Guests Wowed by Eclipse Views; Holland America Prepares for More Astronomical Voyages in 2027

Eclipse cruises and Northern Lights sailings offer travelers more opportunities to experience nature’s most extraordinary phenomena from sea

Thousands of Holland America Line guests gathered on decks across three ships to witness the rare phenomenon of a total solar eclipse Aug. 12, 2026. Clear skies and strategic positioning led to breathtaking views for guests aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.

“Watching a total solar eclipse unfold at sea was an unforgettable experience” said Captain Werner Timmers of Nieuw Statendam. “One of the advantages of viewing an eclipse from a ship is the ability to carefully position the vessel for optimal conditions. Combined with an unobstructed horizon, it created a remarkable way to experience this rare phenomenon and was one of the highlights of my career as a captain.”
 

The 2026 eclipse sailings allowed two Holland America ships to position off the coast of Iceland with a third positioned off the coast of Spain, providing two very different perspectives to the eclipse. Eclipse experts gave viewing guidance to guests ahead of time, along with glasses and advice to view the eclipse safely. 

Two Ways to Experience the 2027 Eclipse at Sea

As enthusiasm for astronomy-themed travel continues to grow, Holland America Line is already preparing for the next major eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027. Two dedicated eclipse cruises are currently available for booking, positioning ships in the path of totality off the coasts of Morocco and Tunisia. Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam will again serve as front-row seats for the event, allowing guests to experience the eclipse from sea while participating in themed onboard programming and expert-led enrichment.   

Guests seeking a longer journey can sail aboard Nieuw Statendam’s 28-Day Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer, departing July 10, 2027. Sailing roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, the voyage explores 13 ports across Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Morocco, including overnight stays in Tilbury (London) and Barcelona. Beyond the eclipse itself, the itinerary was designed around destinations connected to humanity’s centuries-long fascination with the skies, with opportunities to visit sites such as Stonehenge near Portland, England; the Alhambra in Málaga; and Barcelona’s Montjuïc Observatory before the ship positions off Morocco for eclipse viewing.

For travellers looking for a shorter getaway, Oosterdam’s 14-Day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery departs July 31, 2027, roundtrip from Athens. The ship will sail to a prime viewing position off the coast of Tunisia before continuing to ports in Tunisia, Malta, Italy and Greece. An extended call in Valletta, Malta, gives guests time to explore the Royal Malta Observatory and learn more about the history of astronomy, navigation and the study of the stars.

Northern Lights Voyages 
Guests looking to pair a Northern Lights adventure with an in-depth exploration of Norway can choose from three dedicated Arctic sailings aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam in fall 2027. Each 14-day voyage spends five days above the Arctic Circle and includes an overnight stay in Alta, Norway, known as the “City of the Northern Lights,” giving travelers more opportunities to witness the aurora borealis in one of the world’s premier viewing regions.

The itineraries visit a collection of Norway’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations, including Bergen, Tromsø, Trondheim, Ålesund and the Lofoten Islands, while showcasing dramatic fjords, Arctic landscapes and vibrant coastal communities. Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line’s Northern Lights wake-up service, ensuring they won’t miss an aurora sighting if the phenomenon appears overnight.

Available departures include a sailing aboard Rotterdam on Oct. 3, 2027, and two departures aboard Nieuw Statendam on Oct. 16 and Nov. 6, 2027.

For more information about Holland America Line or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1 877 SAIL HAL (877 724 5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.