WHY IT RATES: For
travelers looking to enjoy next year’s solar eclipse, Holland America Line is
adding experts to make the experience more enjoyable.—Donald Wood, Breaking
News Senior Writer.
Holland America Line is making a unique opportunity even
more special with the addition of astronomy experts to its 2024 Solar Eclipse
cruise programming. Guests sailing on Koningsdam and Zaandam to experience the
total eclipse in spring 2024 will have exclusive access to lectures,
demonstrations and firsthand tips on how to make the most of their eclipse
viewing.
University of California San Diego Professor Adam Burgasser
will join guests on Koningsdam as the ship sails off the coast of Mexico in the
thin “path of totality” for the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Burgasser
is a professor of astronomy and astrophysics, an observational astrophysicist,
and the principal investigator at the university’s “Cool Star Lab.”
“We’re positioning our ships in the perfect location for
guests to see the eclipse,” said Bill Prince, vice president of entertainment
for Holland America Line. “For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,
so being able to receive the guidance of a renowned physicist like Dr.
Burgasser is an exciting opportunity for our guests. We’re known for creating
immersive programming, and this will be an unforgettable live event.”
Leading up to the eclipse, Burgasser will educate guests
through special lectures on the ship’s World Stage and help them create their
own eclipse viewers. During the eclipse, he will help guests safely view and
understand this rare occurrence from unique positions on the ship.
“This first total solar eclipse in North America in seven
years is something astronomers — amateur and professional — are all excited to
observe, and there’s no better or unique place to observe it than at sea off
the coast of Mexico,” said Burgasser. “I look forward to joining Holland
America Line guests aboard Koningsdam to witness this phenomenon and help them
better understand the science and history behind it.”
Koningsdam will embark April 5 on a 22-day Solar Eclipse
Cruise, which positions the ship along the coast of Mexico for a total view
before crossing the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. The San Diego, California, to
Vancouver, Canada, itinerary departs April 5 and heads south to Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico, before spending the day at sea on April 8 for the eclipse. Koningsdam
will then stop at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico before crossing over to Hawaii.
Guest Presenter Jim McParland will lend his expertise to the
eclipse experience aboard Zaandam with lectures and demonstrations when the
ship also is in position for total viewing.
Zaandam will depart March 30 on a 14-day Solar Eclipse
Cruise roundtrip from San Diego and will be positioned for a total view of the
eclipse as it tracks over Mexico. The ship will be in Mazatlán, Mexico, on
eclipse day.
SOURCE: Holland America
Line press release.
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