Cruise to the path of totality: Holland America offers new eclipse itineraries for 2027
Cruise to the path of totality: Holland America offers new eclipse itineraries for 2027
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Next year's solar eclipse isn't the only one on the horizon.
There will be another total solar eclipse in 2027, and Holland America Line will take guests to the path of totality. The cruise line will sail two ships off the coast of North Africa to give passengers a prime viewing experience on Aug. 2, 2027.
'The excitement around viewing total solar eclipse the past few years has been palpable, and we jumped at the chance to create more itineraries that give our guests the incomparable opportunity of viewing the eclipse at sea,' Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of deployment, said in a news release. '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 what to know.
When are Holland America's 2027 solar eclipse cruises?
The 28-Day Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer cruise will depart on July 10, 2027. Guests will sail round-trip from Rotterdam in the Netherlands aboard the line's nearly 2,700-guest Nieuw Statendam ship.
For those looking for a shorter option, the 14-Day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery itinerary will begin on July 31. The line's Oosterdam – which can accommodate just under 2,000 guests – will sail round-trip from Piraeus, Greece, the port for Athens.
What can guests expect?
Passengers booked on the 28-day itinerary will visit ports in Denmark, the U.K., France, Spain, Morocco and more before making their way to an eclipse-viewing spot off Morocco's coast. The itinerary includes overnight stops in Tilbury, England and Barcelona.
Oosterdam, for its part, will kick off its voyage with eclipse viewing near Tunisia, before visiting the country along with Malta – where it will stay overnight in Valletta – Italy and Greece.
Grigsby noted the cruise line '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.
Both voyages will feature onboard scientific experts and 'themed activities,' according to the release. And no need to worry about buying eclipse glasses – the cruise line will provide them.
'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship
Holland America will also offer eclipse cruises in 2026.
How much do the cruises cost?
The 28-day cruise currently starts at $5,619 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees, according to Holland America's website. The 14-day itinerary currently starts at $3,529 per person. Holland America Line fares include accommodations, many meals on board, entertainment and more.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
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