In August 2017, a total solar eclipse was considerate enough to travel across most of the United States, beginning in Oregon, curving through the heartland, passing directly over Nashville, Tennessee before passing off of the coast in South Carolina. Millions of people got to see it, whether they lived in the path or just drove to behold it.
The total solar eclipse that will happen in December 2021, is not so forthcoming. While South Africa, Tasmania, and Patagonia will see a partial eclipse, the only continent that will see totality is Antarctica. But you can still make the journey to see the eclipse—if you have $18,000 to spare.
In perhaps the cruise most likely to be taken by a Bond villain, the French cruise company Ponant is planning a destination sailing for the Weddell Sea, the massive bay in the Antarctic coastline to the Southeast of South America. Aboard the luxury polar exploration vessel Le Commandant Charcot, passengers will be taken to the direct path of totality on December 4, 2021.
“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,” said Nicholas Dubreuil, expedition expert and director of sustainability for Ponant.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, guests will be taken from the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, Argentina, through the Drake Passage between South America and the island of Patagonia, and south into the ice pack of the Antarctic summer. The total solar eclipse will be the only darkness this region sees for months.
The cruise, which lasts 15 days, will also visit the South Shetland Islands and pass by the Larsen Ice Shelf, with prime chances for penguin and whale watching. Interested passengers can help the onboard lab facilities and researchers with visits to ice floes for water sampling.
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