Sail To Solar Eclipse: Get A Chance to See the Eclipse With “Path Of Totality” Cruises In 2026

Holland America Line will arrange three voyages in 2026 that will embark within the “path of totality” of the solar eclipse from the UK, the US, and Portugal. The cruises promise to offer passengers a unique opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse from locations close to Iceland and Spain.

The Total Solar Eclipse-2026

According to the National Solar Observatory, the total solar eclipse will occur on 12 August 2026. It will be visible in areas including Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and northern Spain.

As the company announced earlier this week, the ships will sail in optimal viewing spots, offering the passengers a chance to witness the rare event of the Moon fully obscuring the Sun.

“Path Of Totality” Cruises Routes

Holland America’s three solar eclipse cruises will differ in duration. Each cruise will feature specialized programming about the eclipse and provide guests with the special glasses needed for safe viewing. Throughout their journeys, each cruise will visit several countries.

A 13-day cruise on the Oosterdam, beginning August 9, 2026, will position the ship “off the coast of Spain between Alicante and Barcelona” during the total solar eclipse.

The “Voyage of the Vikings” on the Zuiderdam will be positioned “off the western coast of Iceland” within the path of totality. This 35-day cruise departing from Boston, US, is the longest of the three.

The third Holland America solar eclipse cruise, aboard the Nieuw Statendam, will last 28 days and provide a view of the totality “off the northwest coast of Iceland.”

Successful Solar Eclipse Cruises

Holland America attributed the decision to offer the new 2026 solar eclipse cruises to the success of the eclipse cruises it operated earlier this year.

“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,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Other Upcoming Cruises

Additionally, except for the “path of totality” cruises, the company is scheduling cruises in 2026 to give its passengers a chance to witness other celestial phenomena. These ones will probably include experiences such as the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle and the Northern Lights.