Oosterdam Sets Sail for HAL’s Solar Eclipse Voyage
The Oosterdam departed from Lisbon on Sunday to kick off Holland America Line’s “Mediterranean Solar Eclipse” cruise.
Sailing from Portugal to Greece, the 13-night voyage is scheduled to sail to six destinations in the region before ending in Piraeus later this month.
Guests will visit ports in Spain, France, Italy and Montenegro, including Alicante, Ajaccio, Civitavecchia, Bari and Kotor. The itinerary is also highlighted by an overnight visit to the port of Barcelona.
As part of the company’s lineup of themed eclipse cruises, the sailing will also feature special programming focused on the natural phenomenon.
The activities will be hosted by Professor Adam Burgasser, an award-winning professor of physics at the University of California.
Highlights of the enrichment program include talks on the latest astrophysics research, as well as the connections between astronomy and Mediterranean history.
Holland America said that guests will also have a rare opportunity to witness a sunset eclipse with the ship positioned off the Spanish coast on August 12, 2026.
The company will also offer themed lectures, Q&A sessions and tips on how to make the most of their eclipse viewing.
In addition to the Oosterdam, the Zuiderdam and the Nieuw Statendam are also offering special eclipse sailings.
The latter was the first to start its themed cruise, departing from the English port of Dover on June 24, 2026.
As part of a 28-day itinerary to Northern Europe and the Arctic, the vessel will be positioned off the coast of Iceland in the eclipse’s path of totality.
The Zuiderdam is also offering an eclipse cruise in Northern Europe after departing from Boston for a 35-night cruise on July 18, 2026.
Like its fleetmate, the 1,900-passenger ship will be positioned off the coast of Iceland for the phenomenon.
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