Virgin Voyages has unveiled three dedicated solar eclipse cruises for 2026 and 2027, offering guests the opportunity to witness the rare astronomical phenomenon from sea while combining the experience with destination-focused itineraries and themed onboard programming. The voyages form part of the cruise line's Marvelous Voyages collection and will feature expert speakers, immersive activities and special events linked to the eclipses.
The first itinerary, Solar Eclipse: Iceland & British Isles, will depart Portsmouth aboard Valiant Lady on August 5th, 2026 for a 15-night round voyage. The itinerary includes calls at Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Siglufjörður, Ísafjörður, Reykjavik and Edinburgh before returning to Portsmouth.
A second voyage, Solar Eclipse: Barcelona to Rome, will sail aboard Scarlet Lady from Barcelona on August 10th, 2026 for 12 nights, concluding in Civitavecchia. Ports of call include Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Cannes, Ajaccio in Corsica, La Spezia, Salerno on the Amalfi Coast and Catania in Sicily.
The programme will continue in 2027 with Solar Eclipse: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, departing Barcelona aboard Resilient Lady on July 28th for an 11-night roundtrip itinerary. The voyage features calls at Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, Cádiz for Seville, Funchal in Madeira, Tangier and Valencia before returning to Barcelona. The itinerary has been arranged to provide optimum eclipse viewing while the ship is at sea.
Virgin Voyages stated that each sailing will include dedicated eclipse programming featuring specialist guest speakers, educational presentations and themed onboard events designed to enhance the viewing experience. Selected voyages will also host astronauts, scientists, astrophotographers and other space experts who will provide lectures and interactive sessions throughout the cruises.
Lead-in fares start from ~US$7,322 per cabin for the Iceland and British Isles voyage, US$3,576 for the Mediterranean itinerary aboard Scarlet Lady, and US$6,818 for the 2027 Spain, Portugal and Morocco sailing.