odyvero
On August 2, 2027, two Fred. Olsen cruises offer different ways to view the total eclipse: a call at Cádiz aboard Balmoral, or an at-sea observation aboard Borealis between Lisbon and Madeira. Here’s how to compare their routes, arrange access to the deck, and plan travel expenses, following the Icelandic and Spanish eclipse of 2026, which has now passed.
The 2027 eclipse calendar
Trips focused on August 12, 2026 are now part of the past calendar. For planning an upcoming departure, the date to remember is Monday, August 2, 2027, confirmed by NASA and Spain’s Instituto Geográfico Nacional. The geography is different: the path of totality crosses the Atlantic, the Strait of Gibraltar, and North Africa, then continues toward the Red Sea. Iceland is no longer the destination for this new total eclipse.
This difference matters when reading brochures. A Mediterranean crossing or a call at a Spanish port does not automatically place travelers beneath the Moon’s shadow. You need to check where the ship plans to be during the event. Totality occurs within a specific band; outside it, the Sun remains partially visible, even when it appears heavily obscured.
In Cádiz, the IGN forecasts totality from approximately 10:45 to 10:48, lasting 2 minutes and 54 seconds. These times correspond to official peninsular Spanish time and the city. A ship positioned elsewhere will experience its own astronomical circumstances. The time displayed on board may also differ: the program provided to passengers should specify which time standard it uses.
The two departures considered here have been announced by the cruise line for 2027. This comparison focuses on the itinerary and viewing arrangements. Cabin availability, fare conditions, and excursions need to be checked at the time of booking.
Balmoral and the call at Cádiz
Program L2722, “Spain Siesta & the Solar Eclipse,” departs from Southampton on July 28, 2027, and returns there on August 8, after eleven nights. It calls at La Coruña on July 30 and Vigo on July 31, then reaches Cádiz for August 2 and 3. Gibraltar is on the itinerary for August 4, before the return voyage.
This route suits travelers who want to combine the eclipse with Spanish port calls without changing accommodation. The Galician stops come before Andalusia; the stay in Cádiz extends beyond the astronomical event that morning. You can therefore devote the morning to viewing and explore the city afterward, rather than trying to fit disembarkation, a guided tour, and setting up equipment into the same time slot.
The cruise line presents viewing from Balmoral’s decks or ashore in Cádiz. However, its listing includes an eclipse entry and a call beginning that same morning, without giving a usable disembarkation time. If you plan to view from shore, get confirmation of docking and gangway opening before choosing a viewing spot or booking a transfer. Staying on board may be the simplest arrangement if there is little time to spare.
The 2 minutes and 54 seconds given for Cádiz is a city-based reference. It should not be attributed to the ship without knowing its position. The quay, port facilities, and the direction of the Sun also affect the view from the deck. Ask which outdoor areas will be accessible and how passengers will be distributed among them.
Borealis and the Atlantic loop
Program S2713, “Volcanic Azores & the Solar Eclipse,” departs from Liverpool on July 27, 2027, for fourteen nights, returning on August 10. After Matosinhos on July 30, Borealis stays in Lisbon from July 31 to August 1. August 2 is devoted to the eclipse at sea, followed by Funchal on August 3, Ponta Delgada on August 5, and Praia da Vitória on August 6.
The appeal of the trip lies in this sequence of mainland ports and islands. You have an extended call in Lisbon before the astronomical event, followed by stops in Madeira and the Azores. Choose this program if these destinations and days at sea appeal to you independently of the eclipse: they make up most of the trip and give it its overall shape.
Fred. Olsen announces an at-sea viewing between Lisbon and Madeira, with positioning aimed at reaching totality. This describes a sailing area, not final coordinates. NASA’s path map shows that duration depends on the exact location reached. We therefore do not assume a position or promise a duration calculated solely from the names of the ports of call.
