Holland America Line is launching a new series of cruises that will take guests to prime locations in Europe to witness some of the most breathtaking natural phenomena. Those wishing to sail in the shadow of the sun during the 2027 solar eclipse can now book one of two cruises departing in the summer of 2027. Three new itineraries are also available for viewing the Northern Lights.
The Nieuw Statendam will operate the 28-day Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer cruise, and the Oosterdam will operate the 14-day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery cruise. Guests at sea have a better chance of witnessing the eclipse under clear skies, as the ship can attempt to position itself away from cloud cover.
The total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, August 2, 2027, with the path of totality crossing primarily over North Africa. Two Holland America Line ships will be positioned off the western coast of Morocco and the eastern coast of Tunisia, respectively, so guests can experience the peak of totality.
“The excitement surrounding total solar eclipses in recent years has been palpable, and we didn’t hesitate to create more itineraries that give our guests the unparalleled opportunity to witness one at sea,” said Paul Grigsby, Vice President of Deployment for Holland America Line. “When you’re at sea, you have a better chance of seeing the eclipse without clouds, because the ship can position itself in the best spot. Plus, the view of the horizon allows for a better appreciation of the arrival and departure of the eclipse. That’s why these cruises are so popular: from professional astronomers to travelers who want to tick an eclipse off their bucket list.”.
Both cruises offer lectures and opportunities to connect with scientific experts, themed activities, and more. Appropriate equipment, such as eclipse glasses, will be provided to ensure guest safety. Additionally, during port calls, guests can discover how ancient civilizations structured their lives around celestial phenomena, including solar eclipses.
Travelers wishing to extend their adventure can embark on the Nieuw Statendam on July 10, 2027, for a 28-day round-trip cruise from Rotterdam (Netherlands) or Dover (England). The itinerary includes 13 ports in Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and Morocco, with overnight stays in Tilbury (London) and Barcelona. After witnessing the memorable eclipse off the coast of Morocco, the ship will sail to Leixões (Porto), Portugal, before returning to Rotterdam. Guests can also explore the relationship between the sun and the sky with excursions to sites such as the Alhambra in Málaga, whose architectural features align with the sun's path, or Montjuïc Hill and Observatory in Barcelona, filled with ancient structures related to celestial phenomena.
Alternatively, those wishing to combine the eclipse experience with a perfect Mediterranean holiday can embark on the Oosterdam on July 31, 2027, for a 14-day round-trip cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece. The Oosterdam will first sail to Tunisia to position itself off the coast for the eclipse, and then visit ports in Tunisia, Malta, Italy, and Greece. An extended stop in Valletta, Malta, will allow guests to visit the Royal Observatory of Malta and learn how telescopes and scientific instruments helped study celestial bodies and improve maritime navigation.
These two new itineraries join three others already available for the 2026 eclipse: a 28-day cruise through Scandinavia with Greenland and Scotland; a 35-day voyage across the North Atlantic (Voyage of the Vikings) with eclipse viewing off the northeast coast of Iceland; and a 13-day cruise with an overnight stay in Barcelona and eclipse viewing off the coast of Spain.
“Aurora Borealis 2027” cruises in Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam
Those wishing to combine the Northern Lights with an in-depth exploration of Norway can do so on one of the three "Northern Lights" cruises aboard the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. These cruises include an overnight stay in Alta, known as "The City of the Northern Lights," and five days above the Arctic Circle. Guests can receive alert calls at any time when the Northern Lights are spotted.
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October 3, 2027, 14 days “Arctic Journey and Northern Lights”
Sail on the Rotterdam, round trip from Rotterdam. Visit Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim (overnight stop), Tromsø, Alta (overnight), Leknes (Lofoten), Åndalsnes (Norway) and Lerwick (Shetland Islands). -
October 16 and November 6, 2027, 14 days “Arctic Journey and Northern Lights”
Sail on the Nieuw Statendam, round trip from Rotterdam or Dover. Visit Ålesund, Åndalsnes, Trondheim (overnight stop), Leknes (Lofoten), Tromsø, Alta (overnight), Kristiansund and Bergen (Norway).
For a limited time, when booking the 2027 solar eclipse and northern lights cruises with the "Have It All" premium package, guests will receive shore excursions, specialty restaurant dining, the Signature beverage package and Surf Wi-Fi included, plus free prepaid gratuities and upgrades to the Elite beverage and Premium Wi-Fi packages.
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