonpies. Guests will also receive solar eclipse glasses and a commemorative guide as keepsakes from the voyage.
These Eclipse Voyages are part of Virgin Voyages’ broader Marvelous Voyages series, which features a total of seven sailings between March and August 2026.
New and Longer Cruise Itineraries
A large Virgin Ship Brilliant Lady, debuting in 2025, sailing on the ocean at sunset.
The new itineraries range from 8 to 16 nights and introduce 12 new ports of call, including destinations such as Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, Edinburgh in Scotland, Stockholm in Sweden, Hamburg in Germany, Oslo in Norway, Tangier in Morocco, and Greenland.
“We already sail to more than 100 international ports, but our itineraries are ever-evolving based on what our Sailors and travel partners are asking for,” said Michelle Bentubo, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Voyages. “Our Marvelous Voyages, paired with Brilliant Lady’s epic itineraries across all four corners of the U.S., just shows the growth and strength of this monumental brand and the choice we are committed to offering.”
In addition to the Eclipse Voyages, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady will also feature longer itineraries in 2026, including a 16-night journey from Miami to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal, and an 8-night voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
Bookings for these unique 2026 voyages will open on August 21
Tags: Michelle Bentubo, Virgin Voyages, solar eclipse cruise, Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady
