Holland
America Line is set to offer an exciting opportunity for astronomy
enthusiasts to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse through specially curated
cruises. While the 2026 total solar eclipse won't be visible from the U.S.,
Holland America ensures that eager travelers can still experience this
celestial event by offering three unique itineraries that sail directly into
the path of totality, one of which starts in the U.S.
“After the
excitement and success around our
2024 eclipse cruises, we knew our guests were looking for additional
opportunities to get a front-row seat for some of the world’s most special
natural spectacles,” Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America’s chief commercial
officer, said in a news release, according to USA
Today. “Our team has put together a lineup of cruises that not only deliver
on that front, but also give guests in-depth exploration of exciting
destinations and the premium onboard experience for which we’re known.”
Among these
special offerings is a 35-day round-trip voyage aboard the 1,964-guest Zuiderdam,
called "Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse," which sails out of
Boston. This epic journey departs on July 18, 2026, and will traverse areas
from New England to Canada, then sail across the Atlantic to Europe,
where it will stop at noteworthy destinations in Greenland, Iceland,
The
Netherlands and Ireland.
Zuiderdam will strategically position itself off Iceland’s western coast during
the eclipse to allow for optimal views of the celestial phenomenon before
returning stateside.
The second
itinerary, the 28-day "Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and
Scotland," starts on July 25, 2026, aboard the Nieuw Statendam. Guests can
opt to board this round-trip cruise from either Dover, England or Rotterdam,
Netherlands. It sails through Norway,
Iceland, and other northern ports, with the eclipse being viewed off Iceland’s
northwest coast. Guests will also enjoy an overnight stay in South Queensferry
near Edinburgh.
A solar eclipse nearing totality. (Photo Credit: jongsun lee / unsplash)
The final
itinerary, the "Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona
Overnight," is a 13-day cruise departing on August 9, 2026, sailing from
Lisbon, Portugal
to Piraeus, Greece,
aboard the Oosterdam. This journey includes stops in Spain, France,
Italy
and Montenegro, with the eclipse set to be viewed off the Spanish coast,
between Barcelona and Alicante. An overnight stay in Barcelona is also part of
the itinerary.
Cruise ships can
be an ideal way to witness such spectacular celestial events, given that they
can transport guests to an ideal viewing location and remain on the move, following
the phenomenon’s course for as long as possible.
“Having the
ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the
eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase
that little bit is certainly helpful,” Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy
and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego told USA Today back
in April, during the time of the 2024 total solar eclipse.
These 2026 eclipse
cruises will feature not only prime viewing opportunities but also a range of lectures,
scientific experts and other themed activities. Plus, Holland America Line will
provide guests with eclipse glasses so they don’t have to obtain their own
ahead of time.
As part of its
broader Celestial Cruises offering, Holland America is also planning Northern
Lights voyages and an itinerary celebrating the summer solstice above the
Arctic Circle. Booking for these 2026 eclipse cruises opens on July 31, with
Mariner Society loyalty program members eligible for up to $400 in onboard
credit per cabin if booked by October 29.
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