CCL-Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its use of longer Carnival Journeys itineraries to incorporate astronomical events, with 3 cruises scheduled in 2027 specifically positioned for solar eclipse viewing.
The programme follows Carnival Legend’s 11-day Carnival Journeys voyage from Dover in August 2026, which was planned around a total solar eclipse visible from the ship at sea. The cruise departed on August 9th and combines calls in Spain, Portugal, Belgium and France with a dedicated period at sea for eclipse observation.
Carnival provided passengers with certified solar-viewing glasses and arranged dedicated programming around the event. The ship was positioned within the path of totality, allowing passengers to observe the Moon passing directly across the Sun from the open sea.
Carnival Journeys is the cruise line’s programme of longer itineraries, generally combining extended time at sea with destinations and onboard programming that differ from its shorter Caribbean-focused cruises.
The company has already scheduled 3 eclipse-related voyages for 2027. The first will be aboard Carnival Firenze, departing Buenos Aires on February 2nd for a 16-day voyage to Miami. The itinerary includes Rio de Janeiro and Maceió in Brazil, followed by Grenada, Martinique and St. Maarten, with the ship positioned at sea for the February 6th annular solar eclipse. Carnival's published itinerary confirms the eclipse viewing as part of the voyage.
The second will be aboard Carnival Sunshine, departing Barcelona on July 25th, 2027, on a 10-day Mediterranean voyage timed for the August 2 total solar eclipse. The itinerary includes Marseille, Genoa, Salerno, Catania, Valletta and La Goulette before concluding in the Mediterranean. Carnival said the ship will be positioned for maximum visibility of the eclipse and will offer dedicated onboard programming.
The third is scheduled aboard Carnival Miracle, departing Dover on July 29th for an 11-day Carnival Journeys voyage. The itinerary includes Guernsey, Lisbon, Leixões, La Coruña, Le Havre and Zeebrugge, with August 2nd designated as a dedicated day at sea for eclipse viewing.
The August 2nd, 2027 event is a total solar eclipse whose path crosses southern Spain, North Africa and parts of the Middle East. Totality will last for several minutes along the central path, making the event a significant focus for cruise operators positioning ships in the Mediterranean and nearby waters.