The yacht’s position north of Mallorca affords eclipse viewers an unobstructed view
Seeing a total solar eclipse is a coveted life experience for many and combining that with a chance to see it at sunset (a rare occurrence) from a yacht at sea is proving popular. This week Windstar announced a second eclipse cruise for August 2026 – this time aboard its 148-guest sailing yacht Wind Spirit.
Setting sail from Rome on August 6, 2026 on a seven-night Mediterranean Sunset Eclipse cruise, guests aboard Wind Spirit will visit Bastia and Calvi, Corsica; Alghero, Sardinia; enjoy two full days at sea and visit Mahon, Menorca. On August 12, the yacht will strategically position itself north of Mallorca, Spain to have a clear view of the horizon for a prime view of the eclipse (weather permitting). An eclipse watch party on deck will bring guests together for the memorable event and eclipse glasses will be provided. The journey ends in Barcelona, Spain on August 13.
The 2026 solar eclipse path of totality will pass over Spain and Portugal and last for two minutes and 18 seconds. From Mallorca, the sun will be only a few degrees above the western horizon at 8:30 pm when the moon fully covers the sun. This rare evening eclipse with the sun so close to the horizon makes a ship at sea with an unobstructed view of the horizon the ideal place to view it.
“Eclipse cruises are popular because ships at sea can position for clear views,” said Jess Peterson, Windstar’s director of destination experiences and itinerary planning. “Our first cruise to coincide with the 2026 eclipse in Iceland sold out quickly. We then looked at our deployment plans to see what other ships we had nearby the path of totality and the Wind Spirit made sense.”
Before the eclipse event, guests aboard Wind Spirit will visit four scenic ports on three Mediterranean islands.
Bastia, Corsica: Filled with lively, historical neighborhoods and the main port of Corsica, there’s lots to explore in town including 18th century buildings, the central market, a citadel and Jardin Romieu gardens.
Calvi, Corsica: This scenic town on a bay is a top vacation spot surrounded by fortified walls with a large medieval citadel on top of a hill overlooking the port and scenic beaches. Enjoy beach time in the sun, take a tour to visit Corsica’s vineyards and taste its wines, explore the Corsican countryside or wander Calvi’s streets filled with history and see the home of Christopher Columbus.
Alghero, Sardinia: Known as “little Barcelona” this is a small ship exclusive. The old town is enclosed by ancient walls and filled with lively shops and restaurants. Scenic beaches are a draw here along with Neptune’s Grotto, a sea cave.
Mahon, Menorca: Known for being one of the longest and deepest natural harbors in the world, it is laced with white sand beaches. Guests can explore historic churches and palaces, archaeological sites of the Talayotic culture of Menorca, and Sant Patrici Farm, famous for its local cheese.
Windstar Cruises is celebrating 40 years of operating yacht style cruises. The company is poised for growth as Star Seeker, a 224-guest all-suite yacht, joins the fleet in December 2025, followed by sister ship Star Explorer in December 2026. The two vessels join the line’s Star Class fleet of upscale yachts bringing the fleet to five Star Class plus three Wind Class sailing yachts, all carrying between 148 and 342 guests. Star Seeker will be christened in Miami on January 15, 2026.
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner.
Find more information on Windstar Cruises here.
About Windstar Cruises
With a fleet of eight all-suite and sailing yachts, each serving up to 350 guests, Windstar Cruises offers an intimate experience like no other. Guests can explore enchanting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, Asia and the South Pacific. Plus, Windstar operates year-round in Europe and Tahiti.
Windstar will introduce two new ships to its Star Class beginning with Star Seeker in December 2025 and followed by Star Explorer in December 2026. At Windstar Cruises, it’s not just about travel – it’s about creating experiences that resonate with the soul. With port-intensive itineraries, iconic destinations, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program, every moment with Windstar is an opportunity for discovery and delight.
Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy that spans over a hundred years operating our country’s iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others. Xanterra Travel Collection®, is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.