Fred. Olsen is offering two cruises built around the total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027, with departures from Liverpool and Southampton. The voyages are designed so passengers can view the rare phenomenon from the ship's decks while visiting ports in Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar.
Eclipse cruises from Liverpool and Southampton
The first voyage, Volcanic Azores & the Solar Eclipse, is a 14-night trip sailing from Liverpool with stops across Portugal and its islands, including Lisbon and Madeira. On August 2, passengers will have uninterrupted views of the total solar eclipse from the decks at sea between Lisbon and Madeira. Prices start from £3,999 per person for remaining accommodation, with ocean view rooms the cheapest option. Other stops include Matosinhos and the Azores islands of Sao Miguel and Terceira. Astronomers from Go Stargazing will be on board to provide expertise and live commentary.
The second option, Spain Siesta & the Solar Eclipse, sails from Southampton on July 28, 2027, for an 11-night trip around Spain and Gibraltar. Passengers can witness the eclipse from the ship or ashore in Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Prices start from £2,449 per person for an interior cabin. The itinerary includes La Coruna, Vigo, Cadiz and Gibraltar, with an opportunity to visit the Rock and see its wild monkeys.
Other operators offer eclipse sailings
Fred. Olsen is not the only operator with solar eclipse holidays in 2027. Princess offers a 14-Day Spain, France & Portugal with Total Solar Eclipse voyage from Southampton on July 24, visiting seven ports including Barcelona, Seville and Lisbon from £2,748 per person. P&O Cruises' Mediterranean Islands holiday also includes eclipse viewing, with stops in Cadiz, Malaga, Ibiza, Sardinia, Mallorca, Cartagena and Gibraltar, starting at £2,369 per person for 14 nights.
For North East holidaymakers who prefer to sail from the Port of Tyne, Fred. Olsen recently announced two 2027 cruises from there: Spain, Morocco & Portugal Discovery and Flavours of France & Northern Spain, both after the eclipse. Ambassador has also announced 2027 trips from North Shields, including an eight-night Exploring Norway's Hidden Fjords from £1,099 per person, a 12-night Journey Through Western France from £1,489pp, and a 17-night Autumn Mediterranean & Iberia Sailing holiday from £1,959pp.
