Holland America to Offer New Solar Eclipse Cruises to Greenland, Norway and more in 2026

Published on July 29, 2024

Holland America Line has announced a series of cruises specifically designed to give travelers a unique opportunity to witness the solar eclipse in 2026. These cruises will not be visible from the mainland United States but will instead offer passengers a view of the celestial event from the sea. The company has added three new itineraries to ensure guests have an unparalleled experience during the eclipse.

Three Exclusive Cruises

Zuiderdam’s Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse The first of the three cruises, the Zuiderdam ship, which accommodates 1,964 guests, will set sail on July 18, 2026. This 35-day journey, named the Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse, will depart from Boston, Massachusetts.

Nieuw Statendam’s Scandinavian Solar Eclipse The second cruise will be aboard the Nieuw Statendam, capable of hosting 2,666 guests. This 28-day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse cruise, including stops in Greenland and Scotland, will commence on July 25, 2026. Passengers can embark from Dover, England, or Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Oosterdam’s Mediterranean Solar Eclipse Lastly, the Oosterdam will embark on a 13-day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse cruise on August 9, 2026. This ship, which can hold 1,964 guests, will travel from Lisbon, Portugal, to Piraeus, Greece. These cruises were introduced following the success of previous eclipse cruises earlier in the year.

Destinations Covered by the Cruises

Each of these cruises will navigate through various destinations, providing guests with the best possible views of the solar eclipse.

• Voyage of the Vikings: This cruise will traverse England to Canada, then move towards Europe, making stops in Greenland, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Iceland. Night stays are planned in Reykjavik and Rotterdam, with the ship positioned by the western coast of the country for optimal eclipse viewing.
• Scandinavian Solar Eclipse: This itinerary includes destinations in Scotland, Greenland, Norway, and Iceland, with an overnight stay in South Queensferry near Edinburgh. The ship will be stationed by Iceland’s northwest coast for the eclipse.
• Mediterranean Solar Eclipse: Guests on the Oosterdam will explore Spain, France, Italy, and Montenegro, with an overnight stay in Barcelona. The ship will be positioned on the Spanish coast between Barcelona and Alicante for the eclipse.

Additional Services for Guests

All three cruise ships will provide passengers with several additional services to enhance their experience. Guests will have the freedom to move to prime locations for the best eclipse views. The cruises will feature expert scientists, informative lectures, and various themed activities related to the solar eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be provided, so passengers do not need to bring their own.

Moreover, the Celestial Cruises will offer Northern Lights sailings and a special itinerary for experiencing the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle. Although the exact price packages are not yet available, registration for these unique cruises will open on July 31, 2024. Members of Holland America’s Mariner Society loyalty program who book by October 29 can earn up to $400 in onboard credit per cabin.

Global Impact on Travelers

These unique solar eclipse cruises by Holland America Line will have a significant global impact on travelers. By offering exclusive viewing opportunities from the sea, these cruises cater to astronomy enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The cruises not only provide a chance to witness a rare celestial event but also promote travel to diverse destinations. This initiative is likely to inspire similar offerings from other cruise lines, potentially leading to a new trend in experiential travel.

• Three exclusive solar eclipse cruises by Holland America Line in 2026
• Destinations include England, Canada, Europe, Greenland, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Spain, France, Italy, and Montenegro
• Additional services include expert lectures, themed activities, and eclipse glasses
• Registration opens July 31, 2024, with up to $400 onboard credit for loyalty members booking by October 29

These cruises represent a fusion of travel and unique experiences, highlighting the growing demand for experiential tourism. By planning ahead and offering these specialized cruises, Holland America Line is setting a precedent for other travel companies to follow, ensuring that travelers can witness such extraordinary events in comfort and style.