The Nieuw Statendam sailed from Rotterdam on July 25 to kick off Holland America Line’s “Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland” voyage.

Sailing roundtrip from the ship’s homeport in the Netherlands, the 28-night cruise is part of a series of special voyages that will allow guests to witness a total solar eclipse onboard.

According to Holland America, the special sailing features a series of activities related to the natural phenomenon.

The lineup is highlighted by the presence of Tom Vassos, a science communicator affiliated with the University of Toronto for over 35 years.

An astronomer, author and member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Vassos will join a series of lectures, a special Q&A session and real-time commentary, as well as activities on astronomy topics beyond the solar eclipse.

The Nieuw Statendam will be strategically positioned off the coast of Iceland in the path of totality on Aug. 12, 2026.

In addition to putting together the special program of enrichment activities, Holland America will provide passengers with protective equipment for safe viewing.

Before witnessing the eclipse in Iceland, the Nieuw Statendam will visit destinations across Northern Europe, Greenland and Iceland.

The ship’s itinerary includes visits to 19 destinations in the region, including Runavik in the Faroe Islands and Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis.

Other highlights of the cruise include a late-night departure from Edinburgh in Scotland and a nine-hour visit to Qaqortoq in Greenland.

After completing the special cruise, the Nieuw Statendam continues to sail in Europe through early December.

The vessel’s season in the region includes itineraries to Scandinavia, the Canaries and the British Isles, in addition to a 14-night cruise to the Mediterranean in late November.

The 2,660-passenger ship is scheduled to sail in the Caribbean during the 2026-27 winter, with cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale.