Luxury expedition line Ponant is inviting intrepid travellers to witness one of the most awe-inspiring natural events of the decade, the total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 from the pristine vantage point of the open sea. With three expertly timed itineraries navigating the path of totality, Ponant’s boutique vessels will position guests directly beneath the eclipse’s shadow in some of the most atmospheric and remote regions on Earth.
Far from light pollution and unpredictable cloud cover, these once-in-a-lifetime voyages blend celestial spectacle with world-class expedition cruising, offering an experience that’s as rare as it is refined. ailing under the path of the Moon’s umbra, Ponant’s captains will steer each vessel to an optimal viewing location at sea, ensuring uninterrupted observation of the eclipse’s full totality. Guests will gather on deck equipped with observation glasses, as the daylight dims, the sky turns eerie, and the solar corona emerges in a fleeting, golden halo.
To deepen the experience, each sailing is accompanied by leading astronomers, eclipse chasers, and even veteran astronauts, offering pre-eclipse briefings, onboard lectures, and fascinating context to this astronomical event.
Three Itineraries | Three Spectacular Vistas
Mediterranean Magic: Nice–Nice | Aboard Le Boréal | 6–14 August 2026
Hosted by renowned French science journalist Serge Brunier and American meteorologist-astronomer Joe Rao, this 9-day voyage through the Balearic Sea positions guests off the coast of Spain at the moment of totality. Fares from AUD$10,270
Arctic Immersion: Longyearbyen to Reykjavík | Aboard Le Lyrial | 1–14 August 2026
Join French astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré on a 14-night journey through the remote Arctic, from Svalbard to Iceland, where scientific insight meets sublime wilderness. Fares from AUD$22,350
North Atlantic Explorer: Reykjavík to Dublin | Aboard Le Lapérouse | 10–18 August 2026
Explore the fjords of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Shetland coastlines en route to Ireland, guided by astronaut Jean-François Clervoy. This voyage offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and a front-row view of the eclipse over the Atlantic. Fares from AUD$10,180
Each journey is designed with maximum observational advantage in mind. Should weather threaten visibility, ship itineraries are fully adaptable.
To access voyage details visit au.ponant.com or reach out to your NZ Ponant BDM.