After the excitement of the total solar eclipse in 2024, Holland America Line is set to offer total solar eclipse cruises in 2026. The cruise line will offer specially curated cruises that will sail directly into the path of totality, one of which starts in the US.

Holland America Line to cruise the Total Solar Eclipse in 2026

After their successful solar eclipse cruises in 2024, Holland America Line has announced several specially curated cruises for the 2026 total solar eclipse. While the eclipse won’t be visible from the US this time, Holland America assures that travelers can still experience the celestial event by choosing from three unique itineraries that sail directly into the path of totality, with one starting in the US.

Beth Bodensteimer, Chief Commercial Officer at Holland America Line said in a news release:

After the excitement and success around our 2024 eclipse cruises, we knew our guests were looking for additional opportunities to get a front-row seat for some of the world’s most special natural spectacles.

 Our team has put together a lineup of cruises that not only deliver on that front, but also give guests in-depth exploration of exciting destinations and the premium onboard experience for which we’re known.

About the Holland America Line eclipse cruises

Holland America Line’s three eclipse itineraries are as follows:

1. Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse

This cruise is a 35-day round-trip voyage aboard the 1,954-guest Zuiderdam, sailing out of Boston on July 18, 2026. The cruise will traverse areas from New England to Canada before sailing across the Atlantic to Europe. Once there, the Zuiderdam will stop at noteworthy destinations in Greenland, Iceland, The Netherlands and Ireland. Moreover, the cruise ship will strategically position itself  off Iceland’s western coast during the total solar eclipse to ensure optimal views of the celestial event before heading back to the US.

2. Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland

The second eclipse itinerary is the 28-day cruise aboard the Nieuw Statendam sailing on July 25, 2026. Meanwhile, guests can choose to board the round-trip cruise from either Dover, England, or Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The cruise ship heads through Norway, Iceland, and other northern ports leading to the total solar eclipse off Iceland’s northwest coast. Meanwhile, passengers will also enjoy an overnight stay in South Queensferry, Near Edinburgh in Scotland.

3. Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight

The third itinerary is a 13-day cruise, departing on August 9, 2026, and sailing from Lisbon, Portugal to Piraeus in Greece aboard the Oosterdam. This voyage includes stops in Spain, France, Italy and Montenegro, while the total solar eclipse will be viewed off the Spanish coast, between Barcelona and Alicante. Moreover, guests will enjoy an overnight stay in Barcelona as part of the itinerary.

Holland America Line Total Solar Eclipse Cruises

Meanwhile, cruise ships offer the ideal way to witness spectacular celestial events, as they can transport guests to an ideal viewing location, while remaining on the move and following the eclipse’s path for as long as possible.

Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego told USA Today in April around the time of the 2024 total solar eclipse:

Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that little bit is certainly helpful.

The 2026 eclipse cruises will not only feature prime viewing opportunities but will also feature a range of lectures, scientific experts and other themed activities.  Moreover, Holland America Line will also provide guests with eclipse glasses to view the phenomenon.

Meanwhile, Holland America is also planning Northern Lights voyages, as part of its broader Celestial Cruises offerings. One of these voyages will celebrate the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle.

Meanwhile, bookings for the 2026 total eclipse cruises open on July 31. Read more information on Holland America’s website here.