Imagine standing on the top deck of a cruise ship, cocktail in hand, as the sky darkens and the moon completely covers the sun. It’s not a dream—it’s happening in August 2026. Princess Cruises has unveiled a thrilling new way to witness it: a 14-night Mediterranean and Adriatic sailing that places guests in a prime position to experience a total solar eclipse at sea.
A Solar Eclipse Cruise Like No Other
To meet soaring demand, Princess Cruises has added a third eclipse-themed voyage to its 2026 lineup: a 14-day cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess. Departing roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia) on 4 August 2026, this sailing offers guests a rare opportunity to combine stargazing with sightseeing.
This cruise joins two other eclipse-focused voyages already announced by the line: Sky Princess, departing 8 August 2026 from Southampton, and Sun Princess, offering 7-, 14-, and 21-day itineraries from Barcelona and Athens. These sailings further cement Princess Cruises’ commitment to delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that combine travel and wonder. The Enchanted Princess sailing stands out with its carefully curated mix of iconic Mediterranean ports and its prime position off the coast of Eastern Spain for viewing the eclipse.
Where You’ll Sail: The Itinerary Highlights
This two-week voyage blends iconic cities, ancient history, and sun-soaked coastlines. With a mix of Italian, Adriatic, and Spanish ports, it’s a dream itinerary even without the eclipse.
Here’s where you’ll go:
- Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy – Begin and end your journey in the Eternal City, where ancient ruins meet modern energy.
- Naples, Italy – Dive into the past at Pompeii, sip limoncello on Capri, or cruise along the dramatic Amalfi Coast.
- Kotor, Montenegro – Sail into a fjord-like bay and explore a medieval town steeped in charm.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – Stroll the famous city walls and take in Adriatic views straight out of a postcard.
- Corfu, Greece – A relaxed blend of beaches, colourful villages, and a UNESCO-listed Old Town.
- Messina & Palermo, Sicily – From volcanic landscapes to bustling markets, Sicily serves up beauty with bold flavours.
- Gibraltar – Stand on the Rock and gaze across the Strait to North Africa.
- Alicante, Spain – A coastal gem with palm-lined boulevards and a historic old town.
- Barcelona, Spain – End on a high with GaudÃ’s architecture, vibrant tapas bars, and beachside bliss.
Eclipse at Sea: The Main Event
The highlight of this voyage comes on 12 August 2026, when the Enchanted Princess will be perfectly positioned off the coast of Eastern Spain for a front-row view of a total solar eclipse.
Guests will gather on the top decks, wearing special eclipse glasses provided by Princess Cruises.
Special Onboard Experiences
To celebrate the eclipse, Princess Cruises will deliver themed programming designed to enhance the occasion. In the lead-up to the eclipse, expect expert-led astronomy lectures, trivia nights, themed cocktails, and eclipse-inspired treats.
As the skies darken, the top decks will become observation zones, complete with telescope-friendly spaces and stargazing guides. Guests are encouraged to bring their own telescopes and wear eclipse-themed outfits, because science and style can go hand in hand.
Booking Tips and What to Know
With interest surging, early booking is essential, especially if you’re hoping for a balcony stateroom or suite. The Enchanted Princess eclipse cruise is already open for reservations and is expected to sell quickly.
Past Princess Eclipse Cruise Reviews
If you’re curious about what it’s like to watch an eclipse from a cruise ship, recent passengers have offered glowing reviews from Princess Cruises’ April 2024 voyages.
A guest aboard the Emerald Princess said:
“Solar eclipse was amazing! The captain did an outstanding job getting us a perfect view. Passengers were respectful of others. Plenty of room even though thousands of us on the upper decks. Crew handed out wet cloths and water. We are very happy!”
Meanwhile, a guest on the Discovery Princess wrote:
“The Captain and crew made the eclipse the focus of our life on board with enrichment lectures, themed trivia, games, star gazing nightly and special events like the planetarium set up in the theatre. Our ship was so stable during the eclipse that our telescopes gave outstanding views… I would definitely choose Princess for another eclipse cruise.”
These accounts show why Princess Cruises is gaining a reputation for its stellar eclipse experiences—from scientific programming to seamless hospitality.
Final Thoughts: A Cruise That’s Literally Out of This World
This isn’t just another Mediterranean cruise—it’s a chance to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. Blending science, history, adventure, and indulgence, the Enchanted Princess eclipse voyage offers a rare opportunity to see the universe in motion.
If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing an eclipse or exploring Europe by sea, this could be your moment. August 2026 is approaching—and the view promises to be unforgettable.
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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