There’s a rare and spectacular total solar eclipse coming to North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. If you’ve not made a plan to visit the slim path of totality that stretches through northern Mexico, 14 U.S. states and southeastern Canada that day then you’ve got sky-high hotel prices to battle.
There are still a lot of RV parks, campsites and festivals to accommodate you, but there is an easy way out—an eclipse cruise.
Witnessing a total eclipse of the sun from a cruise ship is a sublime experience, They’re a lot steadier than you might think—decent weather allowing—so much so that tripods and cameras are often possible.
Either way, you need to decide soon because there are only a handful of tickets left on these special solar eclipse cruise itineraries:
Princess Cruises Emerald Princess: 15-Day Panama Canal – Ocean to Ocean with Total Solar Eclipse
When: April 5-27, 2024
Departs/arrives: Los Angeles/Ft. Lauderdale
Price: from $1,699
Princess Cruises has tweaked its 15-day ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal cruise aboard the 3,066-capacity Emerald Princess to intercept the path of totality. It will now catch totality on April 8, 2024 between Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco, Mexico before journeying through the Panama Canal, San Juan del Sur Costa Rica, Cartagena and Grand Cayman. Astronomy and space exploration enthusiast Fred Cink is the onboard guide.
Holland America Line Koningsdam: 22-Day Solar Eclipse & Circle Hawaii
When: April 5-27, 2024
Departs/arrives: San Diego/Vancouver
Price: from $4,099
Another cruise ship that’s had its itinerary adjusted by the operator to take in the eclipse is the 4,173 capacity Koningsdam cruise ship, whihc will now be in the path of totality on April 8, 2024 at sea between Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Then comes a crossing over to Hawaii. Expect lectures and advice from Adam Burgasser, an astrophysicist at the University of California San Diego with experience of the last “Great American Eclipse.”
UnCruise Adventures Safari Voyager: 8-Day Baja California Eclipse Cruise
When: April 6-13, 2024
Departs/arrives: San José del Cabo, Mexico
Price: from $7,150
This boutique seven night cruise around Baja California Sur on the 66-cabin Safair Voyager will take in exotic wildlife in the Sea of Cortez—think snorkeling with sea lions and spotting dolphins and whales—either side of a total solar eclipse off the coast of Mazatlán, Mexico.
Fred Olsen Cruises Bolette: 13-night Island of the Azores Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse
When: April 6-18, 2024
Departs/arrives: Southampton, U.K.
Price: from £1,999
North Americans may have the best seats in the house on April 8, 2024, but it’s actually Brits that could have the final view of totality. The prize of a totally eclipsed sunset, no less, is on offer to guests on the 1,338-capacity Bolette, which will intercept the path of totality just as the moon’s shadow leaves the planet. It’s risky, for sure, since the eclipsed sun will be dead-on the horizon, but if skies are clear then passengers could be in for the sight of their life.
Disclaimer: I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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