Princess Cruises Sails to Prime Viewing Spot for 2026
Total Solar Eclipse in Europe
Sky Princess Departs Southampton on August 8, 2026;
Bookings Open May 23, 2024
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., (May 3, 2024) – Astrotourism is top of mind for travelers
making special trips for phenomenal experiences in the sky—and with the recent “take-your-breath-away” total solar eclipse, thousands of cruisers onboard Emerald Princess and Discovery Princess off the coast of Mexico caught a glimpse of the astounding total darkness event.
The next, not-to-be-missed total solar eclipse takes place on August 12, 2026, and once
again a Princess cruise ship will be perfectly positioned, this time in northern Spain, to
witness this bucket list event – two minutes and 18 seconds of totality. The 3,660-guest
Sky Princess departs Southampton August 8, 2026, on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise,
highlighted with total eclipse viewing while the ship is in its path at sea off the coast of
Spain.
“The best way to see a total solar eclipse is via cruise ship, and our guests who recently
experienced this rare occurrence on Discovery Princess and Emerald Princess were
simply blown away,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We make it easy
for guests to come aboard, relax and meet other eclipse enthusiasts. It’s truly a special
opportunity.”
The Total Eclipse Sky Princess Voyage goes on sale May 23, 2024, with rates starting
at $2,199* per person. During the eclipse, Sky Princess guests will gather on the top
decks with Princess safety glasses for viewing, as well as enjoy lectures from astronomy
experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night, solar system trivia and more.
This incredible, 14-day Mediterranean cruise sailing takes place August 8-22, 2026,
roundtrip from Southampton (London), and visits seven historical and vibrant ports,
including:
• Cherbourg, France – one of France’s greatest ports with art and history
museums, its basilica, the Ravalet castle and the Cité de la Mer maritime
museum.
• Bilbao, Spain – located in northern Spain, Bilbao is surrounded by green
mountains and is the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled
downtown. It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao.
• Malaga, Spain – famous as Picasso’s birthplace and the gateway to Spain’s
Costa del Sol, Malaga mixes warm vacation vibes with Andalusia’s indomitable
spirit.
• Cartagena, Spain – founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city
boomed during the Roman period. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1stcentury B.C. theater and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics.
• Gibraltar – this British Overseas Territory and headland is located on Spain’s
south coast. It’s dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot limestone ridge.
• Lisbon, Portugal – the capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is
mainland Europe’s westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic
coast.
• La Coruña, Spain – in the Galicia region of northwest Spain, it’s known for its
Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which has sweeping coastal views.
“Our recent solar eclipse cruises were completely sold out so interested guests should
book this Sky Princess cruise as soon as it opens on May 23. It truly will be an
experience to remember,” Padgett added.
More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel
advisor, Amy Seng, 847-485-0018, amy@destinationsbyamy.com
*Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses not included