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American Princess Cruises

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American Princess Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Book Whale Watch

 Our Pelagic Bird & Marine Wildlife Trips have been AWESOME as were our 2023 Whale Watching & Dolphin Adventures! * 95% SIGHTINGS * *Tickets for a NEW 12-Hr. Spring Pelagic Bird & Marine Wildlife Trip scheduled for 4/6/24 can be purchased by clicking the BOOK NOW tab above.  For trip information see 12-Hr. Spring Pelagic Bird & Marine Wildlife Trip – 4/6/24 – Whale Watching and Dolphin Adventure Cruise in New York City aboard the American Princess (americanprincesscruises.com) **Our 2024 Whale Watching & Dolphin Adventure schedule has just been released; tickets for our April – July Adventures available NOW and can be purchased by clicking the BOOK NOW tab above.  August – Nov available soon! For info see  https://americanprincesscruises.com/cruises/2024-whale-watching-dolphin-cruise-new-york/ Please stay informed by checking back with us here, or by signing up for our e-blast specials if you haven’t already done so.

Winter/spring bird and seal watching adventure cruises – 2023.

100% Sightings during our last 11 years of seal and bird watching

Winter Bird & Seal Watching begins January 8, 2023 and runs on Sundays from 12PM to approximately 2:30PM

If you’re interested in setting sail in search of these beautiful seals and birds, hop aboard The American Princess for an unforgettable Bird and Seal Watching Adventure Cruise!

What a unique opportunity to learn about the wildlife that exists in our own backyard! A naturalist will be aboard to provide insight and information about seals and marine life.

Birds that may be seen during the winter/spring marine excursion include gannets ( Morus bassanus or Sula bassana ), great blue herons ( Ardea herodias) , great egrets ( Ardea alba), double-crested cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritus ), various gulls, common loons ( Gavia immer ), red throated loons ( Gavia stellata ), bufflehead ducks ( Bucephala albeola ), American black ducks ( Anas rubripes ), mergansers, brants ( Branta bernicla ), black scoters ( Melanitta americana ), white-winged scoters ( Melanitta deglandi ), surf scoters ( Melanitta perspicillata ), mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ) , long-tailed ducks ( Clangula hyemalis s), caups, snowy owls ( Bubo scandiacus ) and many other seabirds.

In April, we see the return of American oystercatchers ( Haematopus palliatus ), black skimmers ( Rynchops niger ), common terns ( Sterna hirundo ) and least terns ( Sternula antillarum ).

Seals that may be spotted include grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus ) and harbor seals ( Phoca vitulina ), also known as the common seal.

Video/slide presentations will be available during the trip.

• Large Heated Cabin
• Beverage & Snack Bar Aboard
• Private Seal & Eco Tours Available
• Great for School Trips

Winter/Spring Bird & Seal Watching Adventure Cruises: January 8, 2023    12PM – 2:30PM approx January 15, 2023   12PM – 2:30PM approx January 22, 2023   12PM – 2:30PM approx January 29, 2023   12PM – 2:30PM approx

Spring Dates TBA

PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE PURCHASING TICKETS OR CALLING THE OFFICE

• All sales are final and non-refundable
• Cruises are rain or shine
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy
• In the event of a cancellation, customer is responsible for making another reservation
• Our captains and crew work diligently to make every trip a success. We have a 100% sighting rate of seals. However, sightings are not guaranteed.
• Check our WEBSITE ALERTS for cancellations & daily cruise status
• Ticket purchases are good only for the 2023 Winter/Spring Bird and Seal Watching Adventure Cruise season
• Your proof of purchase (Paypal receipt/Credit Card receipt/voucher) will serve as your ticket
• You do NOT need a PayPal account to make purchases through PayPal
• If you have purchased a voucher you will be given the opportunity to enter the code(s)
• Vouchers/coupons apply only to Adult tickets; if you would like to apply a voucher to a Senior or Child Ticket, please select an Adult ticket instead
• If you have purchased the 2-ticket deal, please select two adults and enter a unique voucher code for each passenger; if you have purchased the 4-ticket deal, please select 4 adults and enter a unique voucher code for each of the four passengers
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• A small children’s stroller can be brought aboard
• Coolers and outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited
• Cash bar available on board
• Passengers subject to search (as permitted by the US Coast Guard)
• Captain’s recommendation: Due to NYC traffic we advise that you plan to arrive at Pier 3, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn 3/4 to 1 hour before the departure time
• All trips are subject to availability and American Princess Cruises reserves the right to cancel any trip at any time

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Celebrate your special event with a cruise aboard New York’s American Princess yacht, which is available for charter all year round. We offer various types of New York Cruises including a wedding cruise, engagement cruise, bridal shower cruise, 4th of July fireworks cruise, New Year’s Eve cruise, Coney Island Fireworks Cruise, birthday party cruise, sweet 16 cruise, mother’s day cruise, father’s day cruise, anniversary cruise, surprise party cruise, retirement party cruise, graduation party cruise, bon voyage cruise, Halloween party cruise, costume party cruise, Valentine’s Day cruise, religious cruise, bar/bat mitzvah cruise, confirmation cruise, burial at sea cruise, fundraising cruise, charity cruise or a corporate event cruise.

