- New 2027 Solar Eclipse Cruises: Holland America Line has launched two distinct European itineraries (Nieuw Statendam 28-day and Oosterdam 14-day) specifically designed for guests to experience the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, with optimal at-sea viewing positions off Morocco and Tunisia respectively.
- New 2027 Northern Lights Voyages: Three new 14-day “Arctic Journey and Northern Lights” cruises aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam are available for October/November 2027, featuring extended time above the Arctic Circle and an overnight in Alta, Norway, “The City of the Northern Lights.”
- Enriched Themed Experiences: Both eclipse and Northern Lights cruises will offer expert lectures, themed activities, special viewing equipment (for the eclipse), and itineraries with port calls related to astronomical history or prime aurora viewing opportunities.
- Booking Incentives Available: Special booking bonuses are offered for these 2027 cruises, including an enhanced “Have It All” premium package and an exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus (up to $400 onboard credit if booked by August 27, 2025).
Holland America Line today, May 29, 2025, announced a new collection of European cruises for 2027 specifically designed for guests to witness two of nature’s most spectacular phenomena: a total solar eclipse and the Northern Lights. These itineraries aim to combine unique celestial viewing opportunities with immersive cultural and historical exploration.
For the total solar eclipse occurring on Monday, August 2, 2027, Holland America Line has positioned two ships for optimal viewing. The 28-Day “Legendary Solar Eclipse & Cosmic Port Explorer” on Nieuw Statendam, departing July 10, 2027 (roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover), will offer eclipse viewing off the western coast of Morocco. This voyage explores 13 ports in Denmark, the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, and Morocco, including overnights in Tilbury (London) and Barcelona.
Excursions will highlight sites with astronomical connections like Stonehenge (via Portland, UK), the Alhambra Palace in Malaga, and Barcelona’s Montjuic Hill and Observatory. The second option is the 14-Day “Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery” on Oosterdam, departing July 31, 2027 (roundtrip Piraeus/Athens). This cruise will position for the eclipse off the eastern coast of Tunisia and visit ports in Tunisia, Malta, Italy, and Greece, featuring sites like Messina’s astronomical clock and the Royal Malta Observatory in Valletta.
Both eclipse cruises will feature lectures from scientific experts, themed activities, and provided safety equipment like eclipse glasses. Paul Grigsby, VP of deployment, highlighted that sea viewing offers a greater chance of clear skies and a better view of the eclipse’s progression. These join three existing, already bookable itineraries for a 2026 solar eclipse.
Additionally, three newly opened 14-day “Arctic Journey and Northern Lights” cruises aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam are scheduled for October and November 2027. These voyages, roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, will spend five days above the Arctic Circle and include an overnight stay in Alta, Norway, known as “The City of the Northern Lights.” Guests can sign up for a wake-up call service for aurora sightings, and these cruises are in partnership with the HISTORY CHANNEL, suggesting enriched historical and cultural content.
To encourage bookings, Holland America Line is offering a “Have It All” premium package for these 2027 cruises, which includes shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, Surf Wi-Fi, free prepaid crew appreciation, and free upgrades to Elite Beverage and Premium Wi-Fi. Mariner Society loyalty members can also receive up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom if they book by August 27, 2025.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150+ years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line.
Holland America Line’s 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea, and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served locally in regions around the world.