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You Can See a Rare Total Solar Eclipse on This Luxe 16-Day Cruise in the Indian Ocean

This once-in-a-lifetime voyage will trace the path of a major celestial event while sailing across the indian ocean., abby montanez, abby montanez's most recent stories.

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Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

The path of the upcoming total solar eclipse in April 2023 will fall between Western Australia and Southeast Asia . If you’re wondering what the best way to witness this cosmic phenomenon is, it’s aboard Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys new 16-day voyage. The route for this luxury cruise has been specifically tailored to this astronomical showing and will put stargazers in prime position to view this rare, celestial event from the perfect vantage point—the Indian Ocean.

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This Eclipse-spotting Journey May Be the Most Epic Cruise Excursion Ever

Witness the total solar eclipse in December 2021 on this incredible sailing with French cruise operator Ponant.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Here's a one-of-a-kind way to take in December 2021's total solar eclipse: on board the world's first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel off the coast of Antarctica .

French cruise operator Ponant plans to sail the Weddell Sea late next year — the only place in the world where the solar eclipse is expected to be 100% visible. The 15-day itinerary aboard Le Commandant Charcot will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina , the world's southernmost city, on Nov. 30, 2021. Passengers are scheduled to sail through the legendary Drake Passage and arrive at the Weddell Sea ice pack on Dec 4, 2021, the date of the eclipse.

"We will be positioned in the heart of the sea ice, where the pristine white creates a high-pressure zone that will allow for clearer skies," Nicolas Dubreuil, polar and tropical expedition expert and director of sustainability at Ponant, said.

That makes the Weddell Sea an ideal spot to watch the moon pass between the Earth and sun, creating complete darkness in a region where, during this time, the sun doesn't set for months. Passengers will have the opportunity to do more than just watch the eclipse, too.

Le Commandant Charcot is home to lab facilities and hosts researchers looking to study the polar region. Passengers on the journey will have the opportunity to assist those researchers and venture out on ice floes to help collect water samples.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the South Shetland Islands, penguin and whale watching, and a sail by the Larsen Ice Shelf — a key barrier for preventing erosion of the Antarctic ice sheet.

You may want to start saving up for the trip now, though. Prices start at $17,790 per person, including round-trip flights to and from South America.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a Travel + Leisure contributor who has visited 50 countries on six continents and 47 U.S. states. She loves historic plaques, wandering new streets, and walking on beaches. Find her on Twitter and Instagram .

A trip with an eclipse (literally): Watch a solar eclipse from the sea on this Ponant cruise

Seeing a solar eclipse is an event on its own, but a new cruise from French luxury line Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys offers travelers a special way to watch.

The 16-day sailing will take passengers from Indonesia to Australia with a special stop in the Timor Sea for an optimal view of the cosmic event next year. Guests will stop in destinations such as Komodo National Park and Australia's Kimberley region, and experts on board will guide guests through different parts of the itinerary.

"We think (passengers) will come back truly transformed and in awe of what they will have witnessed, what they will have experienced," Navin Sawhney, CEO, Americas for Ponant, told USA TODAY. Here's what guests can expect:

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When is Ponant's solar eclipse cruise?

The cruise will take place on the cruise line's Le Lapérouse ship from April 9 to April 24, 2023. The vessel has 92 staterooms and suites and can accommodate 184 passengers, according to Ponant's website .

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Where will the solar eclipse cruise visit?

The cruise will depart from Bali and make its way to Komodo National Park, where passengers can swim, snorkel, and take in the UNESCO World Heritage Site .

After stops in Dili and Baucau in East Timor, the ship will head to Wyndham in Western Australia and the Kimberley region, which boasts mangrove forests and white sand beaches. There, passengers can take Zodiac boats or tenders to the base of the 260-foot King George Twin Falls, among other activities. The ship will then cruise to a prime spot to see the total eclipse, akin to other solar eclipse sailings Ponant has operated before.

C. Alex Young, associate director for science at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and Craig Benjamin, an Australian American historian, will guide ship programming, including in the lead-up to the eclipse, Sawhney said.

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He said guests can attend talks in the ship's theater that will touch on the science behind the event. "And then they will get to experience it out on deck in the morning till midday," he said.

After several more days of exploration around Collier Bay and the Lacepede Islands, the cruise will disembark in the Western Australia town of Broome.

How much does the cruise cost?

Available rooms start at $45,340 based on double occupancy, including port tax, according to Ponant's website . The price includes transfers from the airport to the ship and back, an included shore excursion or activity at each port and all meals, as well as drinks, with the exception of some specialty options.

As of the time of publishing, flights from New York to Bali on April 8 go upward from $832.

There are also two accessible rooms on board for guests with disabilities.

PONANT Announces Solar Eclipse Cruise

Need something to look forward to? 2021 is almost here and it’s bringing with it a total solar eclipse! On December 4, 2021, the moon will fully pass between the Sun and the Earth, obscuring the sun for a period of a few minutes. The catch? The only area in the world where the solar eclipse will be 100 percent visible is Antarctica’s Weddell Sea.

Thankfully, PONANT has stepped up to offer a solar eclipse cruise departing on November 30, 2021 for 15 days on board the line’s brand new luxury hybrid electric polar-class vessel, Le Commandant-Charcot .

Leaving from the Argentinian city of Ushuaia, Le Commandant-Charcot will cruise through the Drake Passage, a staple for any Antarctic voyage, before arriving at the Weddell Sea ice pack on December 4. Passengers will disembark onto the ice pack to witness the total solar eclipse as the moon passes between Earth and the sun. In an area of the world where the sun never really sets, it will be complete darkness for a few minutes. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss out on.

“We will be positioned in the heart of the sea ice, where the pristine white creates a high-pressure zone that will allow for clearer skies. Guests will have the privilege of witnessing this rare phenomenon from the ice pack,” says Nicolas Dubreuil, Polar and Tropical Expedition Expert and Director of Sustainability at PONANT.

A team of naturalist guides and on-board scientists offer added insight and guests will be able to participate in the research and analyses of the event.

“This journey is one of a kind in a lifetime, full of meaning for future guests who will realize how important it is to preserve this incredible place,” Dubreuil continued.

The 15-day cruise also includes a visit to the Larsen Ice Shelf, the ice barrier that helps prevent the erosion of the Antarctic ice sheet; a stop at the South Shetland Islands, home to a number of key scientific research stations; and the opportunity to experience variety of wildlife including Weddell seals, Adelie penguins and humpback whales.

About Le Commandant-Charcot

Boasting 135 staterooms and suites, Le Commandant-Charcot is set to become the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel powered by LNG. PONANT’s commitment to sustainable cruising with minimal environmental impact is admirable and the ship will be equipped with scientific laboratories and research equipment providing scientists with an observation, research and analysis platform to study the water, air, ice and biodiversity of extreme polar regions. Guest activities include participative science, hovercraft, hot air balloon, snowmobiles and conferences by experts.

Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? Would you like to see one from a cruise ship? Let us know in the comments!

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

Learn more about options for travelers with interest in seeing the next eclipse in the sea. Check out a cruise to see the 2026 eclipse.

Sarah Rand • Apr 15, 2024

The 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.

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Scenic Eclipse

Cruise line Scenic Yacht Cruises (Scenic Cruises)

Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Scenic Eclipse current position

Scenic Eclipse current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 42.90365 N / 6.40061 E) cruising at speed of 11.9 kn (22 km/h | 14 mph) en route to Saint-Tropez. The AIS position was reported 3 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Eclipse current cruise is 20 days, one-way from Valletta to Dublin . Prices start from USD 68580 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 18 May, 2024 and ends on 07 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Scenic Eclipse

Itineraries
Review
Wiki

Scenic Eclipse Itineraries

Scenic eclipse review, review of scenic eclipse.

The 2019-built Scenic Eclipse cruise ship is a top-luxury boat with max passenger capacity 228 (plus 192 staff-crew) that looks more like a tycoon-owned superyacht than a passenger vessel. Its design features an ice-strengthened hull, top-deck helipad (with two on-deck stored helicopters / in hangars), 12x Zodiacs (high-speed, large-capacity RIBs / rigid inflatable boats), 1x mini-sub (7-person submarine), 1x ROV (camera-equipped Remotely Operated Vehicle). The aft-located Marina Platform is used for launching water sports equipment (aqua quad-bikes, seakayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling and scuba diving activities).

The vessel (IMO number 9797371) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311000995) and registered in Nassau .

With the yacht Scenic Eclipse, the river cruisetour company Scenic Tours (travel brand) entered the ocean cruising market. The ship was initially scheduled for delivery in August 2018, but due to construction issues was first rescheduled for January, then for April 2019. In February 2018, the shipowner Scenic Group (aka Scenic Tours Australia) signed a shipbuilding contract for the second (same-design) vessel - Scenic Eclipse II . The sistership was scheduled for delivery in 2020 but was eventually postponed to 2023 April.

Scenic's new market strategy followed the moves of Viking River Cruises (entering the ocean cruising market in 2015 with Viking Star ) and Crystal Cruises (entering the mega-yachting market in 2015 with Crystal Esprit/now Nat Geo Islander 2 ). Besides Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, the shipowner Scenic Group also owns the subsidiary and travel brand Emerald Cruises .

Scenic's new ships are advertised as "discovery yachts". The hull has the highest passenger ship ice-class (1A-Super) allowing the vessel to operate on polar cruises (Arctic and Antarctica itineraries) for 3 months a year. On polar voyages, the ship's passenger capacity is limited to 200 in order to allow several Zodiac landings per day.

The ship's two helicopters Airbus H130 (single-engine aircraft, each with capacity 7 passengers) can be booked/hired at extra charge. Helicopter tours allow passengers to get closer to the wildlife in comparison to the Zodiac landings. Also at an additional charge can be booked the ship's onboard submarine. The 7-person submarine (1 pilot plus 6 guests) is named "Scenic Neptune" and is capable to submerge up to 1000 ft (305 m).

The ship has "zero speed stabilizer fins" (50% larger than the standard on similar-sized vessels) allowing it to navigate in rough seas with just little movement. Voyages to Antarctica include passing Drake Passage - a notoriously rough waterway between South America and Antarctica.

Decks and Cabins

Scenic Eclipse staterooms (114 total) are all double-occupancy Suites in total 14 categories. Cabin sizes range between 345 ft2 / 32 m2 (Veranda Suite) to 2745 ft2 / 255 m2 (2-Bedroom Penthouse Suite, with included 645 ft2 / 60 m2 wraparound terrace). Owners Penthouse Suites are sized 1990 ft2 / 185 m2 (balcony included). Each cabin has a private step-out balcony. The vessel has an almost 1:1 passenger-to-crew ratio and each stateroom are served by a dedicated butler.

The boat has 10 decks , of which 8 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

Four Lifts (midship-located Elevators) interconnect all cabin decks.

Shipboard facilities

Other features and all-inclusive amenities include:

9 restaurants (including Asian Fusion, steakhouse, seafood, contemporary French and Italian venues, poolside grill, 24/7 room service
5x bars and lounges
Medical Centre / Infirmary
Discovery Centre
240-seat theatre
2 (indoor and outdoor) swimming pools
heated swimming pool (indoor, with retractable glass roof)
5900 ft2 (550 m2) spa/wellness complex with heated indoor pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, two Vitality Pools / plunge pools, Hair Salon, Spa treatment/massage rooms
Gym (with a separate Aerobics Studio for yoga and Pilates)
Sun Terrace (on Deck 11) is an Outdoor Sundeck with Cabanas and seating (midship-topdeck-located), while aft is the Helipad. Below (aft on Deck 10) are the two Helicopter Hangars.

Scenic yacht cruise deals are inclusive of butler service (regardless cabin category), flights, all tips/gratuities, Discovery Team leaders (20+ professional tour guides on all cruise itineraries, including naturalists, glaciologists, geologists, marine biologists), shore excursions (all land tours and organized events at ports of call and beaches along the itinerary route, expert-led Scenic Free choice activities, discovery excursions by Zodiacs / large-capacity inflatable boats), onboard dining (all dining venues are complimentary / fee-free), onboard entertainment, e-biking, water sports (sea kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving), premium beverages (at bars and cabin mini-bars).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Scenic Eclipse cruise ship offers all 9 dining venues plus 24-hour room service. The ship also has an impressive number of bars and lounges - 8, which is an extraordinary variety considering the yacht's size. All these options are complimentary (cruise price inclusive).

Specialty dining venues highlight regional cuisine, intimate deck location and dinner privacy at no additional cost. These venues range from the open-kitchen Teppanyaki grill dining (capacity 10 people), Azure Bar & Grill, and Lumiere (French Fine Dining Restaurant) to the Chef's Table (private VIP dining for 8 people). Professional cookery demonstrations are offered at the dedicated Epicure (cooking emporium).

The main dining room restaurant "Elements" offers Italian fare, seafood, and steaks. The other restaurants are named Koko's (Asian, with sake bar), Sushi at Koko's (authentic Japanese), Lumiere (French, with Champagne Bar). The Yacht Club has its own a Bar (beverages), buffet and poolside Grill. Azure Bar & Cafe offers all-day relaxed grazing.

During refurbishment 2021, the Yacht Club was redesigned and reimagined as a casual dining venue. The area was extended to include a multi-purpose "food island". House-made gelato (premium ice cream) is offered from a new gelato cooler. Large sofas replaced the old tables and armchairs and new wicker swinging egg chairs were added.
Night Market At Koko's offers street food and traditional Asian dishes (Middle East, India, Southeast Asia).
Sushi At Koko's offers authentic Japanese cuisine and was expanded to include window seating.

Bars and lounges include Lobby Lounge, Champagne Bar, Whisky Bar, Azure Bar & Cafe. Fine wine, top-shelf beverages, cocktails, specialty teas and coffees are all included in Scenic Cruises' ticket prices.

Fun fact is that the ship has a selection of 110 whisky brands available for ordering at the Whisky Bar. The themed venue is complimentary and part of the main lounge. All the 110 whisky bottles are stored in a floor-ceiling display cabinet with a crystal wall. The selection includes premium single malts (30-yo Isle of Jura The Loch, 25-yo Glendullan, 16-yo Lagavulin), special reserve blends (Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Jameson Black Barrel, Crown Royal Deluxe), various brands from Australia, Asia (Japan, Taiwan, India), South Africa, USA, Europe (UK, France, Sweden). To repeat again - all these top-shelf whiskies are complimentary (cruise ticket price-inclusive).

Itineraries

Scenic Eclipse's "Inaugural Cruise" (maiden voyage) was scheduled for August 31, 2018 (one-way Mediterranean itinerary from Istanbul to Venice ). Followed Transatlantic repositioning to Canada (via Iceland) and the Canadian Arctic territories. The ship cruises back to Europe (UK / British Isles). Follows another Atlantic Ocean crossing to the Caribbean (also visiting Cuba), then down to South America ( Chilean Fjords ) and Antarctica . However, due to construction issues, the launch was delayed and the Inaugural Cruise was re-scheduled for September 22 (repositioning from Europe to Florida).

In September 2018, Scenic released 2019-2020 brochures with 3 versions available (covering Antarctica, Arctic/Baltic, Mediterranean, Americas) all-encompassing both voyages and cruisetour combinations.

A number of early booking incentives were also announced. Early-bird prices offered up to 10% savings on all voyages; paying in full by October 31 (2018) on any departure, saving USD 300-750 per person. Passengers booking cruise-and-land tour packages received early-bird fares (regardless of booking time) and a free 20-min submarine or helicopter tour (or equivalent onboard credit).
On select itineraries, the company offered USD 500 per person onboard credit; complimentary deposit protection, free door-to-door airport transfers. Limited sailings offered 50% off the single supplement.
All Scenic Cruises special offers were on voyages through August 2020 and also combinable with past vouchers and offers.

In April 2021, Scenic announced the Eclipse ship's 2022-2023 Arctic program featuring four new for the company destinations - Northeast Passage, Russian Far East, Japan, Alaska.

The 26-night/27day "Northeast Passage" itinerary's highlights were cruising Arctic Russia (Arctic Ocean islands and Siberia coastal navigation), Transpacific crossing (Alaska to Chukotka Peninsula ), Kamchatka Peninsula , Kuril Islands , Japan, South Korea, Norway's Svalbard Archipelago and Norwegian Fjords, Greenland, Iceland.
Scenic's "Northeast Passage Cruise 2023" (booking code D31V) was scheduled to depart on August 5 (from Anchorage Alaska ) and end on August 31 (in Tromso Norway ). Prices started from GBP 22970 (USD 31725 / EUR 26740) per person with double occupancy.
Call ports included Anchorage AK, Provideniya/Chukotka (day 4), Cape Dezhnev and Uelen Lagoon (day 5), Wrangel Island (day 7), Northeast Passage (days 8 thru 17), Novaya Zemlya (day 18), Franz Josef Land (days 19-20-21), Murmansk (day 24), Vardo Norway (day 25), Skarsvag-Mageroya and Nordkapp (day 26), Tromso (day 27).
B2B itineraries included 32-day "Northeast Passage and Alaska" (Anchorage to Tromso, prices from GBP 29280 pp), 34-day "Northeast Passage and Scandinavia" (Anchorage to Copenhagen Denmark , prices from GBP 27590 pp) and 40-day "Ultimate Russian Arctic" ( Vladivostok to Tromso, prices from GBP 31390 pp).

Prices were inclusive of tours and flights from/to the UK.

A 12-day voyage to Arctic Norway/Svalbard is priced from ~EUR 13300 pp (~USD 15700 / ~GBP 11360).

Schedule 2022-2023 departure dates

Next are listed the ship's departure dates and homeports by destination/region which were announced in 2021.

Antarctica-South Georgia-Falkland Islands

(2022/Nov 10, Dec 9; 2023/Jan 3, Jan 14, Jan 25, Feb 5, Nov 21, Dec 2, Dec 27) 13-day "Antarctic in Depth" itinerary roundtrip Ushuaia
(2022/Nov 21; 2023/Feb 16) 20-day "Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands" roundtrip Ushuaia
(2022/Dec 20; 2023/Dec3, Dec 13) 16-day "Beyond the Antarctic Circle" roundtrip Ushuaia

Northwest Passage-Arctic Russia-Siberia

(2022/Jul 22; 2023/Jul 11) 15-day "Arctic Islands: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland" itinerary from Spitsbergen/Longyearbyen to Reykjavik
(2022/Aug 5; 2023/Aug 2) 12-day "Exploring the High Arctic" from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq
(2022/Aug 16; 2023/Aug 13) 21-day "Unlocking the Northwest Passage" from Kangerlussuaq to Nome Alaska
"Jewels of the Russian Far East" (May 27, 2023/14-day) from Nome to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, (Jul 25, 2023/13-day) from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Nome
13-day "Fire & Ocean: Russia's Kamchatka & The Kurils" (Jun 9, 2023) from Petropavlosk to Otaru, (Jul 13, 2023) from Otaru to Petropavlosk
(2023/Aug 6) 26-day "Cross the Legendary Northeast Passage" from Nome AK to Tromso

Arctic Europe-Baltic-Mediterranean

(2022/Apr 27; 2023/Apr 13, May 29, Sep 21, Oct 1) 11-day "Incredible Iberian Discovery" itinerary between Barcelona and Lisbon
(2022/May 7; 2023/Apr 23, May 21) 9-day "Riviera Delights" between Barcelona and Civitavecchia-Rome
(2022/May 15) 9-day "Iconic Treasures of Italy & Greece" from Civitavecchia to Piraeus-Athens
(2022/May 23) 9-day "Aegean Discovery" roundtrip Piraeus
(2022/May 31) 9-day "Mediterranean Odyssey: Greece to Malta" from Piraeus to Valetta
(2022/Jun 8) 11-day "Authentic Andalucia" from Valetta to Lisbon
(2022/Jun 18; 2023/Jun 8) 12-day "Western Europe Discovery" from Lisbon to Bergen
(2022/Jun 30; 2023/Jun 19) 14-day "Across the Arctic Circle" from Bergen to Longyearbyen/Spitsbergen
(2022/Jul 12; 2023/Jul 1) 12-day "Arctic in Depth" roundtrip Longyearbyen
(2022/Sep 11) 11-day "Culture & Coastlines: A Classic European Explorer" from Copenhagen to Lisbon
(2023/Jul 25) 9-day "Iceland in Depth" roundtrip Reykjavik
(2023/Aug 31) 12-day "Majestic Norwegian Fjords" from Tromso to Copenhagen
11-day "Sorrentine Peninsula & Adriatic" from Civitavecchia to Venice (2023/May 1) and from Venice to Civitavecchia (2023/May 11)

Alaska-North and South America (2023)

Alaska "Adventures through the Inside Passage" itinerary from Nome to Vancouver (15-day in 2022/Sep 5, and 16-day in 2023/Sep 3) and from Vancouver to Nome (2023/May 12)
10-day "Iconic West Coast Experience" from Vancouver to San Diego (19 Sep 2022/Sep 19; 2023/Sep 18) and frm San Diego to Vancouver (May 3)
(2022/Sep 18) 14-day "Baja and Costa Rica Discovery" from San Diego to Puerto Caldera-Puntarenas
(2022/Oct 11) 12-day "Andean Coastal Exploration" from Puerto Caldera to Callao-Lima
9-day "Latin America Delights" from Callao to Valparaiso (22 Oct 2022/Oct 22, and 2023/Nov 3) and from Valparaiso to Callao (Mar 19)
13-day "Chilean Fjords & Cape Horn" from Valparaiso to Ushuaia (30 Oct 2022, and 2023/Nov 11) and from Ushuaia to Valparaiso (Mar 7)
(Mar 27) 9-day "Peru to Panama: Along the Andean Coast" from Callao to Panama City/Fuerte Amador (Mar 27) and from Panama City to Callao (Oct 26)
(Apr 4) 13-day "Central American Discovery" from Panama City to Loreto (Apr 4) and from Loreto to Panama City (Oct 14)
(Apr 16) 9-day "Sea of Cortez in Depth" roundtrip Loreto
10-day "Majestic Coastlines of Baja California" from Loreto to San Diego (Apr 24) and from San Diego to Loreto (Sep 27)
(Oct 6) 9-day "Into the Wild Sea of Cortez' roundtrip Loreto
(Oct 27) 9-day "Uruguay & Brazil Uncovered" from Rio de Janeiro to Montevideo

Asia-Japan (2023)

Scenic Eclipse's Japan 2023 program was expanded to 5x voyages, on each of which were scheduled lectures and land tour activities led by a Discovery Team (max 15x members/scientists, historians, archaeologists, ornithologists) and themed on the Japanese history, traditions, culture, culinary, wildlife, etc. Next are listed the new itineraries.

(Jun 5) 5-day "Cultural Wonders of Japan" (roundtrip from Otaru/Sapporo)
(Jun 11) 12-day "Iconic Japan: Sacred Cultures and Nature" from Seoul/Busan (South Korea) to Otaru/Sapporo, prices started from GBP 10460 pp.
(Jun 13) 18-day "Japan and the Aleutian Islands" from Otaru/Sapporo to Nome (Alaska)
(Jun 19) 15-day "Japan: A Journey Through Time" from Otaru/Sapporo to Kobe/Osaka, prices started from GBP 12430 pp
(Jun 30) 15-day "Natural Wonders of Japan" from Kobe/Osaka to Otaru/Sapporo visiting Russia's Korsakov and Rishiri Island (Kurils) - prices started from GBP 11600 pp

Transatlantic-Repositioning

17-day "Grand Voyage of Discovery" itinerary from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon (2022/Mar 28) and from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro (2023/Oct 11)

With season 2023-2024 season were introduced Antarctic fly-cruises between Punta Arenas and King George Island (South Shetlands).

The 9- and 10-day itineraries skip the ~2-day crossing thru Drake Passage via a 2-hour charter flight.
The 9-day fly-cruise (Punta Arenas to King George Island) was priced from USD 17417 pp with double occupancy.
The reverse 10-day fly-cruise (King George Island to Punta Arenas) was priced from USD 17617 pp.
Each itinerary included an overnight in Punta Arenas.

Scenic Eclipse - user reviews and comments

Photos of scenic eclipse.

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Scenic Eclipse 2

Scenic Eclipse Wiki

The Malta- flagged luxury superyacht Scenic Eclipse (IMO number 9797371, MMSI 248526000) was built with the latest technological advancements in order to ensure the highest safety standards. It has custom-built stabilizers (50% bigger than other vessels) and an ice-strengthened hull. The vessel's state-of-the-art fins (propulsion units) are able to adjust themselves, enabling the ship to handle the strongest water currents and to remain stable.

Unlike other ships that use traditional anchors, the cruise ship is fitted with a dynamic positioning system. It uses GPS data to accurately maintain its position, which is an eco-friendly way to control the vessel. Other environmentally sustainable systems are advanced / more efficient marine engines and water treatment system.

On November 22, 2016, started vessel's construction with the steel-cutting ceremony held at Uljanik Shipyard JSC ( Pula Croatia ), Ship's integrated navigation and automation system was provided by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime. This modern technology combines the following systems - Navigation, Dynamic Positioning, Automation, Emergency Shutdown, Power Management, Safety Management, and Control. The system is integrated with online diagnostics and remote service facilities.

On April 28, 2017, at Uljanik Shipyard was held vessel's keel-laying / coin ceremony. The special event was attended by Glen Moroney (Scenic Tours' founder and chairman). He placed an Australian coin beneath the ship's keel - a right of passage for every newbuild , to bring good fortune to its passengers and crew.

On January 31, 2018, was the ship's launch (float-out ceremony) at Uljanik Shipyard. The delivery was scheduled for August 31, 2018, but due to the shipyard's financial issues was rescheduled for April 13, 2019. Sea trials were successfully completed on June 13, 2019.

Both Scenic Cruises yachts are built in Croatia - Eclipse 1 in Pula (Uljanik shipyard), Eclipse 2 in Rijeka (3 Maj Shipyard), The following YouTube video is a timelapse of the Scenic yachts construction process.

The ship's Captain is James Griffiths - British, former Captain of the superyacht Wind Star ( Windstar ) and National Geographic Explorer ( NatGeo-Lindblad Expeditions ). He has also served on 10 other ships (as Captain on 4 of them) and also worked for Cunard Line for 11 years - as Chief Officer of RMS Queen Mary 2 .

In late-July 2019 was announced that the ship's godmother will be Helen Mirren (Dame Helen Lydia Mirren) - 1945-born English actress who won British Academy Film Award for Best Actress (1984, 1985, 2006, 2012), British Academy TV Award for Best Actress (1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2003), Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress (1983, 2001, 2004, 2013) and Tony Award for Best Actress (1995, 2002, 2005), among others.

Vessel's official christening ceremony was held on September 10, 2019, in Port NYC (New York USA) .

Since August 19, 2020, the vessel's crew managing company is Viking Crew (part of the Dover UK -based Viking Maritime Group Ltd). Viking Crew is responsible for the Scenic Eclipse 1 yacht's crew recruitment, management, deployment and placement, including the officers and staff-crew from the onboard Engine, Hotel and Deck departments. Viking Crew was also contracted for the crew management of the superyachts Scenic Eclipse 2 (2022) and Emerald Azzurra (2021).

Solar Eclipse Cruise 2021

For December 2021, Scenic planned a unique itinerary for the luxurious yacht Eclipse providing customers with the opportunity to view the total solar eclipse in Antarctica's archipelago South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands on December 4, 2021. The one-in-a-life-time total solar eclipse is only able to be viewed within a 50-mile land radius during an eclipse event.

The 20-day " Antarctica , South Georgia and Falkland Islands with Solar Eclipse" itinerary (November 21 through December 10, 2021, Argentina roundtrip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia ) had planned numerous onboard events and enrichment activities led by the ship's Discovery Team of 14 experts plus two former NASA scientists (the Arizona State University's astrologers Karen Knierman and Patrick Young) and Rachel Frances Gordon (astrological consultant and speaker).

Scenic Eclipse's Super Earlybird bookings received up to 20% discounts. Prices started from ~USD 1000 per day per passenger (with double occupancy). Follows the itinerary's schedule by day.

Day 1 (Buenos Aires hotel overnight)
Day 2 (domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia) boarding the cruise ship on November 23
Day 3 (at sea)
Days 4-5 (Falkland Islands)
Day 6 (at sea)
Days 7-8-9-10-11 (South Georgia Island)
Day 12 (at sea)
Days 13-14-15-16-17 (Antarctic Peninsula)
Days 18-19 (at sea)
Day 20 (Ushuaia) debarkation, domestic flight to Buenos Aires

As optional was offered a 6-night/7-day "Land Tour" package extension (Dec 10 through 17)

Day 20 (flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, hotel overnight)
Day 21 (flight from Buenos Aires to Foz do Iguazu/Cataratas Airport, Brazil) to access Iguazu Falls
Days 22-23-24 (Iguazu Falls), optional helicopter tour
Day 24 (flight from Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro )
Days 25-26 (Rio de Janeiro)
Day 27 (transfer from the hotel to Rio de Janeiro Airport)

Antarctica 2020-2022 Itineraries

In December 2019, Scenic Cruises announced Eclipse ship's inaugural cruise to Antarctica by launching the program "Antarctica and The Americas 2020-2022" and introducing new escorted land tours (each with max capacity 20 tourists).

Next are listed program's Antarctica itineraries, with prices per person (Verandah Suite double-occupancy cabin rates).

8-day (March 5, 2020, themed "Taste of Argentina and Brazil") with fares from GBP 14,930 pp
9-day (November 8, 2020, themed "Patagonian Adventure") with fares from GBP 16,565 pp
7-day (October 4, 2020, themed "Costa Rica Nature and Wildlife") with fares from GBP 9,905 pp
11-day (October 9, 2020, themed "Highlights of Peru") with fares from GBP 10,905 pp
18-22-day (January 30, 2021, themed "Highlights of Peru with Galapagos and Amazon Cruising") with fares from GBP 23,245 pp
16-day (February 15, 2022, Antarctica) with fares from GBP 10,780 pp
11-day (February 18, 2022, themed "Highlights of Peru") with fares from GBP 14,640 pp

Early bookings received as complimentary upgrades and bonuses:

Free Fight (business-class) - select itineraries
Free Door-to-Door car transfers (all itineraries)
10% Earlybird Discount
GBP 500 Early Payment Discount (bookings payed in full by December 31, 2019).

Inaugural itineraries 2018-2019

The following tables show ship's inaugural cruise itineraries by destination, with indicative prices per person (lowest category cabin rates in USD). Unfortunately, megayacht's planned delivery dates (August 2018, January 2019, April 2019) were re-scheduled (the last time - for August 15, 2019). All bookings received full refunds. Rebooked deals received 25% future booking discount (based on rebooked cruise cost).

(2018) 13-day Inaugural Transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Miami (prices from USD 7340 pp)

(2018) 13-day Inaugural Caribbean cruise to Cuba roundtrip from Miami (prices from USD 11800 pp)

(2018) 13-day Inaugural South American cruise from Valparaiso to Ushuaia (prices from USD 9800 pp)

(2018) 20-day Inaugural Antarctica, cruise to South Georgia and Falkland Islands (prices from USD 24800 pp)

(2019) 14-day, Inaugural Mediterranean cruise from Istanbul to Venice (prices from USD 9850 pp)

(2019) 10-day Inaugural British Isles cruise from Dublin to Bergen (prices from USD 6600 pp)

Next table shows the inaugural cruise (maiden voyage) from Iceland to Canada, with prices from ~USD 8650 pp.

2 days, one-way from Reykjavik to Quebec City Reykjavik$8635

'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]

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Queen Anne Departs For Historic Maiden Voyage

Introduction of the natural gas bill, 2024 in the bahamas represents the government’s commitment to finding a cleaner source of fuel, the government set to tackle the worrying changes in the country’s workforce, national assembly meets on thursday, may 9 and friday, may 10, 2024, government of st. kitts and nevis passes key legislation to protect animal and plant health in pursuit of a more robust agricultural sector, princess cruises sails to prime viewing spot for 2026 total solar eclipse in europe.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Astrotourism is top of mind for travelers making special trips for phenomenal experiences in the sky—and with the recent “take-your-breath-away” total solar eclipse, thousands of cruisers onboard Emerald Princess and Discovery Princess off the coast of Mexico caught a glimpse of the astounding total darkness event.

The next, not-to-be-missed total solar eclipse takes place on August 12, 2026, and once again a Princess cruise ship will be perfectly positioned, this time in northern Spain, to witness this bucket list event – two minutes and 18 seconds of totality. The 3,660-guest Sky Princess departs Southampton August 8, 2026, on a 14-day Mediterranean cruise, highlighted with total eclipse viewing while the ship is in its path at sea off the coast of Spain.

“The best way to see a total solar eclipse is via cruise ship, and our guests who recently experienced this rare occurrence on Discovery Princess and Emerald Princess were simply blown away,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We make it easy for guests to come aboard, relax and meet other eclipse enthusiasts. It’s truly a special opportunity.”

The Total Eclipse Sky Princess Voyage goes on sale May 23, 2024, with rates starting at $2,199* per person. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included.

During the eclipse, Sky Princess guests will gather on the top decks with Princess safety glasses for viewing, as well as enjoy lectures from astronomy experts, themed treats and drinks, stargazing at night, solar system trivia and more.

This incredible, 14-day Mediterranean cruise sailing takes place August 8-22, 2026, roundtrip from Southampton (London), and visits seven historical and vibrant ports, including:

Cherbourg, France – one of France’s greatest ports with art and history museums, its basilica, the Ravalet castle and the Cité de la Mer maritime museum.
Bilbao, Spain – located in northern Spain, Bilbao is surrounded by green mountains and is the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Malaga, Spain – famous as Picasso’s birthplace and the gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol, Malaga mixes warm vacation vibes with Andalusia’s indomitable spirit.
Cartagena, Spain – founded by the Carthaginians around 220 B.C., the city boomed during the Roman period. Among its many Roman ruins are a 1st-century B.C. theater and Casa de la Fortuna, a villa with murals and mosaics.
Gibraltar – this British Overseas Territory and headland is located on Spain’s south coast. It’s dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot limestone ridge.
Lisbon, Portugal – the capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is mainland Europe ‘s westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast.
La Coruña, Spain – in the Galicia region of northwest Spain, it’s known for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which has sweeping coastal views.

“Our recent solar eclipse cruises were completely sold out so interested guests should book this Sky Princess cruise as soon as it opens on May 23. It truly will be an experience to remember,” Padgett added.

More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

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16 best places to see the annular 'ring of fire' solar eclipse 2024

Scenic spots and ideal locations to see the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse on Oct. 2, 2024

a row of moai statue heads are in the foreground with a rising sun over the ocean in the background.

1. Ahu Tongariki

2. rano raraku, 3. hanga roa, 4. ahu tahai, 5. moai paro, 6. te pito o te henua, 7. anakena beach, 8. ahu huri a urenga, 10. cochrane, 11. santa julia, 12. chile chico, 13. perito moreno national park, 14. puerto deseado, 15. puerto san julián, 16. cruise ship.

On Oct. 2, an annular solar eclipse will be visible from within a broad path sweeping across the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island and southern South America. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon drifts in front of the sun while it's slightly farther from Earth than during a total solar eclipse, so it doesn't completely cover the sun's disk.

Peaking at 7 minutes and 25 seconds, during which 93% of the sun's center will be covered, this path will measure approximately 165 to 206 miles (265 to 331 km) wide and move across landmasses, including Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and its 1,000 moai, southern Chile and Argentina. It will be the longest annular solar eclipse until Feb. 6, 2027, when a 7 minutes and 51 seconds "ring of fire" will be visible once again from Chile and Argentina as well as from Uruguay, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.

During an annular solar eclipse, it is NEVER safe to look directly at the sun without solar eclipse glasses designed for solar viewing. Read our guide on how to observe the sun safely .

Related: What the 'ring of fire' eclipse looked like from the home of ancient solar astronomy

It's sensible to properly plan an engaging, worthwhile vacation, building an itinerary around a solar eclipse so you won't be too disappointed if a cloud blocks the eclipse at the wrong moment. That's definitely the case for this "ring of fire," which occurs in a region where clouds are likely.

Although most of the scenic spots are arguably on Rapa Nui, experienced eclipse chasers often observe annulars from the path's edge to see extended views of Baily's beads . Chile and Argentina are the only places to be in that category.

Here are 16 spots that could be perfect locations for this rare event.

All times come from timeanddate and are for the "ring of fire" only. A partial solar eclipse will be seen about 85 minutes before and after the ring.

Related: What's the difference between a total solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse?

Location: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:04 EASST, 5 minutes and 50 seconds

Rapa Nui is reached by plane from Santiago, Chile, 2,600 miles (4200 kilometers) west. Perhaps its most iconic location is the newly restored Ahu Tongariki, where 15 moai are positioned on a 200-foot-long (60 m) ceremonial platform. The eclipse will take place 67 degrees up in the northern sky.

a row of moai statues from behind gaze at the large volcanic structure in the distance.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:04 EASST, 5 minutes and 51 seconds

This quarry on the slopes of an extinct volcano is where most of the moai were carved, and there are about 400 still in situ. It's very close to Ahu Tongariki.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:03 EASST, 6 minutes and 22 seconds

Given that this eclipse could be about finding a gap in the clouds, the capital city, Hanga Roa — where most of the accommodation is — may be the best place to view.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:03 EASST, 6 minutes and 20 seconds

Part of a ceremonial complex restored in 1974 by American archaeologist William Mulloy, Ahu Tahai has five prominent moai. It's just north of Hanga Roa.

The tallest moai called Paro 10 metres (33 ft) high and weigh 82 tons at Rano Raraku moais at Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Location: Ahu te Piro Kura, Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:04 EASST, 5 minutes and 47 seconds

This moai at Ahu Te Pito Kura on the East Coast is over 32 feet long, weighs 82 tons and lies with its face in the ground.

Location: Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:03 EASST, 6 minutes and 3 seconds

A massive 'navel of the world' boulder that is said to mark where the people of the Rapa Nui culture thought the center of the world was.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:04 EASST, 5 minutes and 28 seconds

Seven moai stand guard at Ahu Nau-Nau on the white coral sand beach of Anakena on the northeast coast of Rapa Nui. Nearby is a single moai, Ahu-Ature Huki.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:04 EASST, 6 minutes and 18 seconds

The lone moai statue at Ahu Huri A Urenga — one of the few not on the coast — is the only one with four hands. Close to Hanga Roa, it looks at the sunrise point on the June solstice and is considered a solar observatory.

A large crater at the center of the image filled with water and surrounded by lush green vegetation.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 14:03 EASST, 6 minutes and 29 seconds

Perched on a ridge between a deep crater and a vertical drop to the ocean, the stone village of Orongo will have the longest 'ring of fire' on Rapa Nui.

Location: Capitán Prat Province, Patagonia Aisén Region, Chile

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 17:21 CLST, 5 minutes, 54 seconds

As the 'ring of fire' reaches Chile, it will be about 26 degrees above north-northwest. A base for adventures into the Aisén or Aysén region is Cochrane, which is halfway between the centerline and the northern limit, and just to the northeast is Tamango National Reserve.

Location: Puerto Murta, Río Ibáñez, Patagonia Aisén Region, Chile

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 17:24 CLST, 0 minutes 1 second

Watch from the edge if you want to see extended Baily's beads. A good location might be in Patagonia's Aisén region just north of Santa Julia on the Carretera Austral, the name given to Chile's 775-mile (1,247 km) long Route 7 through rural Patagonia.

landscape with snow-capped mountains in the background and a large blue lake.

Location: Patagonia, Chile

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 17:24 CLST, 85 % partial solar eclipse

Another edge option is Chile Chico on the northern edge of the path in Chilean Patagonia. On the southern shore of General Carrera Lake, ringed by glaciers and mountains, it's right on the border with Argentina. It's very close to Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve for condors and guanacos and Parque Patagonia .

Location: Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 17:21 ART, 6 minutes, 17 seconds

Perito Moreno National Park is a vast, wild place covering 126,830 hectares of mountains, valleys and lakes (don't confuse it with Perito Moreno Glacier, which is in Los Glaciares National Park, south of the path). Perito Moreno National Park is entirely within the path, with the driest area in the east. Open from October to April, it can be windy and snowy at any time.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 17:27 ART, 3 minutes and 22 seconds

At Puerto Deseado on the Deseado River, the prize is a likely clearer sky and a much lower eclipse, with the sun about 20 degrees above NNW on the coast of Argentina. Head to Ramon Lista 55 miles (89 km) northwest on Highway 281 for edge effects.

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': 17:24 ART, 5 minutes, 12 seconds

This natural harbor in Patagonia is home to a small town. It used to be frequented by long-distance sailing ships, with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan overwintering here in 1520 during the world's first circumnavigation. He named the local people "Patagonians." It's the perfect location if you're undecided about whether to go to the centerline or the edge —as it's easy to get to both by car.

Location: Pacific or Atlantic

Time and duration of 'ring of fire': TBC/TBC

The path of annularity on Oct. 2 will stretch 8,800 miles (14,163 km), but barely 600 miles (1,000km) crosses land. That makes a Pacific cruise possible, though the path passes very close to the Falkland Islands in the southern Atlantic (however, Antarctica cruises that visit the Falklands tend to start in November).

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Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners , and is a senior contributor at Forbes. His special skill is turning tech-babble into plain English.

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