Why it Rates: Holland America Line has added experts to its team to enhance the experience for travelers who want to see next year’s eclipse. –Donald Wood Senior Breaking News Writer.
Holland America Line has made a special opportunity even better by adding astronomy experts as part of its 2024 Solar Eclipse Cruise Program. Koningsdam guests and Zaandam passengers who will be sailing to the spring of 2024 to witness the total eclipse, will receive exclusive access to lectures and demonstrations as well as first-hand tips to maximize their eclipse viewing.
Adam Burgasser, a professor at the University of California San Diego, will be joining guests aboard Koningsdam when the ship sails near the coast of Mexico along the “thin path of totality” in April 2024 for the total solar eclipse. Burgasser is an astronomy professor, astrophysicist and principal investigator of the “Cool Star Lab” at the University.
Bill Prince, Vice President of Entertainment for Holland America Line said: “We are positioning our ships to the best location for guests so they can see the eclipse.” For many, it is a once in a lifetime experience. So, being able receive guidance from a renowned scientist like Dr. Burgasser, is an exciting opportunity. This will be a memorable live event. We are known for our immersive programming.
Burgasser will help guests create their own eclipse viewers and educate them in the weeks leading up to the eclipse. He will guide guests to safely observe and understand the rare event from different positions aboard the ship.
Burgasser said, “This is the first total solar eclipse to occur in North America for seven years. There’s no place better to see it than off the coast of Mexico.” I look forward to meeting Holland America Line passengers aboard Koningsdam and helping them to better understand this phenomenon.
Koningsdam departs April 5 for a 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise. The ship will sail along the Mexican coast to see the eclipse in its entirety before crossing the Pacific Ocean and arriving in Hawaii. The San Diego to Vancouver itinerary departs on April 5, and then heads south to Cabo San Luis, Mexico. On April 8, the ship will spend a day at sea to witness the eclipse. Koningsdam then stops at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, before crossing to Hawaii.
Jim McParland, a guest presenter on board Zaandam, will share his knowledge and expertise with the experience of the eclipse aboard the ship. He will give lectures and demonstrate when the ship is also in position to view the totality.
Zaandam departs March 30 for a roundtrip 14-day Solar Eclipse Cruise from San Diego. The ship will be in a position to see the eclipse while it passes over Mexico. On eclipse day, the ship will be docked in Mazatlan.