Setting sail to watch a total solar eclipse is the ultimate blend of adventure and wonder. Imagine leaning over the rail as the Moon’s shadow races across the ocean, the sky turning to twilight for a few thrilling minutes. Holland America Line’s 2027 Solar Eclipse Cruises offer exactly that—a chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events from the unobstructed vantage point of the open sea.
Eclipse chasers know that being at sea minimises the risk of cloud cover and maximises the view of totality. Instead of scouring mountaintops or deserts, guests simply step onto deck and look westward as day turns to night. With a mobile platform like Holland America that can fine-tune its position, the ship becomes the perfect telescope base, giving every passenger front-row seats to the cosmic show.
Cruising for an eclipse combines scientific precision with comfort. Onboard experts track weather patterns and advise the bridge when to adjust course for clearer skies. Meanwhile, passengers relax in spacious lounges or out on the bow, free from crowds, vehicles or scrambling for parking—just you, the horizon and the eclipse.
From professional astronomers with cameras the size of carry-on luggage to families eager for a bucket-list moment, eclipse cruises cater to all. You don’t need a PhD to be mesmerised; child-friendly activities and beginner talks ensure everyone shares in the excitement. After all, witnessing a total solar eclipse is as much about collective gasps as it is about scientific spectacle.
Holland America Line has charted two distinct itineraries for the 2 August 2027 eclipse. Guests can select the depth and length of their journey—from an epic 28-day exploration to a focused 14-day Mediterranean adventure. Both promise expert talks, themed events and optimal positioning off North Africa’s coast for maximum totality.
Departing 10 July 2027 from Rotterdam or Dover, this epic roundtrip on Nieuw Statendam visits 13 ports across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. After overnight calls in London (Tilbury) and Barcelona, the ship sails south to Morocco’s Atlantic coast for the eclipse. Before returning north through Portugal, France, Spain and beyond, guests can explore locations like Málaga’s Alhambra Palace—where sunlight filters through sun-aligned arches—linking ancient astronomy to modern wonder.
For those craving a Mediterranean-centric voyage, Oosterdam departs Piraeus (Athens) on 31 July 2027. En route to Tunisia’s eastern coastline for the eclipse, the ship calls at Malta, Italy and Greece. An extended stay in Valletta allows visits to the Royal Malta Observatory, where historic telescopes once guided mariners by the stars. It’s an immersive balance of coastal charm and celestial science.
To enhance the experience, guests can opt for the Have It All premium package, which includes shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi—plus prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Mariner Society loyalty members receive up to US$400 onboard credit per stateroom (A$608) when booking by 27 August 2025, making these voyages even more rewarding.
Beyond eclipse viewing itself, the cruises deliver a wealth of astronomy content and themed events. Designed to deepen your appreciation of the cosmos, these programmes blend lectures, hands-on activities and safety briefings into a seamless deck-to-deck schedule.
Renowned scientists and eclipse specialists join the ship to unpack the mechanics and history of solar eclipses. From understanding the umbra and penumbra to reliving famous eclipses that shaped civilisation, guests gain context that makes the moment of totality all the more profound.
Each voyage features eclipse-inspired workshops—from crafting pinhole projectors to moon-shadow photography sessions. Importantly, eclipse glasses are provided to all guests, ensuring safe viewing. Crew members guide passengers through proper usage, so everyone can witness the corona without risk.
To complement the celestial theme, chefs conjure “solar” cocktails and menus starring sun-ripened ingredients. Picture saffron-infused paella in the Mediterranean or spicy shakshuka on the Atlantic deck, each dish paired with stargazing stories that explain how ancient cultures celebrated the Sun’s cycles.
Holland America Line has woven port visits that echo the eclipse theme into both itineraries. These excursions illuminate how past civilisations observed and honoured celestial phenomena, bridging history and modern curiosity.
On the 28-day voyage, a call at Portland (near Stonehenge) invites guests to wander the prehistoric monument long believed to align with solstices. Ranger-led tours explore how its creators used the sun’s path to mark seasons, offering insight ahead of your eclipse-viewing moment at sea.
The 14-day cruise pauses in Messina, home to Europe’s most complex astronomical clock. Built in the 16th century, its rotating celestial spheres and zodiac dials animate daily to chime the hours—an inspiring segue into understanding today’s precision-timed eclipse.
Valletta’s Royal Malta Observatory, included on Oosterdam’s itinerary, showcases 19th-century telescopes and solar spectrographs. Guests can trace the evolution of eclipse science, stepping from polished brass instruments to the burst of sunlight that precedes totality.
As part of its 2027 offerings, Holland America Line also unveils three Northern Lights sailings aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Combining Arctic exploration with Aurora Borealis chases, these itineraries let guests witness sky-painting polar lights from the decks above the Arctic Circle.
Departing 3 October 2027 on Rotterdam, this cruise calls at Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, Tromsø and more, including an overnight in Alta—nicknamed “The City of the Northern Lights.” With HISTORY Channel presentations on board, passengers learn the science and folklore behind the auroras before stepping out under the night sky.
Nieuw Statendam sails roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover on 16 October and 6 November 2027. Guests visit Lofoten’s Leknes, Kristiansund and Bergen, pausing in Alta for a second overnight. Onboard wake-up calls ensure you won’t miss a single curtain of green and violet drifting above the fjords.
When the auroras dance, crew members deliver friendly wake-up calls so you can slip onto deck in pyjamas and witness the spectacle. Coupled with hearty Nordic-inspired menus and warm beverages, these Northern Lights voyages balance thrill and comfort in equal measure.
Before you cast your eyes skyward on deck, why not explore all available sailings and cabin options? Our Cruise Finder tool brings live availability, pricing and ship details into one intuitive dashboard. Filter by departure date, itinerary length or even specific ocean-view cabins, then bookmark your favourites in seconds.
Planning early not only secures the best stateroom location—perhaps a mid-ship balcony for unbroken horizons—but also opens doors to exclusive offers and cabin upgrades. Dive in and see how easy it is to chart your astronomical adventure.
Sailing into the path of a total solar eclipse is an experience that eclipses every other holiday memory. With expert talks, immersive activities and prime positioning off Morocco and Tunisia’s coasts, Holland America Line’s 2027 Solar Eclipse Cruises deliver both spectacle and substance. Whether you’re a seasoned eclipse chaser or new to celestial travel, these voyages promise moments of awe that unite generations.
Ready to secure your place in the Moon’s shadow? Contact our cruise specialists and we’ll tailor every detail—from the perfect cabin to optional premium packages—to ensure your 2027 eclipse experience is nothing short of legendary.