Friday, April 12, 2024
The awe-inspiring sight of this week’s solar eclipse has captured the imaginations of many, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next cosmic display on August 12, 2026. Cunard, the prestigious cruise line, is delighted to share that its three majestic ships – the iconic Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and the newly introduced Queen Anne set to launch this May – will be perfectly situated in prime locations for the forthcoming solar eclipse.
The Queen Mary 2 is set to embark on a spectacular 14-night journey across Norway and Iceland from August 4-18, 2026, giving travelers an exceptional chance to experience the solar eclipse amid an overnight stay in Reykjavik on August 12. Witnessing the eclipse from Iceland promises a one-of-a-kind experience, with the nation’s breathtaking landscapes serving as a dramatic canvas for this celestial phenomenon.
This memorable voyage will feature stops in the picturesque towns of Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden and Skjolden, Norway; and Isafjordur, Iceland, culminating in New York. Guests will revel in the serene allure of peaceful fjords, majestic waterfalls, and stunning vistas over the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
The Queen Anne will offer a seven-night exploration of Spain and France, departing and returning to Southampton, England. From August 9-16, 2026, guests will visit the vibrant Spanish ports of Santander, La Coruña, and Gijon, and enjoy a day in Pauillac, France, nestled in the Bay of Biscay. The journey promises enchanting walks through La Coruña’s historic Old Town and unique eclipse viewing from the ship’s deck as it departs a Spanish port.
Lastly, the Queen Victoria will undertake a seven-night cruise through the Western Mediterranean from Civitavecchia (near Rome, Italy) to Barcelona, Spain, from August 10-17, 2026. The itinerary includes stops in Tarragona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Villefranche and Toulon, France. On August 12, guests will have the day to explore Tarragona, a city famed for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, before finding the perfect spot on board to watch the solar eclipse. With ample deck space, outdoor pools, and several open-air bars, passengers will have the luxury of experiencing the eclipse in comfort, surrounded by the Mediterranean’s enchanting ambiance, crafting memories to cherish for a lifetime.
“Watching a total solar eclipse from sea is an utterly unique and very rare experience,” Katie McAlister, president of Cunard. “Cunard is therefore thrilled to offer three remarkable voyages positioned along the path of the 2026 eclipse – two in the Mediterranean and one in Iceland – which will give guests the chance to witness this extraordinary phenomenon from the water, an unforgettable moment observed from the luxurious vantage point of our Queens.”
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
