Following the recent captivating display of the solar eclipse, enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next celestial event slated for August 12, 2026.
Luxury cruise line Cunard has unveiled plans for an extraordinary viewing experience aboard three of its majestic Queens: the flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and the forthcoming Queen Anne, set to debut in May. Positioned strategically along the path of the upcoming solar eclipse, these vessels promise passengers an unparalleled celestial spectacle.
Queen Mary 2 will embark on a 14-night voyage through the scenic landscapes of Norway and Iceland from August 4 to 18, 2026. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in Reykjavik on the evening of August 12, granting them a rare opportunity to witness the solar eclipse against the dramatic backdrop of Iceland’s stunning vistas.
This remarkable journey will encompass visits to picturesque destinations such as Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden and Skjolden, Norway; and Isafjordur, Iceland, culminating in a disembarkation in New York. Travelers will savor the tranquil beauty of fjords, majestic waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery as they traverse the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Meanwhile, Queen Anne will embark on a seven-night voyage exploring the enchanting ports of Spain and France, departing from Southampton, England, from August 9 to 16, 2026. Guests will indulge in the allure of Spanish locales like Santander, La Coruña, and Gijon, followed by a stop in Pauillac, France, where they can revel in the eclipse’s splendor from the ship’s deck.
Queen Victoria will set sail on a seven-night Western Mediterranean voyage from Civitavecchia, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain, from August 10 to 17, 2026. Passengers will explore captivating destinations including Tarragona and Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and Villefranche and Toulon in France. After a day in Tarragona’s historic town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guests will gather aboard Queen Victoria to witness the solar eclipse from its expansive deck space, outdoor pools, and open-air bars.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, expressed excitement about the unique opportunity, stating, “Watching a total solar eclipse from the sea is an utterly unique and very rare experience.” She added, “Cunard is thrilled to offer three remarkable voyages positioned along the path of the 2026 eclipse – two in the Mediterranean and one in Iceland – which will give guests the chance to witness this extraordinary phenomenon from the water, an unforgettable moment observed from the luxurious vantage point of our Queens.”