Cunard’s Queen Anne provided a viewing platform for the total solar eclipse on August 12th, 2026, as the celestial event passed over north-western Spain. Guests witnessed the eclipse during a 7-night round-trip voyage from Southampton, with the ship positioned to provide an unobstructed view from the open deck. Cunard had specifically marketed the sailing around the eclipse, including viewing opportunities from the ship’s upper decks.
The August 12th eclipse was the first total solar eclipse visible from parts of continental Europe since 1999 and crossed a path extending from the Arctic and Greenland through the Atlantic and northern Spain. From Queen Anne, passengers were able to observe the transition to totality from the sea, with images captured from the ship documenting the event.
Cunard is already preparing for another major eclipse opportunity in 2027. On August 2nd, Queen Victoria is scheduled to be in Tangier, Morocco, during a 14-night voyage covering Portugal, Spain and Morocco. Queen Elizabeth, meanwhile, is due to sail between Valletta, Malta, and Split, Croatia, during a 14-night Mediterranean and Adriatic itinerary, placing both ships in regions from which the next total solar eclipse can be observed.
Astronomy also features in Cunard’s wider enrichment programme. Selected voyages to Northern Norway include itineraries calling at Tromsø, Narvik and Honningsvåg, while astronomy and exploration specialists are scheduled to provide lectures and commentary on the night sky and other astronomical phenomena.
Guests on selected Cunard voyages on August 28th, 2026, will also have the opportunity to observe a partial lunar eclipse while at sea, extending the line’s programme of astronomy-focused experiences beyond the August solar eclipse.