Published on
August 12, 2025 |
Spain, Greece, and Portugal are among the countries situated along the path of totality for the total solar eclipse occurring on August 12, 2026. This makes them some of the best places for viewing the eclipse. Travelers booked on Holland America Line’s Mediterranean Solar Eclipse cruise from Lisbon to Piraeus will watch the eclipse from the ship and have magnificent views of the event. Spain’s coastline will serve as the ship’s itinerary, ensuring optimal position for viewing the eclipse. Post eclipse, Greece’s idyllic and picturesque views will provide another captivating glimpse of the solar eclipse. In addition to expert lectures, the cruise will be accompanied by Dr. Adam Burgasser, an eminent astrophysicist, hence providing an outstanding opportunity to watch one of nature’s wonders.
Guests aboard these ships will enjoy expert-led lectures, presentations, and real-time commentary from distinguished professors as the ships position themselves along the path of totality during the eclipse. The addition of top-tier astronomy experts ensures that guests will not only get the best possible view of the eclipse but also learn about the science behind the event and other fascinating aspects of astronomy.
“At Holland America Line we are consistently striving to curate extraordinary moments for our guests, and the upcoming solar eclipse cruises are no exception,” said Joe Chantry, vice president of entertainment and enrichment for Holland America Line. “By welcoming three distinguished astronomy experts aboard, we’re offering our guests not only front-row views to a rare phenomenon, but also the opportunity to deepen their understanding in an enriching setting.”
Zuiderdam’s “Legendary Voyage of the Vikings” with Professor Meers Oppenheim
One of the standout options in the lineup is Zuiderdam’s 35-day “Legendary Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse” cruise, set to depart from Boston on July 18, 2026. This remarkable voyage offers an 18-day segment, available for booking, that sails from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to Boston, beginning on August 4, 2026. During the cruise, Zuiderdam will be positioned off Iceland’s coast, offering passengers a prime vantage point for viewing the total solar eclipse. Onboard, guests will have the opportunity to learn from the esteemed Professor Meers Oppenheim of Boston University. A distinguished expert in solar and ionospheric phenomena and the associate director of the BU Center for Space Physics, Oppenheim brings over 25 years of experience in astronomy education. He will deliver detailed lectures and facilitate engaging Q\&A sessions, giving passengers the chance to delve deeper into the solar eclipse and the science behind space physics. Oppenheim’s sessions are designed to cater to a wide range of knowledge levels, from those new to astronomy to more advanced learners.
Oosterdam’s “Mediterranean Solar Eclipse” Cruise Featuring Professor Adam Burgasser
For those seeking a Mediterranean journey, the 13-day “Mediterranean Solar Eclipse” cruise aboard Oosterdam will embark from Lisbon, Portugal, to Piraeus, Greece, on August 9, 2026. Sailing along Spain’s coast, the ship will be perfectly positioned in the path of totality, offering guests an unparalleled view of the eclipse. Onboard, Dr. Adam Burgasser, a renowned physics professor from the University of California San Diego, will share his expertise. As an award-winning astrophysicist, Burgasser is known for his research on low-mass stars, brown dwarfs, and exoplanets. Guests will have the opportunity to attend his lectures on the latest astrophysics findings and explore the fascinating links between astronomy and Mediterranean history. Throughout the cruise, Burgasser will also host Q\&A sessions, allowing guests to further expand their knowledge of the cosmos.
Nieuw Statendam’s “Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland” with Tom Vassos
Nieuw Statendam offers an incredible 28-day “Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland” cruise, departing from Dover, England, on June 24, 2026. The ship will be positioned off Iceland’s coast for an exceptional view of the total solar eclipse on August 12. Joining the voyage will be Tom Vassos, a former University of Toronto professor and celebrated science communicator. With over 35 years of experience teaching astronomy and authoring numerous works, Vassos is a founding member of Cosmologists Without Borders, a global initiative to share astronomical knowledge. During the cruise, Vassos will lead engaging lectures, provide live commentary on the eclipse, and offer additional insights into the wonders of astronomy.
Specialized Viewing Equipment and Eclipse-Themed Activities
In addition to the expert-led lectures, Holland America Line is ensuring that guests can safely enjoy the solar eclipse by providing specialized protective glasses for safe viewing. On the day of the eclipse, the ships will also feature themed activities, including special culinary offerings inspired by the celestial event, making the experience even more immersive.
From guests who are deeply immersed in the field of astronomy to those who are interested in the topic of space, all of them are likely to find value in specially organized cruises which will offer them an experience of a lifetime. Every expert has unique strengths along with immense knowledge, which means that every guest will be walking away with new perspectives which they had never considered before. These solar eclipse cruises, which are accompanied by breathtaking vistas, make for one of the best ways of witnessing one of the most beautiful wonders of the world coupled with skilled narration.
