2025 Cruises To View The Next Full Lunar Eclipse

Whether you are in the process of creating your bucket list or are already ticking experiences off, you will want to add another item: watching a lunar eclipse from the ocean.

Imagine sipping champagne from the deck of your cruise ship and watching as the sky darkens during a total lunar eclipse. Over the next two years, there will be four chances to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Why book a cruise to watch the eclipse?

Even though you can easily view an eclipse from land, there are many benefits to getting on board and mingling with like-minded eclipse enthusiasts. Among the many experts on board cruises, most cruise ships will have onboard astronomy and space experts on hand to give you extra guidance and knowledge during the eclipse, including where to get the best shot for all budding photographers. While there may have been too much movement to get a good photo on earlier cruise ships, thanks to constant innovation, many big or small ships have stabilisers to keep from rocking around and ensure you get the perfect shot.

Cruises to view the lunar eclipse 2025

In 2025, total lunar eclipses will occur over most of Antarctica and North and South America. Unfortunately, the dates for the 2025 lunar eclipse, 13-14 March and 7-8 September, fall just outside the travel season to Antarctica, but the dates for an Alaskan or European cruise in September fall just as the busy season is coming to an end.

North America

Travel the Alaskan Inside Passage with Silversea from Vancouver, and not only will you get to experience the total lunar eclipse, but you will also experience the awe-inspiring Alaskan landscapes and five-star Silversea service. This includes butler service, multiple restaurants, a spa and fitness centre and world-class experts onboard.

View the eclipse while sailing the Alaskan Inside Passage

How to book your cruise for the next full lunar Eclipse

Sailings for 2025 are quickly filling up, so travelling in September for the second lunar eclipse (7-8 September) will give you more options for suites and itineraries. Take a look at our 2025 Mediterranean cruise deals and North America deals for your chance to see the lunar eclipse from the sea! Alternatively, you can contact our team of cruise specialists to discuss which cruise best suits you.

Cruises to view the lunar eclipse 2026

If travelling in 2025 seems a little close, not to fear, there are some great itineraries available for 2026. With a number of cruises being booked far in advance, now is the ideal time to plan ahead for the eclipses in 2026, which will be occurring at the start of March and the end of August.

Douro River Cruise

The Mediterranean

The last major lunar eclipse for 2026 will happen on the 27th-28th of August over Europe, Africa, and North and South America. One of the best areas for this is Portugal, making it a great opportunity to take the time to explore Spain, Morocco and Lisbon with Explora Journeys onboard the Explora II. Offering luxurious ocean front suites, three pools, unlimited beverages and nine dining experiences, you will be cruising in luxury while getting ready to experience the total eclipse.

If you prefer to travel slower and have a more in-depth experience, viewing the eclipse will be possible onboard the Uniworld River Cruise along the Douro River, travelling through Portugal and Spain. This will cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port and explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic Rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene.

North America

This second eclipse for 2026 is best viewed in North America, particularly around Alaska and Canada. This is a great opportunity to explore the Canadian Rockies and the Alaskan Inside Passage. You can experience these magnificent landscapes with Emerald Tours. Explore the Rockies onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Rail before hopping aboard a Holland America cruise line to view the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay and Athabasca Glacier.

View the Eclipse over Glaciers

The ultra-luxe Scenic Eclipse also gives travellers another opportunity to experience the 2026 eclipse, in 6-star comfort and style. This 12-day cruise sails past the glaciers of Greenland and explores the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords. You’ll discover World-Heritage sites, picturesque villages and spectacular national parks, while also indulging in ultimate luxury onboard with extensive dining experiences, lectures and more.

How to book your lunar eclipse cruise 2026

It is important to plan ahead when chasing the eclipse in 2026, with most of the action happening during August, one of the busiest vacation periods of the year.

More and more sailings for 2026 are opening up every day, giving you more opportunities to have this once in a lifetime experience. Contact our team of cruise specialists to discuss your cruise options or view our top cruise deals here.