Oceanwide Positions Two Ships in Greenland for 2026 Solar Eclipse
Both ships proceeded into Ofjord, where guests received eclipse-viewing glasses before the eclipse began at about 16:30 local time and reached totality at 17:35.
Oceanwide Expeditions positioned Hondius and Plancius in Scoresby Sund, northeast Greenland, for a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, as the centerpiece of two itineraries planned around the line of totality. Both vessels proceeded into Ofjord for the event.
The voyages sold out in advance and involved two of Oceanwide’s four ships, among them Plancius, built in 1976 and later converted for expedition cruising. The company said the passenger mix included astronomers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and travelers from around the world.
Guests received eclipse-viewing glasses before the eclipse began at about 16:30 local time. Totality occurred at 17:35, with the full eclipse lasting approximately two hours.
“It was really surreal, like someone flicked the switch to turn the lights off on the world,” said Gabi Kolodko, an expedition guide. She said passengers and crew stood watching in silence during totality.
Dr. Tyler Nordgren, a retired University of Redlands professor of astronomy and physics, observed the eclipse from Hondius. “It was a spectacular success,” Nordgren said. “We saw the most awe-inspiring sight in the most incredible location.”
“I always tell people who hope to see a total solar eclipse: go someplace you’ve always wanted to go,” Nordgren said. “That’s what we’ve all chosen to do by coming to Greenland.”
