Atlas opens 2027 solar eclipse expedition

Published on Sep 5, 2025, 8:37 am CDT

5 min read

Atlas Ocean Voyages has opened bookings for its 2027 solar eclipse expedition, an eight-night, small-yacht Mediterranean cruise departing Barcelona on July 27, 2027 and concluding in Lisbon. The itinerary calls in Spain and Portugal with an overnight in Ibiza, plus Cartagena, Motril, Puerto Banús, and Portimão. On August 2, the ship will position at sea for the total solar eclipse with programming led by astronomer Jonathan H. Ward. Fares start at $9,999 per person and include the Explorer's Choice Amenity.

Key Points

Why it matters: A sea-based vantage point offers an unobstructed horizon for the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse.
Travel impact: Combines a rare celestial event with an expedition cruise focused on food, wine, and culture.
What's next: Strong demand is expected for limited small-ship inventory, so early reservations are prudent.
Value add: Explorer's Choice lets guests pick an air credit, unlimited Wi-Fi, or a pre-cruise hotel night.

Snapshot

The expedition sails July 27 to August 4, 2027, from Barcelona to Lisbon with calls across Spain and Portugal. Atlas will host an overnight in Ibiza featuring a curated wine tasting in Santa Gertrudis, an exploration of Cartagena's World War II submarine tunnels, and a late night in Puerto Banús for an inland visit to historic Ronda. On August 2, the yacht will move to a precise position at sea to view the total solar eclipse, with expert commentary and stargazing sessions led by Jonathan H. Ward. The voyage ends in Lisbon after a call in Portimão. Entry pricing is $9,999 per person with Explorer's Choice inclusions.

Background

Atlas Ocean Voyages, a small-ship, expedition-style brand, runs Epicurean Expeditions in the Mediterranean that pair culinary experiences with regional culture. The August 2, 2027 eclipse is one of the century's standout events, with a path of totality that crosses the Strait of Gibraltar and North Africa, making the nearby Mediterranean a strategic place to seek clear horizons. For context, Ibiza sits roughly an hour's flight from Barcelona, underscoring how compact the route is for travelers planning pre- or post-cruise logistics. Atlas has also invested in astronomy-forward enrichment, collaborating with Ward on lectures, workshops, and guided observation on select voyages.

Latest Developments

Bookings open for the 2027 solar eclipse expedition

Departing Barcelona on July 27, 2027, the eight-night expedition visits Ibiza, Cartagena, Motril, Puerto Banús, and Portimão, then concludes in Lisbon. Highlights include an overnight in Ibiza with a wine tasting in Santa Gertrudis, time to tour Cartagena's WWII-era submarine tunnels, and a late night in Puerto Banús that supports an inland visit to Ronda. On August 2, the ship will be positioned at sea, where an unobstructed horizon maximizes eclipse viewing. Ward, an astronomer and space historian, will anchor the enrichment program, guiding guests through pre-event briefings, safe viewing, and after-action discussions focused on the science and spectacle of totality.

Pricing, amenities, and competitive context

Fares begin at $9,999 per person, inclusive of Atlas' Explorer's Choice Amenity, which allows a choice of up to $1,000 air credit per stateroom, complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, or a pre-cruise hotel night. The value mix is aimed at expedition cruise shoppers who prize small-ship access and curated culinary programming. For travelers comparing options across the category, see our related coverage of savings in the segment, including HX Expeditions fall promotion: up to $2,500 off.

Analysis

This sailing sits at the intersection of three demand drivers, eclipse tourism, expedition cruising, and Mediterranean culture. A sea-based viewing point mitigates land-based risks like crowds and obstructed sightlines, while allowing the bridge to reposition for optimal sky conditions within the ship's safety parameters. The port mix threads party-forward Ibiza with history-rich Cartagena and boutique-luxury Puerto Banús, adding depth to an itinerary that might otherwise lean only on the eclipse. Atlas' Epicurean Expeditions lens, including the Santa Gertrudis tasting and localized culinary touches, supports premium pricing by delivering experiences that feel specific to place.

The starting fare, paired with Explorer's Choice, positions the product competitively beside other small-ship offerings that are staking claims around the 2026 and 2027 eclipse windows. Inventory should be watched closely, both because of the event's rarity and the intimate capacity of expedition yachts. For air planning, the Barcelona to Ibiza corridor is well served and roughly an hour by flight, which simplifies pre- or mid-itinerary logistics if travelers want independent time ashore. Overall, this is a high-intent, bucket-list product designed for travelers who value access, enrichment, and culinary depth.

Final Thoughts

Atlas' 2027 solar eclipse expedition delivers a rare, front-row ocean vantage for totality, then layers on culinary and cultural stops that reward a premium spend. If you want a small-ship experience with expert astronomy programming, precise at-sea positioning on August 2, and tightly curated port calls between Barcelona and Lisbon, this departure warrants early action. The combination of intimate capacity, flexible Explorer's Choice perks, and a once-in-a-generation celestial event makes this a standout 2027 solar eclipse expedition.