Holland America Line has launched a captivating series of cruises for summer 2027, offering guests a front-row seat to extraordinary natural phenomena. Travelers can now book two exclusive solar eclipse cruises, as well as three immersive Northern Lights sailings, all set in prime European locations.
On Monday, August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible over Northern Africa. Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam will be strategically positioned off the coasts of Morocco and Tunisia to provide guests with the best view of the eclipse’s path of totality.
“The excitement around viewing a total solar eclipse the past few years has been palpable, and we jumped at the chance to create more itineraries that give our guests the incomparable opportunity of viewing the eclipse at sea,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment for Holland America Line. “When you’re at sea, there is a greater opportunity to witness an eclipse in the clear because the ship can attempt to position itself away from cloud cover – and the view on the horizon means you get more of the shadow coming in and going out. Because of that, these cruises are extremely popular: for everyone from professional astronomers to travelers looking to check an eclipse off their bucket list.”
Solar eclipse itineraries with celestial programming
Guests hoping to see the 2027 eclipse aboard a Holland America Line ship can choose from two voyages. Travelers on both voyages can expect lectures from and the opportunity to connect with scientific experts, themed activities and more. Proper equipment – like eclipse glasses – will be provided for the safety of guests.
And while in port, guests will be able to further delve into the way civilizations in the past designed life around phenomena in the sky, including solar eclipses.
“For millennia, civilizations have studied celestial happenings, and that impact is seen even now in many famous landmarks and monuments,” said Grigsby. “We took care to add ports into the itinerary that have some connection to the study of the sun and stars: on the 28-day, one example includes Portland, England, within close proximity to famous Stonehenge, long believed to be built with the solstice in mind. And on the 14-day, guests can visit the world’s largest and most complex astronomical clock in Messina, Italy.”
Each eclipse voyage includes expert-led lectures, themed activities, and safety-certified viewing gear like eclipse glasses. On land, guests will explore how ancient civilizations studied celestial events through excursions tied to astronomy and solar worship.
28-Day Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer
Departing July 10, 2027, this roundtrip sailing from Rotterdam or Dover aboard Nieuw Statendam features 13 diverse ports across the UK, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and Morocco – with overnights in London and Barcelona. After viewing the eclipse near Morocco, guests visit Leixões (Porto), Portugal, before returning.
Excursions highlight sun-related landmarks like the Alhambra Palace in Malaga and Montjuic Observatory in Barcelona, enriching the voyage with historical and astronomical context.
14-Day Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery
Aboard Oosterdam, this roundtrip Mediterranean cruise departs July 31, 2027, from Piraeus (Athens). Guests enjoy eclipse viewing off Tunisia’s coast before calling on Malta, Italy, and Greece. A longer port stay in Valletta offers access to the Royal Malta Observatory, tracing the evolution of astronomy and its role in maritime navigation.
These join previously announced 2026 eclipse sailings, including:
- 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland & Scotland
- 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse near Iceland
- 13-Day Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight
2027 Northern Lights cruises: Arctic Wonders Await
With solar activity expected to remain strong, Holland America Line is also offering three new Northern Lights cruises aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. These voyages include five days above the Arctic Circle and an overnight stay in Alta, “The City of the Northern Lights.” Guests can request aurora wake-up calls to catch every appearance of the aurora borealis.
14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights with HISTORY CHANNEL
- Oct. 3, 2027 – Rotterdam, roundtrip from Rotterdam. Ports include Bergen, Ålesund, Trondheim, Tromsø, Alta (overnight), Leknes (Lofoten), Åndalsnes, and Shetland Islands.
- Oct. 16 & Nov. 6, 2027 – Nieuw Statendam, roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover. Visits Ålesund, Åndalsnes, Trondheim, Leknes, Tromsø, Alta (overnight), Kristiansund, and Bergen.
Have It All early booking bonus
Guests booking 2027 Solar Eclipse or Northern Lights cruises with the Have It All premium package receive shore excursions, specialty dining, Signature Beverage Package, Surf Wi-Fi – plus free prepaid crew appreciation, and upgrades to Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
Members of Holland America Line’s Mariner Society loyalty program booking by August 27, 2025, receive up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom.
Contact us for more information or to book your cruise with Holland America Line.