Nearly half of cruise travellers (48%) would be interested in watching a solar eclipse while at sea.
The survey, from online specialist cruise agency cruise.co.uk, polled more than 1,000 customers.
The Mediterranean came out on top as the destination with the most appeal for an eclipse cruise, at 19%, followed by Norway (18%) and Iceland (15%), while 11% favoured the warm waters of the Caribbean.
The survey also revealed the biggest attraction of an eclipse cruise is the opportunity to witness a rare natural phenomenon (45%), ahead of the shared atmosphere onboard (9%) and photography opportunities (8%).
A range of cruise lines offer itineraries created to place guests in prime eclipse viewing positions at sea, including Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Ambassador Cruise Line and P&O Cruises.
The next solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, with the best viewing locations predicted to be in Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and parts of the Arctic Ocean.
Tony Andrews, managing director at cruise.co.uk, said: “A solar eclipse is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural spectacles and a cruise provides a unique platform from which to experience it. Unlike land-based viewing, ships can often adjust their position to maximise visibility, while guests enjoy the atmosphere of sharing such a rare moment with hundreds of fellow travellers. The findings reflect a broader trend towards experience-led travel, with holidaymakers increasingly seeking memorable events that become a genuine life highlight rather than simply another destination.”
Sample sailing
Line: Ambassador Cruise Line
Ship: Ambition
Itinerary: Solar Eclipse cruise
Duration: 13 nights
Departure date: August 8, 2026, from Dundee
Price: From £1425pp
Visits: Runavík; Reykjavík; Grundarfjörður; Seyðisfjörður; Lerwick
Highlights: Special onboard guest astronomer Pete Lawrence and the opportunity to experience the Perseid meteor shower and the Aurora Borealis
More information: Solar Eclipse cruise
For more information go to cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824.
