One of Europe’s most popular tourist islands is bracing for what could be an even busier summer season than normal, with the arrival of a special event. Majorca is set to be invaded by cruise ships and passengers for this summer’s total solar eclipse on August 12, with several major cruise lines having added eclipse cruises for the occasion.
With Majorca one of the best places to experience it, Palma has been added to multiple new itineraries. For the first time, TUI’s UK cruise line, Marella Cruises, announced a special solar eclipse sailing aboard Marella Discovery 2, offering guests the opportunity to witness the rare event at sea. It will set sail from Palma, sailing through Palamos, Spain, Propriano, France, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy, Salerno (for Pompeii and Amalfi), Italy, Palermo, Sicily, before returning to Palma.
Millions of travellers are expected to arrive on the Balearic Island from around the world in August, particularly those seeking the best vantage points to witness its first solar eclipse in over a century.
The tourism industry is eagerly anticipating the event, as it is expected to generate higher demand for luxury accommodations, local tour guides, and food and entertainment establishments. According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin last year, a group of 150 Italian astronomy enthusiasts had made reservations at a five-star hotel for a total of €2 million (£1.7 million). Bookings for holiday rental properties in the Tramuntana are also reported to have increased.
It is also expected to lead to an increase in employment opportunities, particularly in the hospitality and transportation sectors.
However, it remains to be seen what effect these extra tourists, during one of the year’s busiest tourist months, will have on Majorca’s residents and its infrastructure, which is already struggling under the weight of mass tourism.
Among the local Government’s concerns are logistical issues, including traffic jams and the influx of boats off the coast vying for the best view.
For those hoping to witness a total eclipse without having to get on a flight, Brits will have to wait a while. According to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the next total eclipse visible in the UK will not occur until September 2090. However, in the meantime, there will be partial solar eclipses, including on August 12, 2026, when 90% of The Sun will be obscured in some UK locations.
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