PONANT EXPLORATIONS is offering guests a chance to experience as total solar eclipse in select regions of the Northern Hemisphere, on 12 August 2026. This rare phenomenon can be best experienced at sea. With three exclusive itineraries off the coasts of Iceland and Spain, guests will enjoy sailing alongside experts, ensuring an unforgettable journey under the path of totality.
As the day’s onshore excursions conclude, the ship will set sail for the open sea. The captain will navigate to the optimal viewing location, well away from landforms and potential cloud cover. On the outer decks, guests, equipped with observation glasses, will listen intently as renowned specialists and seasoned eclipse chasers share their insights
With a commitment to delivering unique experiences that celebrate the world, its cultures and natural wonders, each of PONANT EXPLORERS’ itineraries is crafted as an exclusive voyage of discovery.
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Whether along the coast of Iceland or in the Mediterranean, the unspoilt natural surroundings far from inhabited areas and artificial light, provides the perfect setting for an immersive experience. At sea, the tranquillity and purity of the air enhance the spectacle, while the mobility of small ships ensures the best possible vantage point to admire this celestial phenomenon.
Featuring renowned Astronomers and Astronauts, the three voyages are:
Total Solar Eclipse in the Mediterranean
Joe Rao, Meteorologist
Serge Brunier is also the host of the show Entre Terre et Ciel on Arte and the author of several books. His photographs of the universe are regularly featured by major astronomical institutes and space agencies. On the Mediterranean cruise, he will be joined by Joe Rao. Well-known to English-speaking guests, this meteorologist—with over 40 years of radio and television broadcasts to his credit—is also an accomplished astronomer. He has already led several expeditions in pursuit of solar eclipses.
“I invite you to an extraordinary rendezvous on August 12th, 2026, somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, off the Balearic Islands: for the moment of a cosmic “tick-tock”, the Moon will eclipse the Sun, and the stars will awaken in a fleeting night,” said Serge Brunier, Science Journalist, Eclipse Photographer.
- Nice roundtrip, departing 6 August 2026, aboard Le Boréal – 9 days/8 nights.
- Priced from AU$10,270 per person twin share.
- Full itinerary details here.
Total Solar Eclipse in The Far North
Claudie Haigneré – Astronaut and Jean-Pierre Haigneré – Astronaut
On this Arctic journey, renowned French astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré will share their knowledge of the eclipse. With extensive experience aboard the MIR station and the ISS, they will offer guests exclusive lectures and exchange sessions.
- Longyearbyen, Svalbard to Reykjavík, departing 1 August 2026, aboard Le Lyrial – 14 days/13 nights.
- Priced from AU$22,350 per person twin share.
- Full itinerary details here.
Total Solar Eclipse from Iceland to Ireland
Jean-François Clervoy – Astronaut
Set out to witness the total solar eclipse amidst the wild landscapes of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Scotland. From Icelandic fjords to the cliffs of the Shetland Islands, explore volcanoes, Viking lands, and seabird colonies before marvelling at this rare celestial event, where the Moon will eclipse the Sun. An astronaut since 1985 and a veteran of three missions aboard the Atlantis and Discovery shuttles, Jean- François Clervoy will share his expertise with guests through lectures and exclusive encounters.
- Reykjavík to Dublin, departing 10 August 2026, aboard Le Lapérouse – 9 days/8 nights.
- Priced from AU$10,180 per person twin share.
- Full itinerary details here.
Each ship’s captain will adjust the route to optimise eclipse observation. In the event of unfavourable weather, the course will be modified in pursuit of clearer skies, ensuring the best possible viewing experience.