The cruise line also announces that Go Stargazing specialists will accompany its eclipse cruises. Their presence can help passengers follow the phases and prepare their equipment. Ask what sessions are planned, what language the presentations will be in, and what instructions will be given that morning. This support is particularly useful for first-time viewers who want to understand the announcements without keeping their eyes on an app.
Choosing between port and sailing
Balmoral favors a shorter Spanish route and an extended stop in Cádiz. Borealis offers a longer Portuguese and island loop, with viewing at sea planned. The difference therefore lies in the entire journey as much as in the few minutes of totality. For your first stay aboard, also consider how comfortable you are with days at sea and how much time you have to reach the British port.
A port call can offer two ways to spend the time: remain on the ship or go ashore when the schedule allows. The land-based option means finding an accessible location, checking its view of the Sun, and planning the return to the ship. The onboard option avoids that trip, but you need to know how to reach the outdoor areas. A balcony cabin does not eliminate the need to check: its orientation and the ship’s structures may obstruct the view.
At sea, the captain remains in command of the vessel and responsible for safety decisions. The ability to maneuver does not guarantee that every cloud can be avoided. Weather, sea conditions, route constraints, and available time all factor into the final decision. Neither of these two itineraries can promise every passenger a clear view.
To compare the offers, ask for specific details: open decks, any available seating, step-free access, audible announcements outdoors, and distribution of eclipse glasses. These details directly affect viewing comfort. They are more useful than choosing a cabin based only on its commercial category.
Decks and equipment
Identify the outdoor areas early in the cruise. A railing, funnel, deck overhang, or glass section may affect your field of view. The right spot depends on the Sun’s position at the expected time, not just on whether you can see the sea horizon. In Cádiz, the IGN table places the Sun at a maximum altitude of about 37 degrees during the eclipse.
The ship’s crew should indicate which areas are permitted and any restrictions on movement. If you are traveling with someone who needs a seat, an elevator, or assistance, confirm access all the way to the relevant deck. A general statement that the ship is accessible may not describe the final stretch to a viewing area.
For equipment, prioritize what you already know how to use: suitable eclipse glasses, a small wind cover for your belongings, clothing appropriate for the forecast conditions, and a charged device. A bulky tripod requires the company’s approval. You need to be able to move around without catching your feet, and keep passageways clear, especially when passengers change positions.
A practice run before August 2 lets you choose a composition and check your device’s controls without looking directly at the Sun. On the day, limit adjustments that distract you from the event. Watching the solar corona during totality and following safety announcements can be a rewarding experience even without close-up photography.
The full cost of the cruise
Start by comparing the same number of travelers and a clearly identified cabin category. The advertised starting price for a shared inside cabin does not indicate the price of a single cabin or a balcony cabin. Check the contract currency, deposit, payment schedule, and cancellation terms. Also keep the exact name of the fare you choose: some services depend on that package.
Fred. Olsen’s pages list, among other things, full board, entertainment, and leisure facilities. Review the terms of the proposed fare to see what they say about drinks, gratuities, shuttles, and optional extras. Shore excursions and personal spending are separate costs. Compare an independent tour with the cost of getting there from the terminal, not just the price of the activity itself.
Then add the journey to Southampton or Liverpool: international transport, transfer to the port, any overnight stay beforehand, and the return trip. We recommend arriving the day before if you are arranging these elements separately. That night is an extra expense, but it gives you a buffer for delays and avoids starting your trip with a tight connection.
Check the entry documents required for your nationality for the United Kingdom and all ports of call, as well as the insurance terms. Read the coverage for medical care, possible evacuation, and missed embarkation carefully. Finally, ask how the contract handles an itinerary change: having the eclipse in the trip title does not, by itself, explain what remedies are available.
Safe eclipse viewing
NASA recommends eclipse glasses or a solar-viewing device compliant with ISO 12312-2 during the partial phases. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not protect your eyes when looking directly at the Sun. Check the filter’s condition before use and discard any device that is scratched, torn, or damaged.
