Holland America Unveils Slate of 2027 Solar Eclipse Cruises

In what can only be described as the most stylish way to stare at the sun, Holland America Line has announced a series of cruises designed for people who enjoy celestial events and buffet breakfasts. Yes, in summer 2027, guests can now book voyages specifically timed to witness that rare astronomical wonder: the total solar eclipse. And if solar obliteration isn’t enough for you, there are also options to go chase the Northern Lights, all without once having to sleep in a tent.

Let’s begin with the eclipse — that charming cosmic prank where the moon rudely parks itself in front of the sun for a few minutes, causing everyone below to gasp, fumble for eclipse glasses, and wonder aloud if they’re damaging their retinas. This particular solar eclipse takes place on August 2, 2027, with the path of totality cruising over parts of Northern Africa. Enter the stars of the show: Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam, two ships positioned just off Morocco and Tunisia, respectively, ready to give passengers a front-row seat to one of nature’s finest vanishing acts.

According to Paul Grigsby, Holland America’s vice president of deployment (and presumably resident sky-gazer), seeing an eclipse at sea is actually superior. Ships, you see, can move — unlike, say, your cousin Dave who insists on viewing one from a lawn chair in New Jersey — and can therefore dodge clouds like a particularly determined wedding photographer.

Each ship will have scientific experts onboard, who will say words like corona, umbra, and you really should wear these glasses, while guests sip cocktails and pretend they remember what the solar system looks like.

Option 1: 28-Day Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer

Leaving on July 10, 2027, from Rotterdam (or Dover, if you like your cruises with a side of tea and pessimism), this 28-day escapade aboard the Nieuw Statendam includes 13 ports and enough European charm to induce a mild swoon. Expect overnight stays in London and Barcelona, stops in Portugal, Spain, France, Gibraltar, and Morocco, and a majestic eclipse experience somewhere off Casablanca—presumably without Bogart.

You’ll also visit Stonehenge, where ancient people presumably watched eclipses without safety glasses and just hoped for the best, and Montjuïc Observatory in Barcelona, for some excellent views and equally excellent Catalan architecture.

Option 2: 14-Day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery

A Mediterranean vacation that lets you stare at the sky without guilt.

Launching from Athens on July 31, 2027, the Oosterdam sails through Greece, Italy, Malta, and Tunisia, pausing just long enough for the moon to crash the sun’s party. With extra time in Valletta, guests can marvel at the Royal Malta Observatory and maybe learn how telescopes helped people not die at sea.

Between the eclipse and the museums, you’ll also be soaking up gelato, sunshine, and enough history to make your high school teacher weep with joy.

And if you prefer your sky magic in shades of green and purple...

The Northern Lights get their own star treatment too, thanks to Holland America's handy alliance with science and ships that go north. With solar activity expected to be particularly excitable in 2027, three new cruises aboard the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam will head boldly into Norwegian fjords in pursuit of those shimmering auroras that make you feel small, poetic, and very cold.

You’ll get five days above the Arctic Circle, including a stop in Alta, endearingly known as The City of the Northern Lights, and you can even sign up for a wake-up call when the auroras make their entrance. This is either deeply magical or mildly cruel, depending on how much you like your sleep.

Departure Dates for the Lights:

• Oct. 3, 2027 – Aboard Rotterdam, featuring fjords, folklore, and probably more wool than you’ve packed.

• Oct. 16 & Nov. 6, 2027 – Aboard Nieuw Statendam, departing from Rotterdam or Dover, depending on your navigational allegiance.

Ports include delightful tongue-twisters like Ålesund, Tromsø, Trondheim, Leknes, and the always-charming Lerwick, Shetland Islands, where ponies are small and sweaters are mandatory.

Perks for the Astronomically Inclined

If you book these voyages with the “Have It All” premium package, you’ll get specialty dining, excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi, and — I kid you not — free prepaid crew appreciation, which is a delightfully formal way to say, “We’ve tipped the crew for you.” Also included: Elite Beverage upgrades, Premium Wi-Fi, and the warm glow of Mariner Society bonuses, with up to $400 in onboard credit if you book by August 27, 2025.

So whether you want to chase the moon’s shadow across the Mediterranean or go aurora-hunting in the Arctic night, Holland America has a cruise that promises cosmic awe with creature comforts. And if you happen to learn something about the stars along the way, well — that's just gravy