HAL-Holland America Line has announced a series of cruises for 2027, offering passengers the opportunity to witness notable celestial events, including a total Solar Eclipse and the Northern Lights.
The total solar eclipse is scheduled for August 2, 2027, with its path of totality crossing primarily over Northern Africa. To provide optimal viewing, Holland America Line will position two of its ships, Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam, off the western coast of Morocco and the eastern coast of Tunisia, respectively.
Nieuw Statendam will embark on a 28-day voyage titled "Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer," departing from Rotterdam or Dover on July 10, 2027. This itinerary includes visits to 13 ports across Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and Morocco, with overnight stays in Tilbury (London) and Barcelona. The ship will be at sea off the coast of Morocco during the eclipse, providing passengers with an unobstructed view of the event.
Oosterdam's 14-day "Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery" cruise will depart from Piraeus (Athens) on July 31, 2027. The ship will position itself off the coast of Tunisia for eclipse viewing before visiting ports in Tunisia, Malta, Italy, and Greece. An extended call in Valletta, Malta, will allow guests to explore the Royal Malta Observatory.
In addition to the eclipse cruises, Holland America Line has opened bookings for three 14-day Northern Lights voyages aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam in October and November 2027. These sailings will explore Norway’s Arctic north, spending five days above the Arctic Circle and including an overnight in Alta, known as “The City of the Northern Lights.” Passengers will have the option to receive wake-up calls when the aurora borealis is visible.