Holland America Line has announced that the Oosterdam will be positioned for a rare sunset eclipse viewing on August 12, 2026, off the coast of Spain, as part of a 13-day cruise departing Lisbon, Portugal, on August 9, that is open for booking.
Astronomers have predicted that travelers who choose to view the solar eclipse from off the coast of Spain will be in position for a unique view of the path of totality.
The company said in a press release that the experience will be enhanced through onboard features, including:
- Themed food and beverage offerings
- Dedicated viewing events and presentations led by Burgasser
- A seasoned eclipse expert who previously sailed aboard the Koningsdam during the eclipse of 2024
- Lectures and Q&A sessions in the days leading up to the event, and
- Live commentary during the totality.
‘What makes the Mediterranean so compelling for this eclipse is the setting itself,” said Dr. Adam Burgasser, professor at UC San Diego, who will sail aboard Holland America’s Oosterdam to guide guests through the experience.
“In parts of the western Mediterranean, totality will occur low on the horizon, creating a rare ‘sunset eclipse.’ Instead of straining your neck to look straight overhead, you’ll be watching the sun and moon meet each other at the horizon, with the normally gorgeous reds and oranges of a sunset sky suddenly obscured by the moon,” added Burgasser.
“Expect long shadows, a seemingly larger-than-normal sun, a visual illusion known as the horizon-proximity effect and the potential for a dramatic diamond ring effect just as the sun dips into the sea.”
Sailing August 9-22, 2026, the itinerary departs Lisbon and includes a call in Alicante, Spain, before positioning off the Spanish coast for eclipse viewing.
The ship then spends the night in Barcelona, Spain, followed by visits to Port-Vendres and Marseille in France and Monte Carlo, Monaco.
In Italy, guests can explore Florence and Pisa from Livorno, as well as Rome, Naples and Messina in Sicily, before returning to Civitavecchia.
