Embark on a 22-Day Solar Eclipse Cruise That Will Navigate the Path of Totality in Mexico

On April 8, 2024, a spectacular solar eclipse will occur as the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly, casting darkness over a vast area of North America for several minutes. Travelers passionate about astronomy are set to flock from around the globe to witness this celestial event. With flight and hotel bookings soaring—many cities in the path of totality are filling up fast—a newly announced cruise offers an ideal opportunity to experience this spectacle from the sea.

Holland America Line has just introduced a 22-day solar eclipse voyage that will take passengers into the path of totality along Mexico's western coast before continuing to Hawai‘i and Canada. Throughout the journey, guests can attend informative lectures and even craft their own eclipse-viewing glasses, guided by Adam Burgasser, an astronomy and astrophysics professor from the University of California San Diego and principal investigator at the Cool Star Lab.

Dr. Burgasser stated, "This marks the first total solar eclipse visible in North America in seven years, creating excitement among both amateur and professional astronomers. There’s no better or more unique location to witness it than aboard a ship off the coast of Mexico. I eagerly anticipate joining Holland America Line guests on the Koningsdam to experience this phenomenon and enhance their understanding of the science and history surrounding it."

Setting sail from San Diego, California, on April 5, 2024, the ship will first visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, before embarking on a day at sea to experience the eclipse. Astronomer Jim McParland will join as a guest presenter. Following this, the itinerary includes a day in Puerto Vallarta and six days at sea towards Hawai‘i, with stops in Kona, Lahaina, Honolulu, and Hilo. Afterward, there will be five additional days at sea before arriving in Victoria and finally disembarking in Vancouver, Canada.

Guests will enjoy their journey aboard the Koningsdam, offering a range of accommodations from 143-square-foot interior cabins (featuring a queen-size bed, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, and closet space) to the expansive 502-square-foot Neptune Suite (with a king-size bed, a desk, a small living area, a bathroom equipped with a separate tub and shower, and floor-to-ceiling windows leading to a private patio). The Koningsdam boasts four dining options (in addition to 24-hour room service), including a main dining room, a casual marketplace, a poolside grill, and a steakhouse. Guests can also enjoy five bars, a pool, a spa, a fitness center, and five entertainment venues, such as a blues club and a live theater.

Prices begin at $2,779 per person, which includes meals at all restaurants except the steakhouse. Beverages and shore excursions are available for an additional charge.

For those looking for a shorter cruise with solar eclipse viewing, Holland America Line’s 1,432-passenger Zaandam will also be in Mexico (specifically in Mazatlan, within the path of totality) on eclipse day. This will be part of a 14-day round-trip cruise that departs San Diego on March 30, 2024, with stops along Mexico’s western coast before returning to San Diego. While it is currently sold out, there may be openings later if any cancellations occur.