Growing Popularity of Solar Eclipse Travel Inspires New Cruise Itinerary Aboard Sun Princess to View 2026 Spectacle

Rhea-AI Summary

Princess Cruises has added a second Total Solar Eclipse cruise option aboard the Sun Princess for the August 2026 eclipse. The cruise line adjusted the itinerary of the voyage departing Barcelona on August 8, 2026, to position the ship off southern Spain's coast on August 12 for two minutes and 18 seconds of totality.

The Sun Princess offers six Mediterranean voyage options ranging from 7 to 21 days, departing from various popular ports. These itineraries include stops at numerous destinations such as Rome, Athens, Barcelona, and more. During the eclipse, guests will gather on the top decks with safety glasses and enjoy astronomy lectures, themed activities, and stargazing.

This new offering follows the success of Princess Cruises' previous solar eclipse voyages. The 14-day Total Solar Eclipse Mediterranean cruise on the Sky Princess, sailing roundtrip from Southampton, is also available for the 2026 eclipse.

Positive

• Addition of a second Total Solar Eclipse cruise option, expanding product offerings
• Utilization of the newest ship, Sun Princess, for the eclipse viewing, potentially attracting more customers
• Six different Mediterranean voyage options ranging from 7 to 21 days, catering to various customer preferences
• Strategic positioning of the ship for optimal eclipse viewing, enhancing customer experience
• Inclusion of themed activities and expert lectures, adding value to the cruise package

Negative

• None.

Now Open for Booking—Sun Princess Joins Sky Princess in the Mediterranean with Several Itinerary Options to Witness this Phenomenon in the Sky

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises, the world's most iconic cruise line, has added a second Total Solar Eclipse cruise option, this one aboard its newest and most stunning ship – Sun Princess, when the next spectacle takes place in August 2026.

The cruise company re-worked the itinerary of the Sun Princess voyage departing Barcelona on August 8, 2026 to position the ship off the coast of southern Spain on August 12, where eclipse devotees can marvel in the two minutes and 18 seconds of totality.

With seven- to 21-day destination-rich Mediterranean voyage options departing from several popular ports, Sun Princess 2026 Total Solar Eclipse itineraries include six incredible sailings, appealing to all cruisers:

• Roundtrip from Rome: 21-day Best of the Mediterranean with Total Solar Eclipse - July 25, 2026: Port stops in Naples, Crete, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, Bar, Corfu, Sicily, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Cartagena and Florence/Pisa.
• Athens to Rome: 14-day Mediterranean with Total Solar Eclipse –
  August 1, 2026: From Athens to Santorini, Bar Corfu, Sicily, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Florence/Pisa, ending in Rome.
• Roundtrip from Athens: 21-day Best of the Mediterranean with Total Solar Eclipse – August 1, 2026: Visiting Santorini, Bar, Corfu, Sicily, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples, Crete, Kusadasi and Mykonos.
• Barcelona to Rome: 7-day Mediterranean with Total Solar Eclipse –
  August 8, 2026: Departing from Barcelona to Gibraltar, Cartagena, Florence/Pisa, arriving in Rome.
• Barcelona to Athens: 14-day Mediterranean with Total Solar Eclipse – August 8, 2026: From Barcelona to Gibraltar, Cartagena, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples, Crete, Kusadasi, Mykonos, arriving in Athens.
• Roundtrip Barcelona: 21-day Best of Mediterranean with Total Solar Eclipse – August 8, 2026: Visit Gibraltar, Cartagena, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples, Crete, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, Bar, Corfu and Sicily.

"Sun Princess truly lives up to its name, offering an out-of-this-world experience with a front-row seat for a total eclipse of the sun," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "Following the incredible response to our solar eclipse voyages last year, we're thrilled to have both Sky Princess and Sun Princess providing guests with the unique opportunity to experience one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles."

The Sun Princess 2026 Total Eclipse Voyage is on sale now. During the eclipse, Sun Princess guests will gather on the top decks with Princess safety glasses for viewing, and enjoy lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night, solar system trivia and more. Guests are even encouraged to set up their own telescopes on deck and wear festive eclipse-themed apparel and accessories.

The 14-day Total Solar Eclipse Mediterranean cruise onboard 3,560-guest Sky Princess sails August 8-22, 2026, roundtrip from Southampton, and visits seven historical and vibrant ports including Cherbourg, France; Bilbao, Spain, Malaga, Spain; Cartagena Spain; Gibraltar, Lisbon and La Coruña, Spain.

More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com. 

About Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). 

 

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SOURCE Princess Cruises

FAQ

When is the Total Solar Eclipse cruise on Sun Princess scheduled for 2026?

The Total Solar Eclipse cruise on Sun Princess is scheduled for August 12, 2026, with various itinerary options departing from August 8, 2026.

How long will the total solar eclipse visibility last during the Sun Princess cruise?

The total solar eclipse visibility will last for two minutes and 18 seconds during the Sun Princess cruise on August 12, 2026.

What activities are planned for the Total Solar Eclipse cruise on Sun Princess?

Activities planned for the Total Solar Eclipse cruise include lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night, solar system trivia, and eclipse viewing with safety glasses provided.

How many Mediterranean voyage options does Princess Cruises offer for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse?

Princess Cruises offers six different Mediterranean voyage options for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, ranging from 7 to 21 days.

Is there another Princess Cruises ship offering a Total Solar Eclipse cruise in 2026?

Yes, in addition to Sun Princess, Sky Princess also offers a 14-day Total Solar Eclipse Mediterranean cruise sailing roundtrip from Southampton from August 8-22, 2026.