Total Solar Eclipse in the Mediterranean
Experience the extraordinary on these Timeless cruises along Mediterranean shores. Seek out a rare phenomenon: the total solar eclipse. On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will begin over Palma de Mallorca, Spain at 7:38pm, reach totality at 8:31pm, and end as the sun disappears over the horizon at 8:49pm. And on August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will put the Strait of Gibraltar into four minutes of darkness. Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences and serene relaxation, with one included activity per guest in every port and one or more guest lecturer on board.
On the Total Solar Eclipse in the Mediterranean cruise, operating round-trip from Nice, France, learn from special guest eclipse chasers Joe Rao (a meteorologist) and Serge Brunier (a science journalist, author and photographer). Enjoy an included excursion in every port of call. Dive into sparkling turquoise waters and explore pretty villages, historic cities, cobblestone streets, steep peaks and sublime beaches. Soak in Barcelona’s artistic treasures and museums. Weather permitting, position off the coast of the main Balearic Island, in the best place to observe the solar eclipse. With luck, observe the 19th total eclipse of the 21st century, during which the moon will obscure the sun and reveal the solar corona. Then return back to Nice, famous for its interminable riviera. On this non-Smithsonian departure, travelers can enjoy at least one English-speaking onboard lecturer who’s an expert in the destination. And every departure, regardless of the onboard expert(s), is a Timeless departure, with one excursion included per guest in every port.
On the 2026 Solar Eclipse at Sea cruise, sail from Barcelona, Spain to Nice, France. Arrive in Palma de Mallorca on the day of the eclipse and tour the city before returning to the ship for the evening’s eclipse. Go on to explore islands shaped by successive waves of civilizations—Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Spaniards, Arabs, Byzantines, the French and Italians. Explore quaint old cities, fishing ports, flamboyant churches, limestone cliffs and prehistoric towers. Along the way, sample local cuisine and wines. These PONANT voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture.
On the 2027 Solar Eclipse at Sea cruise, sail round-trip from Lisbon, Portugal, with visits along southern Spain. Arrive in Malaga on the day of the eclipse and visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace alongside time at sea to position within the path of Totality. Along the way, enjoy a flamenco performance and wine tastings, sail through the legendary Straits of Gibraltar, explore Moorish heritage in Andalusia and take opportunities to enjoy the local beaches. These PONANT voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture.
On the Total Solar Eclipse Between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic cruise, operating round-trip from Lisbon, Portugal, learn from special guest eclipse chasers Joe Rao (a meteorologist) and Serge Brunier (a science journalist, author and photographer). Enjoy an included excursion in every port of call. Take a break in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, with golden beaches and pristine nature. With luck, observe a total eclipse, during which the moon will obscure the sun and reveal the solar corona. Then return back to Lisbon, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fado bars, Moorish streets and luxury shopping. On this non-Smithsonian departure, travelers can enjoy at least one English-speaking onboard lecturer who’s an expert in the destination. And every departure, regardless of the onboard expert(s), is a Timeless departure, with one excursion included per guest in every port.
Cruise the azure waters of the Mediterranean on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition aboard 184-guest Le Dumont D’Urville or Le Laperouse, or 264-guest Le Boreal. Be joined on board by an experienced team of naturalist guides, anthropologists, ornithologists and marine mammal specialists. Travel in style aboard these luxury French expedition ships that offer refined and attentive service, a plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance. Appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides on board.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s other small ship Mediterranean cruises, Italy small ship cruises and Mediterranean vacations, or specialty solar eclipse cruises.