You may remove your glasses only during full totality, when the bright face of the Sun is completely hidden. Put them back on as soon as any bright part reappears. In an area where the eclipse remains partial, protection is required throughout the viewing period. On board, follow qualified announcements based on the ship’s actual position, rather than a countdown set for a nearby city.
Binoculars, telescopes, and cameras require suitable solar filters placed in front of their optics. Never look through binoculars while wearing only eclipse glasses: concentrated light can damage the filter and injure your eyes. Have any setup checked by a qualified person before the trip.
With children, plan for continuous supervision and use a device sized for them. Indirect projection offers another way to follow the partial phases without looking at the Sun. On deck, take the usual precautions for spending time outdoors: water, skin protection, and breaks in the shade when the arrangements allow. Viewing begins before totality and continues afterward.
Ports of call around the eclipse
For Balmoral, the extended stop in Cádiz gives you flexibility after the event. Keep the start of August 2 free of any appointment that would require you to leave your viewing spot during the eclipse. You can then explore the city in the afternoon or the next day, depending on disembarkation times and what you feel like doing. Our guide to a land-based stay in Cádiz, Tarifa, or Málaga explains how to choose a base for those who ultimately prefer to travel without a cruise.
With Borealis, Lisbon offers a different opportunity: the overnight stay in port from July 31 to August 1 makes it possible to plan an independent activity before the day of the astronomical event. The Devour food tour is a useful recommendation for exploring several neighborhoods with an English-speaking guide. The verified listing specifies three hours, a maximum of twelve participants, seven stops, eight tastings, and three drinks.
The meeting point is Praça da Figueira, and guests are asked to arrive fifteen minutes before departure. The walk follows uneven streets and slopes; check dietary restrictions with the operator. Choose a time that is actually offered, preferably on the first day of the port call if the schedule works, and calculate the journey from the terminal. The tour ticket is separate from the cruise and does not reserve any eclipse viewing.
For the other stops, a light schedule leaves time for getting around the port and resting. Above all, avoid booking an independent excursion before you know the latest time you must be back on board. The activity’s schedule and the cruise line’s schedule must be compatible, with enough time to return to the ship.
Viator
Lisbon: Devour food tour
A walking tour for Borealis’s extended stop in Lisbon: choose a time that works with the terminal and keep August 2 free for the eclipse. English-speaking guide, three-hour walk with tastings.
- 4.9/5 (2,404 reviews)
Three hours in English, up to twelve participants. Seven stops, eight tastings, and three drinks; meet at Praça da Figueira. Dietary restrictions must be confirmed.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.
From €63.00
View activityFAQ
When should you take a cruise for the 2027 eclipse?
The total eclipse takes place on Monday, August 2, 2027. The two itineraries covered here begin before that date: Borealis departs Liverpool on July 27 for fourteen nights, and Balmoral departs Southampton on July 28 for eleven nights. Also allow enough time to reach the port, and consider staying overnight beforehand if you want a buffer on arrival.
Can you still book the 2026 eclipse cruises?
August 12, 2026 has passed. An old page about that date can therefore no longer help you plan to view that eclipse. For 2027, the path shifts and includes southern Spain and North Africa. You need to choose a new confirmed itinerary with its own viewing location, rather than reuse a 2026 Iceland itinerary.
How long can you expect totality to last on board?
It depends on the ship’s exact position in the corridor. In Cádiz, the IGN gives 2 minutes and 54 seconds for the city; this information does not automatically apply to Balmoral. For Borealis, the commercial area “between Lisbon and Madeira” does not provide a sufficiently precise location. Ask the company about the planned circumstances and follow its updated information.
Does the cruise guarantee clear skies?
No. The astronomical event is predictable, but clouds remain a weather factor. At sea, the ability to move also depends on safety and navigation. Choose an itinerary with ports of call that genuinely interest you, and read the trip-change clauses before paying a deposit. An observation announcement is not a weather guarantee.
