The Great American Solar Eclipse and Cruise Opportunities

We’re less than a year away from the Great American Solar Eclipse, a total solar eclipse that will cross the U.S. from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024. Many hotels are already fully committed for this spectacular astronomical event; however, it’s not too late to create memorable travel plans.

Overview of the Great American Solar Eclipse

The Great American Solar Eclipse is an exciting opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike. During this event, the sun will be completely obscured as the moon moves between it and the Earth, resulting in a breathtaking phenomenon. Many travelers are looking for optimal viewing experiences, and cruises offer a unique vantage point.

Cruise Itineraries with Holland America

Holland America is offering two solar eclipse cruise itineraries designed to take guests directly into the path of totality. This positioning ensures that the sun will go completely dark as the moon crosses in front of it. Moreover, cruising presents a significant advantage: the ship can reposition itself if clouds obscure the view.

The first trip is a 22-day sailing from San Diego to Vancouver, with stops in Hawaii. Set to depart on April 5, the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam will head south to Mexico, including a stop in Cabo San Lucas, before positioning itself just offshore for the eclipse. Following the eclipse, the cruise will continue to Puerto Vallarta and then spend five days at sea en route to Hawaii.

In Hawaii, guests will visit four destinations, including an overnight stay in Honolulu, before journeying back to Canada with a final call in Victoria, British Columbia, before reaching Vancouver.

The second sailing is a more compact 14-day cruise through the Mexican Riviera, starting and ending in San Diego. This voyage on the 1,432-passenger Zaandam will commence on March 30, visiting eight ports in Mexico. The itinerary includes Zihuatanejo (Ixtapa), Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán (where the eclipse will take place), and Cabo San Lucas.

Astrophysicist Presence

On the first sailing, Professor Adam Burgasser, an observational astrophysicist from the University of California San Diego, will be on board. “This first total solar eclipse in North America in seven years is something astronomers—amateur and professional—are all excited to observe, and there’s no better or unique place to observe it than at sea off the coast of Mexico,” Burgasser stated.

Cruise Pricing Details

Rates for the 22-day sailing start at $2,779 per person for an interior cabin. Meanwhile, the 14-day sailing rates start at $3,259 per person for an ocean-view cabin. This presents an excellent opportunity for travelers wanting to experience the eclipse in a unique and memorable way.