Holland America Line is making this unique experience even more special with the new addition of astronomy experts to its 2024 Solar Eclipse itineraries onboard Koningsdam and Zaandam.
Guests sailing on these two ships to witness the total eclipse in spring 2024 will have exclusive access to lectures, demonstrations, and top tips on how to really make the most out of the viewing.
Joining guests on Koningsdam will be University of California San Diego Professor, Adam Burgasser: an expert of astronomy and astrophysics; an observational astrophysicist; and the principal investigator at the university’s “Cool Star Lab”. This sailing will set off from the coast of Mexico in the thin “path of totality” for the total solar eclipse on 8th April 2024.
In the lead up to the eclipse, guests will be educated by Burgasser through special lectures on the Koningsdam’s World Stage, and will even be taught how to create their own eclipse viewers. During the eclipse, he will help guests view this rare occurrence safely from different positions on the ship.
“This first total solar eclipse in North America in seven years is something astronomers — amateur and professional — are all excited to observe, and there’s no better or unique place to observe it than at sea off the coast of Mexico. I look forward to joining Holland America Line guests aboard Koningsdam to witness this phenomenon and help them better understand the science and history behind it.”
Adam Burgasser, University of California San Diego Professor
Koningsdam will set sail on 5th April 2024 for her 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise, positioning the ship along the coast of Mexico for a total view before crossing the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. After departing, the itinerary from San Diego, California, to Vancouver, Canada, will head south to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, before a sea-day on 8th April for the eclipse. The ship will then stop at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico before crossing over to Hawaii.
Onboard Zaandam, guest presenter, Jim McParland, will lend his expertise on the eclipse to guests through lectures and demonstrations when the ship is in position for total viewing.
Zaandam will set sail on 30th March 2024 for her 14-day Solar Eclipse Cruise roundtrip from San Diego; the ship will be in Mazatlán, Mexico, on eclipse day.
“We’re positioning our ships in the perfect location for guests to see the eclipse. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so being able to receive the guidance of a renowned physicist like Dr. Burgasser is an exciting opportunity for our guests. We’re known for creating immersive programming, and this will be an unforgettable live event.”
Bill Prince, Vice President of entertainment for Holland America Line
