Holland America Line has announced the addition of astronomy experts to its solar eclipse cruise programming in 2024. Guests sailing on Koningsdam and Zaandam to experience the total eclipse in spring next year will have access to lectures, demonstrations and tips on eclipse-viewing.
University of California San Diego Professor Adam Burgasser will join guests on Koningsdam as the ship sails off the coast of Mexico in the thin “path of totality” for the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Burgasser is a professor of astronomy and astrophysics, an observational astrophysicist, and the principal investigator at the university’s Cool Star Lab.
Leading up to the eclipse, Burgasser will educate guests through special lectures on the ship’s World Stage and help them create their own eclipse viewers. During the eclipse, he will help guests safely view and understand this rare occurrence from unique positions on the ship.
Koningsdam will embark April 5 on a 22-day “Solar Eclipse Cruise,” which positions the ship along the coast of Mexico for a total view before crossing the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. The itinerary from San Diego to Vancouver departs April 5 and heads south to Cabo San Lucas before spending the day at sea on April 8 for the eclipse. Koningsdam will then stop at Puerto Vallarta before crossing over to Hawaii.
Guest Presenter Jim McParland will lend his expertise to the eclipse experience aboard Zaandam with lectures and demonstrations when the ship also is in position for total viewing.
Zaandam will depart March 30 on a 14-day “Solar Eclipse Cruise” roundtrip from San Diego and will be positioned for a total view of the eclipse as it tracks over Mexico. The ship will be in Mazatlán on eclipse day.
For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
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