There are moments in travel when the experience becomes less about where you’re going and more about bearing witness to something extraordinary. In August 2026, Azamara Cruises will offer exactly that: three small-ship voyages positioned to capture one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, a total solar eclipse, from the ideal vantage point of the open ocean.
A partnership written in the stars
What elevates these sailings beyond typical eclipse-chasing itineraries is Azamara’s collaboration with Lowell Observatory, the storied Arizona research institution responsible for discovering Pluto and providing the first evidence of our expanding universe. This isn’t merely a cruise with an astronomical event on the itinerary – it’s an immersive educational experience guided by scientists who have spent careers studying celestial mechanics.
“For more than 130 years Lowell Observatory has helped people discover the universe, and our partnership with Azamara Cruises gives us a new way to share this experience – under the stars at sea.”
Dr. Amanda S. Bosh, Executive Director of Lowell Observatory.
Why the ocean offers the best seat in the house
Seasoned eclipse chasers know that location is everything. Cloud cover can obscure even the most carefully planned terrestrial viewing, and light pollution dims the spectacle. The ocean, however, offers something land cannot: mobility, unobstructed horizons, and the kind of profound darkness that allows the solar corona to reveal itself in full glory.
Each of Azamara’s three eclipse voyages positions guests in different regions on August 12, 2026, ensuring optimal viewing conditions far from crowds and interference.
The Mediterranean route: Greece, Turkey, and Italy
Departing Athens on August 2, the 11-night voyage aboard Azamara Onward weaves through the sun-drenched Greek islands – Santorini’s whitewashed clifftop villages, Mykonos’ labyrinthine streets – before positioning in the Mediterranean for eclipse viewing. The itinerary continues to Sicily, where ancient Greek temples and Baroque architecture provide their own kind of illumination.
Ireland intensive: Atlantic drama
For those drawn to moody seascapes and Celtic mysticism, Azamara Quest’s 12-night sailing from Dublin on August 7 explores Ireland’s western coastline – its medieval castles, wind-sculpted cliffs, and villages where traditional music still fills the pubs. The eclipse will be viewed from the Atlantic, where the interplay of light, shadow, and Ireland’s famously dramatic skies promises to amplify the celestial drama.
Arctic expedition: Iceland, Greenland, and beyond
The most adventurous option is the 18-night voyage aboard Azamara Journey, departing Reykjavik on August 8. This Arctic odyssey ventures into Greenland’s icy fjords and continues to the Canadian Arctic, with the eclipse viewed while sailing between these two remote territories. Here, the otherworldly landscape of glaciers and icebergs provides a fitting backdrop for witnessing the moon’s shadow sweep across the sky.
More than just totality
Lowell Observatory’s astronomers will be aboard each sailing, offering lectures, interactive demonstrations, and stargazing sessions throughout the voyage. During the eclipse itself, they’ll provide live narration, helping guests understand the mechanics of what they’re witnessing while supplying proper viewing glasses for safe observation.
“Their astronomers really bring the eclipse to life through stories, guidance, and hands-on experiences that deepen understanding while creating moments of awe. It’s a natural extension of our Destination Immersion philosophy – offering not just a view of the world, but a richer connection to it.”
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises.
The Azamara difference
With only four ships in its fleet, Azamara has built its reputation on accessing smaller ports that larger vessels cannot reach and offering extended time in destination – often 10 or more hours, with frequent overnight stays. The cruise line’s inclusive approach means drinks, gratuities, cultural events, and even self-service laundry are built into the fare, eliminating the nickel-and-diming that can diminish the luxury experience.
For those who collect extraordinary travel moments rather than passport stamps, these eclipse voyages represent something increasingly rare: a genuine reason to be in a specific place at a specific time, guided by experts who can illuminate not just the science, but the profound human experience of standing in the moon’s shadow while surrounded by the sea.
Reservations are now open at azamara.com for these August 2026 sailings – though given the celestial timing and limited capacity of small-ship cruising, windows of availability may prove as fleeting as totality itself.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