In addition, the American Princess boat can be chartered for thematic cruises such as a nature cruise, historic cruise, tugboat enthusiast cruise, whale watching cruise , dolphin watching cruise, seal watching cruise, bird watching cruise, fall foliage cruise, harbor fortification cruise, Jamaica Bay wildlife ecology tour and cruise, sightseeing cruise, lighthouse cruise, food and wine tasting cruise, special wreck cruise and floating harbor wreck cruise.

Contact us to help you coordinate a voyage you will remember forever!

Owned and operated by TWFM Ferry Inc. of New York, American Princess Cruises is a premier New York City cruise operator that provides cruise service to the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island), Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties), New Jersey and Connecticut.

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2024-2025 New Cruise Itineraries

Book our newest cruise vacations to our best destinations now.

Check out our newest cruise itineraries and prepare for an array of unforgettable experiences on board with Princess. From sailings close to home to the distant shores of exotic lands. New Princess cruise itineraries not only take you to our best cruise destinations, but bring the colors, cultures and flavors on board to give you a truly immersive vacation. Start planning today to get the cruise – and the stateroom – you want!

2025 Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Our Alaska 2025 season promises to be our most exciting season yet. From our top-rated 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise and Inside Passage sailings – including roundtrip Los Angeles – to new “Ultimate Alaska” sailings that visit less-frequented ports and include at least three days of glacier viewing, we have Alaska covered by sea. Venture further with 27 cruisetour options, each combining a 7-day cruise with multiple nights in the heart of Alaska, stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges and scenic rail travel. It’s no wonder we’ve been named Best Cruise Line in Alaska by Travel Weekly NINETEEN TIMES!

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2023-2024 Asia Cruise Itineraries

Let Princess whisk you to stunning cities and timeless villages on an epic voyage in Asia. Each destination tells its own story through celebrated landmarks, popular markets, culinary secrets and traditions that have been passed down for generations. Sail on Diamond Princess®, and discover why Princess was awarded “Best Cruise Line in Asia” by Porthole Magazine.

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2024-2025 Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific Cruise Itineraries

Experience the natural wonders of Australia, the unique culture of New Zealand and the island paradises of Tahiti, Fiji and beyond with Princess in 2024–2025. You can also visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru National Park’s iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock), on cruisetour options that combine a multi-night land tour with a traditional cruise. Choose from three ships, including Royal Princess,® as well as Crown Princess® and Diamond Princess,® sailing 72 itineraries to 64 destinations.

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2024-2025 California Coast Cruise Itineraries

Explore the landscape of the California Coast and visit world-famous cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Santa Barbara. Shop and dine along eclectic boulevards. See iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Coronado Bay and Griffith Observatory. Or escape to renowned vineyards for an award-winning wine. See even more with late-night stays in San Francisco, San Diego, Victoria, Vancouver, B.C. or Los Angeles.

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2025 Canada & New England Cruise Itineraries

Experience colonial history, charming Eastern seaboard villages and famed New England seafood when you sail Canada & New England with Princess®. Princess will sail 7-day roundtrip voyages from Boston and New York. There are also 10-day voyages between Boston and Québec and roundtrip 10-day American Heritage voyages where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, as well as legendary Revolutionary War sites. You can also extend your journey on land with a crusietour that visits more of American history at places like Gettysburg and Philadelphia, or spends time in Canadian cities like Toronto (for Niagara Falls) Montréal and more.

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2024-2025 Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

Relax on top-rated beaches, explore ancient ruins and get immersed in colorful cultures — the laidback Caribbean has lots to love for everyone. Discover the Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean with a variety of unique itineraries and departure ports. For the first time, Princess is offering a season of 6- and 8-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages roundtrip from Port Canaveral on Caribbean Princess®. (Can't choose? Combine them for a 14-day sailing!) Or sail aboard the new Sun Princess® from Fort Lauderdale on 5- to 14-day voyages to see both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

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2024 Summer Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

Whether you're seeking top-rated beaches or ancient Mayan ruins, the Caribbean is your playground in Summer 2024. From seven-day, 10-day and 14-day summer sailings to all corners of the Caribbean to our award-winning private island resort, Princess Cays,® and onboard programs that immerse you in local life, you’ll connect with the islands in ways you never imagined.

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2025 Europe Cruise Itineraries

Princess is celebrating its 40th anniversary of Mediterranean sailing by featuring two of its newest and largest ships – Star Princess® and Sun Princess®. Explore the best of Europe in 2025, from the British Isles to Scandinavia, the Mediterranean and beyond with itineraries from five to 33 days as you visit famous landmarks, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Let local experts guide the way with foodie- and art-centric tours. Love local nightlife? Look for More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays.

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2024-2025 Hawaii Cruise Itineraries

Princess is the only cruise line that sails a full season roundtrip from the mainland, with a choice of roundtrip departures from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C. Immerse yourself in Polynesian culture the moment you step on board with our Aloha Spirit program. Visit the most popular islands – Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island – while only unpacking once. Plus, enjoy a More Ashore late-night stay in Honolulu on most sailings.

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2024 Japan Cruise Itineraries

In Summer 2024, Diamond Princess® sails out of Tokyo (Yokohama) with a variety of ways to enjoy the traditions and beauty of the region. There are five opportunities to see storied local festivals, including the popular Nebuta Festival. We also have sailings that arrive when Japan’s famed spring flowers are in bloom. Sail where ancient traditions and modernity co-exist in harmony on the #1 North American Cruise Line in Japan.

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2024-2025 Mexico Cruise Itineraries

From mariachis to margaritas, the Mexican Riviera is where it all began with our first cruise in 1965. More than 50 years later, we still visit the best ports like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and less-traveled jewels like Loreto and Manzanillo. Sail from Los Angeles or San Francisco on five- to 11-day roundtrip cruises, and stay overnight in Cabo San Lucas on select voyages for a taste of vibrant nightlife.

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2024-2025 Panama Canal Cruise Itineraries

Princess offers two ways to see the epic Panama Canal, including new 12-day roundtrip sailings from Fort Lauderdale aboard Emerald Princess®, which include destinations like Costa Rica & the Caribbean, as well as Ocean-to-Ocean 15- to 23-day voyages between Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Vancouver, B.C.

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2024-2025 South America & Antarctica Cruise Itineraries

Delight in South America’s vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes and get swept away by the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. Experience the thrill of sailing through the Strait of Magellan, the 19th-century treasures of Buenos Aires or cruise through the icy waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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2025 World Cruises Cruise Itineraries

Set sail across the globe on a truly epic adventure – a Princess World Cruise. On a voyage spanning more than 100 days, and travelling over 33,000 nautical miles, you’ll visit more than 40 destinations in over two dozen countries. In 2025, Island Princess will sail an 116-day World Cruise – our longest ever. Whether you sail from Los Angeles or Ft. Lauderdale, or choose options from Sydney, Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of Asia, the South Pacific, Middle East, Europe, North, Central and South America and beyond.

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Princess Cruises

Personalized journeys to explore the world.

Connect with loved ones and the places you visit on an adventure with Princess Cruises. For more than 55 years, Princess Cruises has taken millions of guests to more than 330 ports around the world. Immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of the region on board through unique programs, like North to Alaska, and ashore through award-winning Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ excursions. Watch original production shows, and go Stargazing on the top deck. With a Princess MedallionClass® cruise, enjoy your vacation your way. Enjoy TrulyTouchless™ experiences and getting whatever you need – food, drinks, sunscreen, and more delivered wherever you are on board. Dine when, how and where you want with Dine My Way® personalized dining. And with the best Wi-Fi at sea, stay connected to home, sharing pictures of your adventures and video chatting. Do more than get away. Experience this big, beautiful world together.

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Find the Princess cruise That's Right for You

With the Cruise Privileges Program, Platinum Card® Members who book an eligible sailing through American Express Travel® can enjoy valuable benefits, † including:

• Up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom
• One amenity unique to each cruise line per stateroom
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on eligible bookings 

† Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions for details.

Share a few details about your dream trip and we’ll contact you to plan the rest.

From mountain gorillas of Rwanda to the ancient ruins of Tunisia, journey by private jet for an unsurpassed way to experience the region at its finest.

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Cruise Privileges Program Cruise Privileges Program (“CPP”) benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express ® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, and Windstar, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.

Extra Membership Rewards ® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms .

Platinum Destinations ® Vacations Platinum Destinations ® Vacations (“PDV”) benefits are valid only for new bookings made with participating suppliers through American Express Travel. Participating suppliers and PDV benefits are subject to change. Benefits cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). PDV bookings must be made using the eligible Card and eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. PDV-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on PDV bookings; separate airfare and other charges associated with PDV bookings are not eligible. Extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account within 8-12 weeks after completion of the PDV travel. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms.

Membership Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards ® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms .

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Should Travelers Take a Cruise to See the 2026 Solar Eclipse?

T he 2026 solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12th, 2026. As Europe’s first total solar eclipse in 27 years, there is a healthy amount of interest in the breathtaking (and fleeting) eclipse. But solar eclipses cannot be seen from anywhere which means that some people are located in less than ideal locations. This unfortunate complication has led to a spike in what some call Astro-tourism , traveling for the best views to stargaze. Some travelers have taken to the idea of getting on a cruise to get the best unobstructed views of the 2026 eclipse. 

A cruise journey to view the eclipse may be the solution to high travel costs in Europe or for travelers not interested in staying abroad. The convenience of cruises may be ideal for a vacation planned around an astronomical event. Cruises allow travelers to sit back and relax while their transportation is taken care of. Travelers can even purchase rooms with patio views where they can lounge out and relax with their eclipse glasses. Many cruise lines are adding or marketing their current cruises to be eclipse-viewing cruises. There have been eclipse cruises in the past, so travelers will have everything they need to enjoy the alignment. 

Cruise Options for the 2026 Eclipse 

These European cruises are the best journeys for travelers to see the eclipse of 2026. There are shorter-term sailing cruises and long-term cruises, so travelers have good options. Travelers can even choose from a warm eclipse-viewing vacation or a chilly getaway. 

Princess Cruises 

Princess Cruises has already claimed that they will have a cruise that will sail through Spain during the time of the eclipse. The cruise is set to be on their Sky Princess ship, which is contemporarily designed and has next-level touchless technology. Travelers interested in Princess Cruises should check their website on May 23rd, 2024. This is when they will announce more information on their cruises that have viewing opportunities. 

Cunard Line 

Three of Cunard’s ships will be in alignment with the eclipse. Travelers who want peak views of the event can choose from different travel destinations. The Queen Anne ship embarks on a seven-night cruise through Spanish and French ports. Travelers who prefer warmer temperatures are bound to enjoy this journey on the cruise line’s newest ship. The cruise departs from Southampton, England and goes on to explore the four different destinations. On the day of the eclipse, the ship will dock at La Coruña, which is on the northwest coast of Spain. 

Cunard also offers a week-long western Mediterranean cruise on the Queen Victoria ship. The ship will depart from Civitavecchia, Rome on August 10th, 2026. By the day of the eclipse, August 12th, travelers will be exploring Tarragona, Spain. Travelers can witness the eclipse while exploring the port or view it while relaxing onboard. 

If travelers appreciate chillier weather, there’s a 14-night voyage that begins in Southampton, England and ends in New York. This journey will begin on August 4th and end on August 18th of 2026. Travelers will be able to explore Iceland and Norway on the Cunard cruise. On the day of the eclipse, travelers will be in Reykjavik, Iceland , a fishing village with stunning landscapes. 

Holland America 

The Holland America cruise line is also planning to have multiple sailings around the eclipse. These cruises will follow the popular 2024 eclipse cruises. Travelers can expect to hear more details about the three European sailings at a later date. 

Albatross Expeditions 

This cruise line is a polar cruise operator, which often has sailings around Antarctica. Albatros will have an Arctic cruise during the eclipse. This 13-day journey will explore West Greenland, which is a great viewing destination. The cruise departs on August 10th from Reykjavik, Iceland and returns in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. 

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Cheers broke out on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship when the total solar eclipse began on Monday.

Off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, passengers were perched on loungers, reclining on beach towels and lining the railings of Deck 14 with cameras on tripods at the ready. When the sliver of fiery orange that remained of the sun disappeared, a black circle ringed by white light took its place. Passengers applauded the moment they'd been awaiting since the ship departed from San Diego on Friday.

The sunny, 72-degree weather – quintessential cruise weather – gave way to chilly wind and late morning’s best impression of sunset. The horizon line glowed orange in the dusky sky.

Cruise ships can help take guests to the path of totality for eclipses, allowing passengers to get a prime viewing spot and make a vacation of it.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it moves between the sun and Earth.

While the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, the moon is roughly 400 times closer to Earth. “In the past, the moon was much closer, and in the future, the moon will be much further away,” said Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the Cool Star Lab, who served as an onboard expert during the cruise. “And so we're in a special time, which, of course, lasts for billions of years, where it's set up just right to block out the sun.”

Total solar eclipses take place about every 18 months on average, but the last one visible from the U.S. was in 2017 .

The phenomenon creates a multi-sensory experience, with a cold front moving in ahead of the eclipse. “You block the sun, and it gets cold,” said Burgasser. “It’s actually just that simple. And it's slow enough that the atmosphere can react.”

Plants and animals respond, too: Birds often begin to chirp, plants may close up, and nocturnal will come out. “It’s kind of an all-around-you experience where it's not just the fact that the sun has been blocked that’s so fascinating, but just the effect it has on the entire environment.” Those effects weren’t easily discernible on Koningsdam, though, which was about 150 miles from shore.

Nicole Chaput, a 57-year-old passenger from Calgary in Canada, said partial and total eclipses are “totally different.”

“I heard someone describe it as being partly pregnant,” she said. “You can’t do it. There’s no comparison.”

What makes a cruise a good place to see an eclipse?

Bad weather can wreck even the best-laid viewing plans. If a city in the path of totality has overcast skies, it can be tough to quickly move to an alternate site.

“If you're on a cruise ship and a little bit farther to the east or a little bit farther to the west along the path, there's clear sky, the ship can move,” said Dan Jarrell, who was on the cruise with his wife, Kay, and friends. The Washington, D.C.-area resident has seen solar eclipses with friends during two other sailings, including on Holland America’s Veendam in 1998.

“If you're on land and there's not a road there, you’d better have a tank,” Jarrell said.

That’s where a cruise ship comes in handy. “Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that a little bit is certainly helpful,” Burgasser added.

Capt. Ane Smit, Master aboard Holland America’s Zaandam for the viewing, said the ship can move at a maximum of 20 knots, so the crew needs to scout out the conditions with enough time to move as needed.

“If it's not good enough, we really need to start finding another spot because we are not the quickest vehicle, of course, to be driving around, but we have the luxury of being able to go in any direction without any restriction,” he said. “It’s a pretty wide highway that we have.”

The view of the horizon also allows passengers to “see that shadow coming in and leaving more so than you can in a topographical area,” said Burgasser. Being in the ocean away from city lights is also helpful for seeing stars and other parts of the sky usually only visible at night.

The cruise line also made the practicalities of watching an eclipse easier: eclipse glasses were distributed to guests’ staterooms and Burgasser guided guests through the event via the ship’s speaker system, before and after totality.

More eclipse cruises on the horizon

If you missed your chance to see it this time or want another go, Holland America has more eclipse-viewing opportunities on the books.

“Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in an email. Details have not yet been released.

Other cruise lines offer similar opportunities as well. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess was near Koningsdam on Monday.

Chaput, the Canadian passenger, said she’s been “chasing” total solar eclipses since seeing her first one in 1991. Monday’s eclipse marked her seventh viewing and second on a cruise ship.

“I think it’s just such an amazing natural phenomenon,” she said. “It’s seeing science in action.”

Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected]

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Moscow Metro Tour - With Ratings

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Details : Get to the Biblioteka imeni Lenina (Lenin's Library, Red Line) or Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden, Light Blue Line) metro station. Use any exit. Find the Kutafia Tower of the Kremlin. The guide .. read more

The Moscow Metro has a long history to it. Also, the city has an extremely beautiful subway. It is very well maintained and is also extremely decorated. Each station and spot has a different artistic aspect to it. On this tour, experience the efficiency of Moscow Metro.

• Roam around the Revolution Square, with magnificent sculptures of the Soviet people
• Visit the Kurskaya Station Lobby, the Hall of Fame of the WWII
• Be awestruck at the Komsomolskaya , with impressive mural mosaics of Russian glorious victories
• See the artistic side of Novoslobodskaya , with the stained glass, although under the ground.

Know More about this tour

Take our Moscow Metro Tour and discover why our subway is recognized as the most beautiful in the world!

"They used to have palaces for kings, we are going to build palaces for the people!" said one of the main architects of the Soviet subway.

With us you will see the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow built under Stalin: Komsomolskaya, Revolution square, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya. Our guide will tell fascinating stories and secrets hidden underground, urban legends and funny stories.

How many babies were born on the Moscow metro? Where is the secret Metro 2? How deep is the Moscow metro? And where did Stalin give his speech in November 1941? Join out Metro tour and find out!

• Metro ticket

Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel between 0 hrs To 24 hrs before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 100%
• If you cancel between 1 days To 180 days before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 0%
• Please note that in case of No show, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the listed tour fare.
• Please note tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
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