Solar Eclipse - Sky & Telescope and Insight Cruises

About this Cruise

Fully geeking out about the eclipse is possible at sea, too. Sky & Telescope and Insight Cruises are partnering up for a fully immersive eclipse-themed cruise through a special interest group.

Join Sky & Telescope as we combine the excitement of 2024’s total solar eclipse with the many distinctive regional cultures of Mexico. Eclipse day will find you in the waters off Mazatlán, equipped with favorable skies and the maneuverability that only a cruise ship provides.

Technically, it's the same ship and voyage of Holland America's 14-day cruise aboard Zaandam, which departs on March 30. However, travelers who are part of the special eclipse-focused group will have access to special events and educational programming, thanks to a long list of impressive experts including Sky & Telescope's Rick Fienberg and former astronauts Jeffrey Hoffman and Garrett Reisman.

Eclipse-chasers long ago circled April 8, 2024, on their calendars, because on that day the Sun, Moon, and Earth align to create a spectacular total solar eclipse. Mexico offers the best combination of celestial geometry and the prospects for clear skies, and you’ll be able to take advantage of all that from the cushy comfort of Holland America’s ms Zaandam. The ship will be positioned on the centerline in warm Pacific waters just offshore from Mazatlán, affording you 4m 26s of totality — just 2 seconds shy of the maximum duration available anywhere along the eclipse path!

Sky & Telescope and Insight Cruises have once again partnered to provide an exceptional travel experience. Our 15-day cruise adventure (March 30th to April 13th) begins and ends in San Diego, California. From there, we’ll sail southward, stopping for visits to Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and other resort towns along the “Mexican Riviera.” Get off the ship to enjoy the blue skies and mountainous desert landscape of Baja California Sur — where sports fishing, water sports, and professional-level beach lounging are revered local customs. Sample the varied artisanal craft traditions in each region you visit. Or just relax!

Designed to carry fewer passengers while offering greater space than most cruise ships, Holland America’s ms Zaandam is elegant and comfortable. Her décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including a Baroque-style pipe organ and signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones!

With just 1,432 passengers, the ship rarely feels crowded, and you’ll enjoy a truly relaxing vacation at sea. It’s easy to get everywhere while aboard, and lounges are plentiful. You can take advantage of the all-weather pool with its retractable roof and enjoy regional cooking at the ship’s many fine dining venues.

Despite the obvious appeal of a total solar eclipse, this cruise will be a very affordable experience.

Join the fun and immerse yourself in eclipse astronomy and Mexico’s legendary cultures and hospitality!