Holland America Line’s 2026 Celestial Cruises offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness extraordinary natural phenomena.
This new slate of cruises will take guests to prime locations throughout Europe, allowing them to experience the Northern Lights, a total solar eclipse, and the summer solstice above the Arctic Circle.
After the success of the 2024 eclipse cruises, Holland America Line has curated these special itineraries to cater to travelers eager for front-row seats to some of the world’s most spectacular celestial events.
“Our guests wanted more opportunities to witness these natural spectacles,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line.
“We’ve crafted a lineup of cruises that deliver awe-inspiring experiences and in-depth exploration of exciting destinations.”
One of the highlights is the three solar eclipse cruises. In August 2026, three ships from the Holland America fleet will position themselves under the path of totality.
While Oosterdam will take guests to the Med to witness the eclipse off the eastern coast of Spain, Nieuw Statendam will explore Northern Europe, sailing off the western coast of Iceland for the eclipse. Guests can also sail aboard Zuiderdam for the popular Voyage of the Vikings, for the solar eclipse.
- July 18, 2026, 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse (Legendary Voyage), Zuiderdam, roundtrip from Boston, Massachusetts.
- In the path of totality for the solar eclipse off the western coast of Iceland, just before arriving at Grundarfjørdur.
- Calls at Portland, Maine; Sydney, Corner Brook, Red Bay, St. Anthony, St John’s, and Halifax, Canada; Paamiut (Frederikshåb), Nanortalik and Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) Greenland; Reykjavik (overnight), Seydisfjördur, Húsavík and Grundarfjørdur, Iceland; Eidfjord, Norway; Rotterdam, Netherlands (overnight); Dún Laoghaire (Dublin), Ireland; and Belfast, Northern Ireland.
- July 25, 2026, 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland (Legendary Voyage): Nieuw Statendam, roundtrip from Dover, England, or roundtrip from Rotterdam.
- In the path of totality for the solar eclipse at sea off the northwest coast of Iceland.
- Calls at Kristiansand, Eidfjord and Stavanger, Norway; Seydisfjördur, Djúpivogur, Akureyri, Isafjördur, Grundarfjørdur, Heimaey and Reykjavik, Iceland; Paamiut (Frederikshåb), Nuuk (Godthåb), Nanortalik and Qaqortoq (Julianehåb), Greenland; Runavík, Faroe Islands; Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Invergordon (Inverness) and South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland (overnight).
- Aug. 9, 2026, 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight, Oosterdam, from Lisbon, Portugal, to Piraeus (Athens), Greece.
- Solar eclipse at sea in the path of totality off the coast of Spain between Alicante and Barcelona.
- Calls at Alicante and Barcelona (overnight), Spain; Ajaccio and Corsica, France; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Bari (Puglia), Italy; and Kotor, Montenegro.
For those captivated by the Northern Lights, Holland America is introducing inaugural Northern Lights cruises aboard the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam. As 2026 is predicted to be a peak year for aurora activity, these cruises offer an exceptional opportunity to see the auroras in all their glory, with itineraries that include overnight stays in Alta, Norway, known as “The City of the Northern Lights.”
- Oct. 4, 2026, 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights, aboard Rotterdam, from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Calls at Nordfjordeid, Trondheim, Narvik, Tromsø, Alta (overnight), Åndalsnes and Bergen, Norway; and Lerwick, Shetland Islands.
- Oct. 16, 2026, 15-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights, Nieuw Statendam, from Dover to Rotterdam OR Oct. 17, 2026, 14-Day Northern Lights, roundtrip Rotterdam.
- Calls at Ålesund, Trondheim, Narvik, Tromsø, Alta (overnight), Åndalsnes and Bergen, Norway; and Lerwick, Shetland Islands.
Another standout offering is the summer solstice cruise. In June 2026, the Nieuw Statendam will take guests above the Arctic Circle to celebrate the longest day of the year in Honningsvåg, Norway. This journey promises maximum daylight and breathtaking views.
- June 13, 2026, 14-Day Arctic Circle Crossing: North Cape Solstice, Nieuw Statendam, roundtrip from Dover or Rotterdam.
- Calls at Eidfjord, Maloy, Trondheim, Leknes, Tromsø, and Honningsvåg, Norway; and Lerwick, Shetland Islands.
Have It All Early Booking Bonus
For a limited time, when guests book 2026 Celestial Cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line’s Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when these cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by Oct. 29, 2024, to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
