Miles away from a city haze, a front row seat at sea will offer the best view, and a memory to last a lifetime
On Wednesday August 12, 2026, the Moon will slide perfectly in front of the Sun and turn day to twilight for a few extraordinary minutes. This is a total solar eclipse. The sky cools, daylight goes silvery, bright planets appear, and the Sun’s ghostly corona blooms around a black disc. It is rare, precise, emotional. People travel the world for a few minutes like this.
What will happen on August 12, 2026
The path of totality will sweep across the Arctic, skim Greenland and Iceland, then cross the Atlantic before touching northern Spain. Only those inside this narrow path will see the Sun fully covered. Everyone else sees a partial eclipse, which is interesting but not the same. Totality is the difference between a good story and a life memory.
Why this eclipse matters
Europe has not had a widely accessible total eclipse since 1999. Weather and geography often conspire against perfect viewing. In 2026 the shadow spends much of its journey over open ocean and that creates a unique opportunity. With thoughtful planning you can position yourself precisely in the path, away from city haze, with 360-degree horizons and nothing between you and the sky.
Why watching from a cruise is special
At sea you have a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon in every direction, free from buildings, light pollution or haze. If the skies are clear, this becomes one of the best vantage points to witness totality in full. It’s also a memorable way to combine the astronomical event of the decade with a new journey at sea – turning your eclipse experience into part of a wider adventure.
What the moment at sea feels like
When totality begins, daylight fades to twilight and the temperature drops. The horizon glows in a ring of sunset tones, and bright planets like Venus appear. For a brief few minutes, the Sun’s white corona becomes visible – a rare sight that can be safely viewed only during totality before daylight swiftly returns.
Eclipse cruise options
Our collection of eclipse sailings spans a range of experiences – from small expedition-style ships to larger ocean vessels – sailing from iconic ports such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Southampton and even Alaska. Durations range from eight to 18 nights, with itineraries designed to position travellers along the path of totality while exploring diverse destinations across Europe and beyond. Whether you prefer a boutique yacht atmosphere or the buzz of a larger ship, there’s an itinerary crafted to make your eclipse voyage as memorable as the event itself.
Availability is tight
Eclipse sailings are timed years in advance and many are already close to sold out. Lines have created one-off routes to place guests under the shadow near Iceland and off the Spanish coast. Suites and best-located cabins always go first. If you are serious about seeing totality, early booking matters.
Why book with Century Travel
We have gathered a large selection of eclipse-timed itineraries across styles and budgets. Our role is to help you choose a ship that can credibly position inside the path, a cabin that works for deck access, and an itinerary that still has space. We work directly with the cruise lines every day, which means fast answers on availability and the small details that make eclipse day smooth.
Ready to plan your eclipse at sea
A limited number of eclipse sailings remain available, with cruise-only fares starting from €950 per person. Each itinerary is carefully positioned along the path of totality for the best viewing experience.
The world will pause on August 12, 2026. If you want the clearest horizon and the best odds of totality, take your seat on the open ocean.
About Century Travel
Century Travel is Cyprus’ only cruise specialist and the only member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) in the country. With over 30 years of combined experience, we help travellers plan cruise holidays across Europe, the Americas, Asia and beyond.
For personalised advice on eclipse sailings call 70 000 970 or email [email protected]. We will help you pick the right ship, the right cabin, and the right place on the water when the sun goes dark.
www.centurycyprus.com
Explore our solar eclipse sailings here
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