Solar Eclipse Cruise 2026 – Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire

Full Itinerary

Friday 7^th August: Flight to Glasgow

We fly to Glasgow and transfer to our overnight hotel or make your own way and join us at the hotel.

Meals: None

Saturday 8^th August: Coach transfer from Glasgow to Dundee for Embarkation

After breakfast, we join the coach and make our way to Dundee Port to board the cruise ship Ambition for our special voyage. After embarkation, there’s time to settle into your cabin. This evening, we get to know our fellow passengers, friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Iceland.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Sunday 9^th August: On board Ambition at Sea

We head north, up the coast of Scotland with our sights set on the wonderful Faroe Islands.  This is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with Ambition. On deck, enjoy the coastal views or explore the facilities on offer, including a wellness centre, gym, two swimming pools and a range of shops, perfect for peaceful days at sea.

Later, we gather for our ‘Welcome to the Eclipse Cruise Presentation,’ with expert astronomer, Pete Lawrence. Pete explains what to expect when viewing the Eclipse from a moving ship and reviews the weather prospects for a full totality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday 10^th August: Runavik, Faroe Islands

As we near our first port, we head to the observation deck, eager for the first view of the rugged coastlines and bright green grass of the beautiful Faroe Islands.

wAs we approach the Port of Runavik, we are struck by the many different shades of green all around us. The breathtaking Faroe Islands are part of an archipelago of 18 volcanic islands, halfway between Norway and Iceland. The largest settlement on Eysturoy Island, Runavik is nestled along the Skálafjørður fjord. We have the day to explore the charming harbour, see the traditional Faroese fishing boats and stroll through the quaint streets, lined with colourful houses. (something we will see a lot of in Iceland!)

For those interested in history, a visit to the local museums provides a fascinating insight into the rich heritage of the Faroe Islands. Learn about the Viking history, maritime traditions, and the unique way of life that has been preserved over the centuries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday 11^th August: On board Ambition at Sea

The Ambition continues her journey towards Greenland and we enjoy a day at sea taking in the spectacular views and bracing air. In the afternoon, we gather with our expedition team for the Photographing the Eclipse Presentation. Pete demonstrates the best way to take photographs from a moving ship and explains special viewing considerations to improve picture quality. In the evening, we enjoy an Omega Exclusive cocktail party with our expedition members, where discussions about the big day will undoubtedly be the main topic of conversation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday 12^th August: Eclipse Viewing Day

Ambition continues toward our viewing position of the south coast of Greenland, (the nearest settlement to this location is called Ittoqqortoormiit).

A further Eclipse presentation this morning from Pete will discuss the weather prospects, timeline and safe viewing advice. Excitement builds as we gather on the deck in anticipation of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Our location offers an expected duration of totality (2 minutes and 15 seconds) In the afternoon, under the watchful eye of Pete, with cameras and special equipment at the ready, weather permitting, we experience the full glory of the total solar eclipse.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon entirely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, in a breathtaking display. The sky suddenly darkens, stars and planets become visible, and the temperature drops, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. This experience differs significantly from a partial eclipse, where the sun is only partially obscured, and the dramatic effects of totality are absent.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday 13^th August: On board Ambition at Sea

After the thrill of the Solar Eclipse, we enjoy a day at sea and take full advantage of Ambition’s facilities. There is so much to enjoy on our cruise ship! Take in a show in the tiered main theatre or discover your hidden talents in the card room, library or craft studio, there is plenty to discover on board the ‘Second Lady of the Sea.’

In the afternoon we get together with Pete for an Omega Exclusive Presentation - a review of past Omega Eclipses.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday 14^th August: Reykjavik, Iceland

We arrive at Reykjavik in the early hours of the morning.  As the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik offers a stunning array of natural beauty, including geothermal springs, rugged coastlines and breathtaking views of the Northern Lights.

The city is also famous for its innovative architecture and bustling arts scene. Notable landmarks include the Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa Concert Hall and the National Museum of Iceland. All worth a visit. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Reykjavik beckons with its Nordic elegance and Arctic wonders. Take in the stunning architecture of the Hallgrímskirkja church, soak in the nearby Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters and explore the city's vibrant street art scene against a brisk North Atlantic backdrop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday 15^th August: Grundarfjordur, Iceland

After a nighttime cruising, we arrive in the picturesque, fishing town of Grundarfjordur, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.  Grundarfjordur is a small town renowned for its dramatic landscapes and stunning natural beauty. It’s a definite must-visit destination and offers simply stunning views of the famous Mt Kirkjufell next to it – often dubbed the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland!