Should I book a cabin with a balcony?
A balcony can make your stay more comfortable, but its view of the eclipse depends on its orientation and any obstructions. First ask which shared decks will be open, how to access them, and whether any special arrangements are planned. Then compare the balcony surcharge for the entire trip, without assuming it will become your observation spot.
Can you observe from shore during the stop in Cádiz?
The company presents this as an option for Balmoral. However, you need to confirm the docking time, when the gangway will open, and the journey to your chosen location. Totality begins at around 10:45 a.m. peninsular time. If disembarking does not leave enough time, plan to observe from an area of the ship approved by the crew rather than rushing ashore.
What glasses should I bring on deck?
Bring glasses specifically designed for solar viewing, compliant with ISO 12312-2 and in good condition. They protect your eyes during the partial phases; remove them only during totality. Ask whether the company provides them, and make sure there is a suitable pair for each participant. Optical instruments require their own filters mounted in front of the objective lens.
Does the food tour in Lisbon include the cruise?
No. Devour’s offering is a three-hour walking tour in English that you join in Lisbon. It can complement Borealis’s extended stop when a time slot is available and fits the ship’s schedule. Transportation from the terminal, the cruise, and astronomical observation are not included in this ticket. The price and reviews are shown on the activity card.
Sources and checks
Plan your visits and check current conditions.
- Upcoming Eclipses
NASA · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
Confirmed date of August 2, 2027, and regions of totality, including southern Spain and North Africa.
- Circumstances of the August 2, 2027 eclipse
Instituto Geográfico Nacional · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
2027 path. Cádiz: totality 10:45:16–10:48:10, maximum at 10:46:43, duration 2 min 54 sec, official peninsular time; solar altitude approximately 37 degrees at maximum. These figures apply to the city, not the ship.
- Path of the Total Solar Eclipse of 2027 Aug 02
NASA GSFC / Fred Espenak · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
Limits and central line at universal time intervals; duration varies by location. The global maximum of more than six minutes is not attributed to the Atlantic cruises.
- Solar Eclipse Cruises
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
2027 programs; Go Stargazing specialists; viewing announced in Cádiz for Balmoral and at sea between Lisbon and Madeira for Borealis. No weather guarantee is included.
- Balmoral — Spain Siesta & the Solar Eclipse L2722
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
Southampton July 28–August 8, 2027, eleven nights; La Coruña July 30, Vigo July 31, eclipse and Cádiz on August 2, call continuing until August 3, Gibraltar August 4. No precise disembarkation time is inferred from the general descriptions.
- Borealis — Volcanic Azores & the Solar Eclipse S2713
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
Liverpool July 27–August 10, 2027, fourteen nights; Matosinhos July 30, Lisbon July 31–August 1, eclipse at sea August 2, Funchal August 3, Ponta Delgada August 5, Praia da Vitória August 6; inclusions depend on fare. Final position and duration of totality are unknown.
- Eclipse Viewing Safety
NASA · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
Use ISO 12312-2-compliant solar viewing glasses during partial phases, remove them only during complete totality, and put them back on when the photosphere returns; use filters in front of optical equipment; supervise children; use indirect projection and protect your skin.
- Lisbon Food Tour — product 170816P1
Viator Partner API / operator Devour · Accessed November 2, 2026
What this source supports
Individual ACTIVE listing rechecked: English-speaking guide, 180 minutes, maximum of twelve people, seven stops, eight tastings, and three drinks. Meet at Praça da Figueira fifteen minutes beforehand. Hills and uneven streets; confirm dietary restrictions. No availability for July 31–August 1, 2027 is guaranteed.
Viator — activity pages
Information about the offers featured in this article.Affiliate links: Odyvero may earn a commission when you book through this article’s buttons.
- Viator : Lisbon: Devour food tour
Accessed November 2, 2026
