Virgin Voyages Announces 2026 Solar Eclipse Cruises in Europe, Med

Virgin Voyages will operate two special cruise itineraries timed with the total solar eclipse of August 12 2026. The first sail, aboard the Valiant Lady, departs from Portsmouth, England for a 15‑night voyage that visits Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Edinburgh and several Icelandic ports before returning to Portsmouth. The second sail, on the Scarlet Lady, leaves Barcelona for a 12‑night Mediterranean trip that stops in Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Cannes, Ajaccio, the Italian coast and ends in Rome.

Both ships will host NASA astronauts, astrophysicists and space‑industry experts who will give talks, Q&A sessions and eclipse‑viewing programs. The cruises are promoted as once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences, with additional themed merchandise such as a men’s T‑shirt featuring a graphic of the total solar eclipse at sea.

The itineraries are part of Virgin Voyages’ “Marvelous Collection” and aim to combine travel, science education and wellness activities around the rare celestial event.