For art enthusiasts, don’t miss the Liston Art Gallery and look for stone sculptures by the town's most famous artist. We would also be remiss in telling you to keep an eye out for the Orca in the middle of Grundarfjordur. This sculpture was created by Unnsteinn Guðmundssonis and modelled after a special male orca named ‘Thunderstorm’.

Sunday 16^th August: At sea & Aurora Borealis Viewing

On our day at sea, we enjoy all the facilities on offer, there is plenty to fill our time. From viewing the stunning Icelandic landscapes on deck to relaxing in the spa, we are spoilt for choice. This afternoon we take a seat with our expedition group for an Omega Exclusive – The Aurora Borealis Presentation by Pete – explaining where the Aurora comes from, what it looks like and the prospects of seeing this natural phenomenon in the days ahead.

In the late evening, we head to the deck to explore the night sky in search of the Aurora Borealis. This fantastic aerial phenomenon is striking in its otherworldly beauty. From the deck of our ship in Iceland, we are in the best possible spot to see this mesmerising, natural light show.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday 17^th August: Seydisfjordur, Iceland

We spend a day exploring Seydisfjordur, a small town nestled at the end of a long fjord, considered to be one of Iceland’s’ cultural centres. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the colourful wooden houses stand out. In the summer months, the town is alive with visitors, the atmosphere quirky yet peaceful, with most eyes fixed on the iconic blue church at the end of the street, Seyðisfjarðarkirkja.

Tonight, we join our expedition members and Pete for another Omega Exclusive presentation on The Aurora Borealis. We gather, cameras at the ready for Pete to show and explain to us the best ways to photograph the Aurora Borealis. Later, we join all passengers on deck and look to the stars, for a second night of stargazing in the hope of seeing the magical Northern Lights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday 18^th August: On board Ambition at Sea

Ambition continues its southeasterly heading towards the Shetland Islands.  As we journey across the seas, we have time once more to enjoy the facilities our cruise ship has to offer. After a full day of relaxation and pleasure, we change into our best clothes for an Omega Exclusive event – Dinner in the Holyrood Restaurant with Pete and the team.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday 19^th August: Lerwick, Shetland Isles, UK

The last stop on our cruise is Lerwick, the main town of the archipelago and just 222 miles from Bergen in Norway. While it was established in the 17^th century to service Dutch herring and white fish fleets, the majority of the waterfront buildings date from the 18^th century. The wooden huts which once stood here were burned twice, firstly by the angry residents of Scalloway who were displeased with fishermen’s ‘immorality’, then again later on by a French fleet.

Nowadays, Lerwick plays host to Up Helly Aa, an annual Viking fire festival, which marks the end of Yule season and culminates in the visually striking burning of a Viking galley ship. The town also had a starring role in the BBC series, Shetland, and its atmospheric streets made famous by DI Jimmy Perez are perfect for a leisurely wander.

In the late evening, we join our fellow passengers on deck for a third night of stargazing in the hope of seeing the wonderful Aurora Borealis appear across the night sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday 20^th August: At sea

We wake up to enjoy our last day aboard the Ambition, a last chance to enjoy all the facilities on board. Whether you fancy a relaxing spa treatment, entertainment or some quiet time in the library reflecting on the past day’s events, there is plenty to do.

In the afternoon we gather for a presentation for all passengers, one last gathering and farewell. Although it is sad to see our expedition come to an end, we have undoubtedly made new friends and have memories to last a lifetime. We raise a glass of fizz to future Omega events and look forward to our next adventure together.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday 21^st August: Disembark & Edinburgh

In the morning, we arrive in Dundee and after breakfast, disembark. We say farewell to the Ambition and travel by coach to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Here, we can enjoy exploring the bustling city centre, which offers an extraordinary blend of shopping and fascinating historical and cultural attractions. Afterwards, we continue to our overnight hotel in Glasgow.

Meals: Breakfast

Saturday 22^nd August: Check out and return flights from Glasgow

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight home.

Meals: Breakfast