Holland America Line Chases the 2027 Solar Eclipse: Cruise into Darkness!
Get ready to set sail into the shadow of the moon! Holland America Line is offering a unique opportunity to witness the 2027 total solar eclipse from the best seat in the house: the open sea. Forget crowded land-based viewing spots – imagine experiencing this celestial event with nothing but the vast ocean surrounding you. The cruise line is deploying two ships to strategic locations off the coast of North Africa, promising passengers a prime viewing experience on August 2, 2027.
Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Deployment for Holland America Line, emphasized the advantage of eclipse viewing at sea: "When you're at sea, there is a greater opportunity to witness an eclipse in the clear because the ship can attempt to position itself away from cloud cover – and the view on the horizon means you get more of the shadow coming in and going out."
Here's a breakdown of the eclipse-chasing itineraries:
The 28-Day Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer: Departing July 10, 2027, this round-trip cruise from Rotterdam aboard the Nieuw Statendam offers an extensive European journey. Guests will visit ports in Denmark, the U.K., France, Spain, Morocco, and more, culminating in an eclipse-viewing experience off the Moroccan coast. Expect overnight stops in Tilbury, England, and Barcelona.
The 14-Day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery: For a shorter adventure, this itinerary departs July 31st aboard the Oosterdam, sailing round-trip from Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens). The cruise kicks off with eclipse viewing near Tunisia before exploring Tunisia, Malta (with an overnight stay in Valletta), Italy, and Greece.
But the cruises aren't just about the eclipse. Holland America has carefully curated the itineraries to include ports with connections to astronomy and the study of the cosmos. According to Grigsby, they "took care to add ports into the itinerary that have some connection to the study of the sun and stars," such as England's Isle of Portland, which offers access to Stonehenge, a site long associated with celestial events.
Both voyages will feature onboard scientific experts, themed activities, and, importantly, eclipse glasses will be provided to ensure safe viewing of the eclipse. Prices for the 28-day cruise currently start at $5,619 per person (double occupancy), while the 14-day itinerary starts at $3,529 per person. These fares include accommodations, many meals on board, and entertainment.
Beyond Holland America, Oceania Cruises has also announced solar eclipse sailings for 2026, indicating a growing trend in eclipse-themed tourism.
Will you be joining the chase for the 2027 solar eclipse? Which itinerary appeals to you more? Share your thoughts and let us know in the comments below!
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