Seeing a total solar eclipse is a coveted life experience for many. Combine that, with a chance to see it at sunset, from a ship at sea, is proving popular.
So much so, that Windstar has announced a second solar eclipse cruise for August 2026. This time aboard its 148-guest sailing yacht Wind Spirit.
Sunset eclipse
Wind Spirit will set sail from Rome on 6th August 2026 on a seven-night Mediterranean Sunset Eclipse cruise. Guests on board will visit Bastia, Calvi, Alghero, Mahon and enjoy two full days at sea.
On 12th August, the ship will strategically position herself north of Mallorca to have a clear view of the horizon. Weather permitting, this offers prime viewing of the solar eclipse.
A solar eclipse watch party on deck will bring guests together for the memorable event. Special eclipse glasses will be provided.
The journey ends in Barcelona on 13th August. Cruise prices start from £4,568 per person including all meals, soft drinks and port fees.
Path of totality
The 2026 solar eclipse path of totality will pass over Spain and Portugal and last for two minutes and 18 seconds. From Mallorca, the sun will be only a few degrees above the western horizon at 8.30pm. That’s when the moon fully covers the sun.
This is a very rare evening eclipse with the sun so close to the horizon. It makes a ship at sea with an unobstructed view of the horizon the ideal place to view it.
Jess Peterson, is Windstar’s director of destination experiences and itinerary planning. He said, “Eclipse cruises are popular because ships at sea offer clear views. Our first cruise to coincide with the 2026 eclipse in Iceland sold out quickly. We then looked at our deployment plans to see what other ships we had nearby the path of totality. And the Wind Spirit made sense.”
Poised for growth
Windstar Cruises is celebrating 40 years of operating small ship cruises. The company is poised for growth as Star Seeker, a 224-guest all-suite yacht, joins the fleet in December 2025. She will be followed by sister ship Star Explorer in December 2026.
The two new vessels join the line’s Star Class fleet of upscale yachts bringing the fleet to five Star Class. Plus three Wind Class sailing ships, carrying no more than 342 guests.
Star Seeker will be christened in Miami on 15th January 2026.