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Cruise holidays have a habit of creating unforgettable moments. Wildlife encounters, world-famous sights and spectacular sunsets can all become lasting memories, but 2 August 2027 promises something even more extraordinary.
On this date, a spectacular total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of southern Europe and North Africa. With the path of totality passing through some of the world’s most popular cruise regions, a 2027 solar eclipse cruise offers the chance to witness this rare event as part of an unforgettable holiday.
Better still, there’s already an impressive choice of sailings, including cruises departing from the UK.
When is the 2027 total solar eclipse?
The total solar eclipse will take place on 2 August 2027, with its path crossing southern Spain and North Africa before reaching Egypt.
This is no ordinary eclipse. Near Luxor in Egypt, totality is expected to last for around six minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest total solar eclipse visible on land this century. A longer total solar eclipse won’t occur until 2114.
Why see the 2027 solar eclipse on a cruise?
When you think about it, the open ocean makes a spectacular setting for a total solar eclipse.
Uninterrupted horizons and spacious open decks create excellent viewing opportunities, while the cruise itself turns the occasion into part of a much bigger holiday. Rather than travelling solely to witness the eclipse, you could spend the surrounding days discovering destinations across Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Mediterranean.
Then there’s the atmosphere on board. As daylight begins to fade, temperatures drop and anticipation builds across the decks, an ordinary afternoon at sea suddenly becomes something you’ll remember for years to come.
Ships may also have some flexibility over their positioning, subject to weather and operational requirements, which could prove advantageous if cloud threatens the planned viewing area.
Where can you see the 2027 solar eclipse?
The path of totality feels almost tailor-made for cruising, passing through destinations already featured on many popular itineraries.
Southern Spain
Southern Spain will be one of Europe’s key viewing regions. The eclipse path crosses the area around Cádiz and Málaga, both of which feature regularly on Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
It means guests can combine one of nature’s most extraordinary events with Spanish sunshine, historic cities and days exploring the Mediterranean coast.
Morocco and North Africa
The eclipse path continues across North Africa, making Morocco another popular destination for eclipse cruises. Several 2027 itineraries feature ports such as Tangier and Casablanca, combining the event with colourful souks, historic medinas and Morocco’s Atlantic coastline.
Egypt
For serious eclipse chasers, Egypt is expected to steal much of the spotlight. Luxor lies close to the point of greatest totality, where darkness is expected to last for around six minutes and 23 seconds. With ancient temples and desert landscapes providing the backdrop, it promises to be one of the world’s most remarkable locations for experiencing the event.
2027 solar eclipse cruises to look out for
There’s no shortage of choice if you want to experience the 2027 total solar eclipse on a cruise. These are some of the sailings to have on your radar.
Queen Victoria | 14 Nights | 23 Jul 2027
Cunard’s Queen Victoria departs Southampton for a 14-night voyage visiting Lisbon, Cádiz, Valencia, Barcelona, Tangier and La Coruña. The combination of Spain, Portugal and Morocco puts this itinerary right at the heart of one of the most exciting regions for the 2027 eclipse.
Experience the 2027 solar eclipse with Cunard >>
Sky Princess | 14 Nights | 24 Jul 2027
Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, Sky Princess visits Vigo, Barcelona, La Seyne, Cartagena, Cádiz and Lisbon. The total solar eclipse forms one of the highlights of this 14-night voyage, combining a rare celestial event with a Mediterranean and Atlantic adventure.
Spirit of Adventure | 16 Nights | 25 Jul 2027
Saga’s Spirit of Adventure sails from Dover on a 16-night no-fly cruise taking in the Isles of Scilly, Leixões, Funchal, Gibraltar, Portimão, Lisbon and La Coruña. Guests can combine the eclipse with a varied selection of Atlantic and Mediterranean destinations.
Call our Cruise Experts on 01246 819 819 for full details.
Celebrity Ascent | Italy, Spain & Solar Eclipse | 11 Nights | 26 Jul 2027
Celebrity Ascent offers an 11-night Italy, Spain & Solar Eclipse itinerary from the Mediterranean. Sailing from 26 July, the voyage combines some of the region’s most popular destinations with the opportunity to experience the 2 August eclipse during the cruise.
View the 2027 solar eclipse cruise >>
Borealis | 14 Nights | 27 Jul 2027
Fred. Olsen’s Borealis departs Liverpool for a 14-night voyage featuring Leixões, Lisbon, Funchal and Ponta Delgada. An overnight stay in Lisbon provides extra time to explore the Portuguese capital, while the sailing has been timed to coincide with the eclipse.
Book your Fred. Olsen cruise >>
Britannia | Mediterranean | 14 Nights | 30 Jul 2027
P&O Cruises’ Britannia departs Southampton on 30 July for a 14-night Mediterranean cruise. With no flights required and a departure just days before the eclipse, it’s another convenient option for UK guests hoping to experience the event as part of their summer holiday.
Experience the 2027 solar eclipse at sea >>
Nieuw Statendam | Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer | 28 Nights | 9 Jul 2027
For those looking to turn the eclipse into a longer adventure, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam offers a 28-night voyage from Dover. The Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer itinerary combines the celestial event with an extensive European journey.
What happens during a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun for those within the path of totality.
As totality approaches, daylight rapidly fades and temperatures can fall. When the sun is completely covered, its outer atmosphere, known as the corona, becomes visible around the moon.
The spectacle only lasts a matter of minutes, but it’s precisely this fleeting nature that makes witnessing a total solar eclipse so memorable.
Safe viewing is essential. Specialist eclipse glasses must be worn whenever any part of the sun’s bright surface remains visible, and guests should always follow the viewing guidance provided on board.
Find your 2027 solar eclipse cruise
Whether you’d prefer the convenience of sailing from Southampton, Dover or Liverpool or want to start your adventure in the Mediterranean, there are plenty of opportunities to secure a front-row seat for one of 2027’s most extraordinary events.
Explore 2027 solar eclipse cruises with Bolsover Cruise Club, or speak to one of our Cruise Experts to find the itinerary that’s right for you and start planning an eclipse holiday you’ll never forget.
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