2024 solar eclipse wows millions; next chance is 2044
The 2024 total solar eclipse offered a once-in-a-lifetime light show as it swept from Texas to Maine. The next solar eclipse will happen in 2044.
- Holland America Line is offering three cruises that will put ships in the path of the 2026 total solar eclipse.
- The sailings are part of a wider range of Celestial Cruises centered around astronomical phenomena.
- The cruises will open for booking on July 31.
The 2026 total solar eclipse won’t be visible from the U.S., but Holland America Line will make chasing it down easy.
The cruise line is offering three itineraries that will put ships in the path of totality, including one round-trip from Boston, Massachusetts. The sailings are part of a wider range of Celestial Cruises centered around astronomical phenomena.
“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. “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.”
‘The ship can move’: Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship
When are Holland America’s 2026 eclipse cruises?
The line’s 1,964-guest Zuiderdam ship will depart on the 35-day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse on July 18, 2026, from Boston. That will be followed by a 28-day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland aboard Nieuw Statendam – guests can choose to sail round-trip from either Dover, England or Rotterdam in the Netherlands – starting July 25, and the 13-day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight on Aug. 9, from Lisbon, Portugal to Piraeus, Greece aboard Oosterdam.
Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam can accommodate 2,666 and 1,964 guests, respectively.
Where will the cruises sail?
- The Voyage of the Vikings will sail from New England to Canada before making its way to Europe, stopping in destinations like Greenland, the Netherlands, Ireland and Iceland. Zuiderdam will arrive in position for the eclipse viewing off the country’s western coast before making its way back stateside. The itinerary also features overnight stays in Reykjavik and Rotterdam.
- Along with Greenland and Scotland, guests on the Scandinavian Solar Eclipse cruise will visit ports including Norway, Iceland and more, viewing the eclipse off Iceland’s northwest coast. The itinerary also includes an overnight stay in South Queensferry near Edinburgh.
- On the Mediterranean itinerary, passengers will explore Spain, France, Italy and Montenegro. Guests will watch the eclipse from off the Spanish coast, between Barcelona – where the ship will also stay overnight – and Alicante.
Cruise ships not only offer guests panoramic views of an eclipse but can take guests directly to a prime location – and move as needed.
“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 a little bit is certainly helpful,” Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, previously told USA TODAY. He served as an onboard expert during a Holland America eclipse cruise in April.
The 2026 eclipse cruises will also feature scientific specialists, lectures and other themed activities. The line will provide eclipse glasses, as well, so guests don’t have to worry about finding a pair.
Additionally, as part of its Celestial Cruises, Holland America will operate a series of Northern Lights sailings, along with an itinerary offering the chance to celebrate the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle.
How much do the 2026 eclipse cruises cost?
Pricing info is not yet available, but the cruises will open for booking on July 31. Members of Holland America’s Mariner Society loyalty program who book by Oct. 29 can get up to $400 in onboard credit per cabin.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].
Ananya Das is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. Based on a keen understanding of digital culture, Sophie navigates the ever-evolving landscape of trending topics. With an insightful and engaging approach, she explores what’s buzzing across social media platforms, ensuring readers stay in the loop with the most talked-about and shareable content online.
