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See the 2026 solar eclipse with P&O Cruises

The breathtaking beauty of a total solar eclipse can be experienced on a P&O Cruises holiday (weather permitting). Care to join us? Read on to find out where in the world our ships will be for this rare cosmic event 

4 min 17 Apr 2024

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On 12 August 2026, parts of the Northern Hemisphere will be treated to one of the solar system’s most astonishing phenomena – a total solar eclipse.

A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and Earth all align, and our planet falls behind the moon’s shadow, creating the illusion of night in the middle of the day. A total eclipse is a rare phenomenon – the last one we saw in UK skies was in 1999. To witness one is extraordinary; to see it from on board a P&O Cruises ship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

Two of our ships will be perfectly positioned to witness the 2026 total eclipse: Ventura will be in El Ferrol, Spain, as part of her 14-night Spain & Portugal itinerary, and Arcadia in Isafjordur, Iceland, on a 16-night holiday to Iceland. Wherever you watch it from, you can be sure of one thing – this will be an experience you won’t soon forget. 

Iceland, Arcadia (J610)

Arcadia’s 16-night cruise to Iceland makes the most of northern Europe’s long summer evenings.

 

An overnight in Reykjavik gives you the opportunity to explore the dynamic Icelandic capital with its bustling café and bar culture and thriving art and music scene. With a stop in Iceland’s unofficial second city, Akureyri, you also have the chance to visit the beautiful surrounding countryside, including the spectacular Goðafoss waterfall and the placid waters of Lake Myvatn.

 

You can also adventure in off-the-beaten-path Icelandic ports: in Grundarfjordur, submerge yourself in an otherworldly landscape of lava fields and glaciers in Snæfellsjökull National Park, while in Isafjordur, you might spot whales, puffins or the rare Arctic fox. And it’s here in Isafjordur that Arcadia will be docked on the day of the eclipse. It will begin at 4.42pm with the full eclipse about an hour later. This is the first total eclipse visible in Iceland since 1954, so don’t be surprised if you’re observing it shoulder to shoulder with awe-struck locals.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland

After her Icelandic odyssey, Arcadia will sail back to the UK and call in Greenock, where a late departure will give you time to travel to Edinburgh for the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular celebration of music, dance and military drills.

 

Arcadia is exclusively for adults, so relaxation, restoration and exploration are paramount on board. On sea days, find a moment of zen in the spa, or sip Champagne on deck in the late summer sun as your ship sails along.

 

Discover more destinations on Arcadia J610

The Glass House wine flights

Spain & Portugal, Ventura (N619)

Family-friendly Ventura will soak up the sun in Spain and Portugal on this 14-night cruise filled with beautiful beaches and scenic cities.

 

Spain is first up, with stops in cities such as Santander, the capital of the coastal Cantabria region and a bustling port with seafaring culture at its heart. El Ferrol, on the north-western coast, is where Ventura will be docked for the solar eclipse. It’s a radiant destination in itself, with ochre-tiled roofs cascading towards golden beaches and sparkling blue waters filling the harbour. You’ll want to have your head turned to the heavens all evening – the eclipse will begin at 7.30pm with the total eclipse occurring about an hour later, followed soon after by sunset. 

Santander, Spain
Santander, Spain
Santander, Spain
Santander, Spain

After departing El Ferrol, Ventura heads to Portugal with stops in the lush Atlantic island of Madeira and in lovely Lisbon, where you can enjoy an overnight stay. The city is renowned for its food and lively nightlife. In the Bairro Alto district, you’ll find most of the post-sundown revelry, but Cais de Sodré and Príncipe Real are good options too – the former is brilliant for bar-hopping while the latter is great for sophisticated wine bars and relaxing rooftops.

 

On sea days, there are endless ways to entertain the whole family on Ventura, our fun all-rounder. Picture swimming in the al fresco Terrace Pool as the eclipse takes place above, then enjoying a night of stellar entertainment in the Arena Theatre. There’s also an arcade, sports court and children’s club to keep younger ones entertained. And for grown-ups, The Retreat al fresco spa and a glass or two of wine at The Glass House offers a chance to relax and unwind.

 

Discover more destinations on Ventura N619

Silent Disco on board Azura