Oosterdam Begins Mediterranean Solar Eclipse Cruise

Holland America Line’s *Oosterdam *sailed from Lisbon on Sunday, beginning its 13-night “Mediterranean Solar Eclipse” cruise.

Traveling from Portugal to Greece, the voyage is set to call at six destinations across the Mediterranean before concluding in Piraeus later this month. The itinerary includes ports in Spain, France, Italy and Montenegro, with calls scheduled for Alicante, Ajaccio, Civitavecchia, Bari and Kotor. Guests will also enjoy an overnight stay in Barcelona.

Part of Holland America Line’s program of themed eclipse cruises, the sailing features a range of special activities and enrichment opportunities centered on the astronomical event. Professor Adam Burgasser, an award-winning professor of physics at the University of California, will lead the onboard programming.

The enrichment schedule includes presentations covering recent developments in astrophysics, along with discussions exploring the links between astronomy and Mediterranean history.

According to Holland America, passengers will have the unusual opportunity to experience a sunset eclipse when the *Oosterdam *positions itself off the coast of Spain on August 12, 2026. Additional eclipse-themed programming will include lectures, Q&A sessions and advice designed to help guests get the most from the viewing experience.

The *Oosterdam *is one of three Holland America ships offering dedicated eclipse voyages, alongside the *Zuiderdam *and *Nieuw Statendam, *with the later being the first of the three vessels to begin its themed sailing, departing from Dover, England, on June 24, 2026. During its 28-day Northern Europe and Arctic itinerary, the ship will position itself off Iceland within the eclipse’s path of totality.

The *Zuiderdam *is also sailing a Northern Europe eclipse itinerary after departing Boston on July 18, 2026, for a 35-night voyage. Like Nieuw Statendam, the 1,900-passenger vessel will be positioned off the Icelandic coast to give guests the opportunity to experience the astronomical event.