From the astronomical wonder of a solar eclipse to the allure of far-flung destinations, these cruise lines are crafting experiences for clients who crave surprises around every corner.
Holland America Adds Astronomy Experts to Solar Eclipse Cruises
Holland America Line is bringing celestial events to the forefront of its itineraries. The cruise line has announced that three of its 2026 voyages will feature exclusive programming with astronomy experts, giving guests front-row seats to the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026.
Guests aboard Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam will not only witness the rare natural phenomenon but also gain deeper insight through lectures, Q&A sessions and real-time commentary as the ships position themselves directly in the path of totality.
Each sailing will feature a distinguished astronomy expert who will provide context, education and hands-on tips for eclipse viewing.
Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse (Zuiderdam)
Departing July 18, 2026, Zuiderdam’s 35-day Legendary Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse sails round-trip from Boston, Massachusetts, with an 18-day segment available from Rotterdam to Boston. Guests will experience the eclipse off the coast of Iceland, guided by Professor Meers Oppenheim of Boston University. With over 25 years of teaching and research experience, Oppenheim specializes in solar plasmas, ionospheric physics, and meteors.
Mediterranean Solar Eclipse (Oosterdam)
Sailing from Lisbon to Athens on Aug. 9, 2026, this 13-day itinerary places guests in the path of totality off the coast of Spain. On board, Dr. Adam Burgasser, Professor of physics at UC San Diego and an award-winning astrophysicist, will lead eclipse programming. Burgasser’s expertise includes exoplanets, brown dwarfs and stellar astrophysics, and he is also a noted advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sciences.
Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland (Nieuw Statendam)
Departing June 24, 2026, from Dover, England, this 28-day round-trip cruise positions Nieuw Statendam near Iceland for eclipse viewing. Guests will learn from Tom Vassos, an accomplished science communicator, astronomer and founder of Cosmologists Without Borders. Vassos brings decades of teaching experience and a passion for making astronomy accessible to travelers worldwide.
For more information, visit hollandamerica.com.
Swan Hellenic’s Cultural Expedition Cruises in Asia-Pacific
Expedition cruise line Swan Hellenic has unveiled details of its first-ever voyages in the Asia-Pacific region. Enabled by the return of SH Minerva, these sailings will allow travelers to explore some of the most remote and culturally rich corners of the world.
The new program spans seven expedition cruises over two seasons—five between April and May 2026, followed by two additional itineraries in September. Departing April 5, 2026, SH Minerva will begin in Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands, and journey through Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan. In keeping with Swan Hellenic’s tradition, no itinerary repeats a port, ensuring each voyage offers fresh discoveries.
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Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea (Honiara to Jayapura | April 5–18, 2026 | 13 nights): Your clients can explore the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, where World War II history intersects with Melanesian and Polynesian traditions.
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Secrets of the Coral Triangle (Jayapura to Sorong | April 18–28, 2026 | 10 nights): Delve into Indonesia’s sacred landscapes and cultural traditions, with exclusive charter arrangements for seamless travel connections.
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Last Paradise on Earth (Sorong to Manila | April 28–May 9, 2026 | 11 nights)
Journey through Raja Ampat, one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, before concluding in Manila’s dynamic capital. -
Philippines to Japan Cultural Discovery (Manila to Hiroshima | May 9–20, 2026 | 11 nights): From the Batanes Islands’ dramatic coastlines to Kagoshima’s volcanic landscapes, this sailing ends in Hiroshima, a powerful symbol of peace and renewal.
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Japan (Hiroshima to Otaru | May 20–30, 2026 | 10 nights): Discover northern Japan, from ancient temples and castles to Otaru’s charming canals and seafood markets.
Guests will encounter island traditions rooted in oral history and ritual dance, explore biodiverse marine environments and visit historic cities.
For more information, visit swanhellenic.com.
