Texas Cruisers Book Your Solar Eclipse Cruises Now

Texas takes on a whole new look when you see it from an ocean-going point of view. The sail away out of Galveston, Texas isn't the most alluring as far as scenery goes. But you're on a ship and you're going on vacation so that adds to the ambiance of what might be seen by many as "just a working port".

Now, if you're asking about cruise ship departures with incredible scenery. I have a couple to suggest. I would say the journey from New Orleans down the Mississippi River ranks right up there with the sail away down the Grand Canal in Venice Italy. 

Sadly, you can't enjoy that Venice sail away anymore but Old Man River is up for the task anytime you choose to set sail from the Big Easy. Speaking of the Big Easy that port much like the Cruise Port at Galveston is served by several major cruise lines. Many of those cruise lines are now booking for their 2026 itineraries.

One of the most intriguing journeys that I saw available from Carnival Cruise Lines is the Solar Eclipse Cruises that are booking for the summer of 2026. The Carnival Journeys Eclipse sailing features a departure on August 9th from Dover England. The ship will be at sea on August 12th when the solar eclipse happens.

There will be no better viewing spot than onboard a ship at sea. What makes this even more intriguing for the eclipse chaser is the captain of the vessel can actually steer the ship to a better viewing spot should cloud cover or weather become an issue.

Other ports of call on this sailing include LeHavre in France. From that port, you can visit Paris (which is a long bus ride) or the Garden of Monet. The picture you see below is from my journey to that garden. Oh my God, it is beautiful.

There are other stops in Spain, Portugal, and Belgium too. It looks like a good trip and when you toss in the eclipse, that makes it an epic journey.

First Ever Sailing from The Gulf Coast Announced

Another cruise nugget you should know about involves what is known in the industry as a repositioning cruise. The Carnival Spirit will reposition from its home port in Mobile, Alabama to Seattle Washington. It's the first time those two cities have ever been connected via cruise ship.

That sailing is set for April of 2026 and includes a transit of the Panama Canal. The ship will return to its homeport in Mobile in October of 2026. Carnival is booking passage on that journey as well. If you ever get the chance to transit the Panama Canal it is an amazing experience and something that everyone should see.

If the idea of "ending your vacation in Alabama" is less than appealing Carnival has also announced a repositioning cruise for its vessel the Carnival Miracle from Seattle, Washington to Galveston, Texas is booking passage for a September 26, 2026 sailing. That cruise also includes a transit of the Panama Canal.

Other cruise lines are just unveiling their itineraries for 2026 and 2027, now is the time to book for future travel plans. You can often find incredible deals if you book early. I would also become a member of your favorite cruise line's loyalty or rewards program. You can earn a lot of perks that way too.

Happy Sailing and don't forget your Dramamine.