Costa Cruises Marking Solar Eclipse with Special Med Voyage
Costa Cruises has unveiled a special itinerary centered around the solar eclipse that is returning to the Mediterranean in August after 20 years.
The cruise line said in a press release that there will be two departures for its eight-day Eclipse Cruise aboard the Costa Pacifica, one from Civitavecchia (Rome) on August 8 and the other from Savona on August 9.
“Experiencing a total solar eclipse from the path of totality at sea is truly an extraordinary event we’re thrilled to offer our guests,” said Priscilla Reyes, head of sales for Costa Cruises North America.
“Witnessing this awe-inspiring celestial event from the open water, surrounded by clear horizon views and the shared excitement of fellow travelers, transforms this natural phenomenon into a truly unforgettable moment.”
After visiting destinations such as St. Tropez, Palma and Valencia, the ship will reach the Balearic Sea on August 12, 2026.
At Costa’s eclipse-focused sea destination: “Balearic Sea – Solar Eclipse,” guests equipped with safety glasses will observe the phenomenon from the outer decks.
A subject-matter expert from the Astronomical Observatory of Genoa, Italy, will provide narration to make the experience complete.
The ship will then continue to Olbia and Aranci Gulf, before returning to Civitavecchia and Savona on August 15 and 16, respectively.
After undergoing its drydock, the Oosterdam is set to offer eight itineraries and 15 departure dates across Europe, the Caribbean and North America starting in late 2027.
Holland America said that the sailings “give guests the earliest opportunity to experience Oosterdam’s onboard enhancements, paired with destination-rich itineraries.”
The company highlighted the multi-year refurbishment program, which was designed to modernize its fleet by bringing features from the newer Pinnacle Class to more ships.
Following the project, the Oosterdam will introduce new stateroom and suite categories, in addition to expanded access to signature venues.
“We’re excited about what Holland America Evolution represents for our fleet and for our guests,” said Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line.
“We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard the elevated Oosterdam through these new voyages, where they’ll be among the first to experience what this transformation brings. From the first step on board, guests will feel a more refined and thoughtfully designed experience, with new spaces like the Grand Dutch Café providing a sense of comfort and welcome as their vacation begins,” he added.
Among the new features coming to the Oosterdam are Solo Verandah staterooms, which offer solo travelers a private balcony and dedicated workspace.
Guests seeking premium accommodations can also choose from newly introduced Bridgeview Suites that feature panoramic windows and living space, as well as Vista Suites, debuting on Oosterdam for the first time.
As part of its Evolution enhancements, the ship will also introduce the Grand Dutch Café, a European-inspired coffee shop that first debuted on Pinnacle class ships and builds on the company’s Dutch heritage.
Following its refurbishment, the Oosterdam will return to service in Europe in early December 2027, kicking off a seven-day itinerary in the Western Mediterranean.
The cruise features visits to destinations in Spain, Portugal and Morocco and will be followed by a 13-night trans-Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.
The 2003-built vessel is then set to spend the 2027-28 season sailing from Port Everglades to the Caribbean, with 11- and 12-night itineraries that highlight destinations in the Southern Caribbean and the ABC Islands.
In spring 2028, the Oosterdam will transit the Panama Canal while repositioning north to the Pacific Coast.
Holland America said that the journey includes ports throughout Central America and Mexico, followed by scenic sailings along the U.S. West Coast before concluding in the Pacific Northwest.
Royal Caribbean Announces Spectrum’s 2026-27 Hong Kong Season
Royal Caribbean International announced the Spectrum of the Seas’ 2026-27 Hong Kong homeport season, featuring new itineraries including a long-awaited combined Japan and South Korea route.
The upcoming season offers expanded scheduling with more flexibility and choice for vacationers.
The lineup includes exclusive, one-time-only itineraries designed to meet growing demand for diverse cruise vacations from Hong Kong, the company said in a statement.
Highlights of the 2026-27 season include a nine-night Japan and South Korea Thanksgiving and Autumn Foliage itinerary, marking the return of a combined route not offered from Hong Kong for years.
Guests will explore the cultures and landscapes of both nations, with calls at Tokyo, Osaka and Busan.
New this season are eight-night one-way voyages.
Guests can sail from Hong Kong to Tokyo along Japanese and South Korean destinations, or embark in Tokyo to explore Japan and Taiwan before disembarking in Hong Kong.
Two eight-night sailings can be combined to create one seamless vacation.
The season also features the classic five-night Okinawa and Ishigaki itinerary into Ryukyu culture, festive Christmas and New Year sailings, and a five-night Okinawa and Taipei route combining tropical island charm with city energy.
The four-night Vietnam Warm Winter Getaway is available one time only this season.
The just-concluded 2025-26 Hong Kong season achieved over 32 percent of guests on destination sailings originating from international markets, including North America, Europe and Australia.
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