Recently we gave you a detailed list of annular solar eclipses occurring globally with South America and Europe getting a significant amount of coverage. Now that the travel industry is slowly creeping into the range of booking availability for these events, the watch is on for some reservations to come into play. One of those that has surfaced through the cracks is from Miami-based Windstar Cruises, which operates six luxury yachts that circumnavigate the globe through some 50 nations with a passenger ranger range of 148 to 310 in total.
Windstar Cruises has introduced an early booking offer for a seven-day trip around Iceland that will depart its Reykjavik port on August 10, 2026, and return to port on August 17. The cruise itself will dork in five different Icelandic cities with the first stop landing in Grundarfjörður, which is most famous for its view of Mt. Kirkjufell and the nearby waterfalls that possess such picturesque beauty. Not to mention, the chance to travel over a road that goes directly over a lava field.
The morning of August 12, the cruise will make a pit stop in the maritime town of Ísafjörður. Located just 20 nautical miles south of the Arctic Circle, you will be able to take in the rich history of Iceland's most iconic fishing industry alongside more of the rugged terrain the area offers.
With a 1:30 departure time out of Ísafjörður, the crew and passengers of the Star Pride will get the rare opportunity to see one of nature's most iconic and most anticipated events, the annular solar eclipse. Weather permitting, the ship will not only get a view of the eclipse itself, but it will be the opportunity to see it in total darkness over the open water waters of the Norwegian Sea., navigating to a peak view spot with minimal light.
The eclipse on that day will be a late afternoon showing with partial covering starting at 4:43 p.m. The peak times will be approximately one hour later lasting a a minute and a half. The second half of the event will last another hour. The ship is expected to have a massive party celebrating the event like no other.
The following morning, the Star Pride will dock in the northern port of Akureyri. Settled in the 9th century, the "Capital of North Iceland" as it is dubbed, gives passengers the chance to take in the area's iconic waterfalls, and canons soak in the sky-blue Myvatn Nature Bath. Exploring the main shopping center and many arts and crafts galleries is also a highly recommended activity.
For Day 5, the cruise will dock on the eastern shores of Iceland in the port city of Seyðisfjörður, While there, passengers will have a chance to see the puffins roam the area while being surrounded b the mountains, waterfalls and iconic sea views. Among other animals that traverse the area includes reindeer and seals. There is also an opportunity o go scuba diving in search of the sunken British World War II area oil tanker, El Grillo. The Star Pride will dock overnight in Seyðisfjörður, allowing for maximum excursions.
On the seventh day of sail, Heimaey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, comes into the fray of the passengers aboard the Windstar Cruises vessel. In January 1973, a volcano eruption wiped out the island and the area is still to this day undergoing a transition rising from the ashes of the volcano. Home to about 4,000 people, the island is also home to an estimated 4 million puffins that live and breed throughout Iceland.
After an afternoon on Heimaey Island, the ship will return to Reykjavik, where you can immerse in the city's vibrant cultural scene. The cruise is not only providing its passengers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it also giving them the opportunity to explore the beauty and culture of the various Icelandic seaports.
Windstar Cruises is offering an early booking price with an all-inclusive package starting from $3,899 per guest. The all-inclusive price includes free Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails.