Atlas Ocean Voyages, a leader in yacht expedition cruising, has announced the addition of Stargazing and Astronomy Workshops to its Cultural Expeditions' Atlas Focus Lab programming. This enhancement will be featured on select 2024 and 2025 expeditions, providing guests with an enriching exploration of the cosmos. Additionally, Atlas Ocean Voyages will offer two special expeditions to view the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
Stargazing and Astronomy Workshops
Throughout each Stargazing and Astronomy Workshop, guests will have the opportunity to engage in conversations about the cosmos while viewing the galaxy with advanced telescopes on deck. The workshops will cover topics ranging from the birth of the universe to the latest astronomical discoveries, enhancing guests' appreciation for the night sky.
Astronomer Jonathan H. Ward will lead three expeditions in 2024 aboard the World Navigator:
- Reykjavik to Amsterdam: (8 nights) Departure September 12, 2024
- Amsterdam to Lisbon: (10 nights) Departure September 20, 2024
- Las Palmas to Rio De Janeiro: (13 nights) Departure October 14, 2024
In 2025, Astronomer Charles Barclay will helm the World Voyager expedition, departing June 10, 2025, for a 12-night journey from Leith (Edinburgh) to Trondheim. Additional Northern Europe Stargazing and Astronomy Workshop expeditions for 2025 will be announced soon.
"There has always been a close connection to stargazing and the sea, from captains navigating with the stars to novice astronomers gazing at the night sky on deck," said James Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. "The Atlas Ocean Voyages team looks forward to welcoming Jonathan Ward and Charles Barclay onboard as our expedition guides to the galaxy as we further elevate the onboard experience for our guests to new heights."
2026 Solar Eclipse Expeditions
On August 12, 2026, Atlas Ocean Voyages will offer two specially curated voyages to view the total solar eclipse:
- World Navigator: Positioned in the Arctic region off Patreksfjordur, Iceland, with a Reykjavik roundtrip (9 nights) Departure August 9, 2026
- World Traveller: Positioned in the Mediterranean Sea between Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Banyuls Sur Mer, France, with a Barcelona to Monte Carlo (7 nights) Departure August 11, 2026
Both itineraries have been designed to ensure optimal viewing locations within the path of totality. Expert astronomers will serve as expedition guides, offering special lectures and providing advanced telescopes on deck for guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the stars.
"This year's solar eclipse was one of the most sought-after travel experiences in 2024, and Atlas Ocean Voyages is thrilled to offer not one, but two voyages to optimum locations for the next solar eclipse in 2026," Rodriguez added.
Featured Astronomers
Jonathan H. Ward is an astronomer, astrophotographer, and author of space history books. He has been a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador since 2012 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2018.
Charles Barclay is the former Vice President of the Royal Astronomical Society and director of the Blackett Observatory in Wiltshire. He is recognized for his outstanding contribution to astronomy education and serves as the National Astronomy Education Coordinator for the International Astronomical Union.
Booking Information
For more information and reservations, travelers can call a travel advisor at 1-844-44-ATLAS or visit Atlas Ocean Voyages. Follow Atlas Ocean Voyages on Facebook and Instagram.
Key Locations and Dates:
- Reykjavik to Amsterdam: Departure September 12, 2024
- Amsterdam to Lisbon: Departure September 20, 2024
- Las Palmas to Rio De Janeiro: Departure October 14, 2024
- Leith to Trondheim: Departure June 10, 2025
- Reykjavik roundtrip: Departure August 9, 2026
- Barcelona to Monte Carlo: Departure August 11, 2026
