Solar eclipse cruise

On July 22, 2009, a total eclipse of the sun will be visible on a path from west to east across central India, continuing over SE Asia, central China and the Pacific Ocean, ending in Polynesia. Viewing times will be as high as 6.39 minutes (a time length which won’t occur again until 2132). 

Eclipse of the Century is offering an 8-night cruise from Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan, that will put the ship at an optimum viewing point, near Yakushima Island, Japan. 

The cruise-only price of £1,395-£2,375 per person, shared room, includes five nights aboard Superstar Libra with all meals; astronomy lectures; three nights’ 4- or 5-star hotel in Taipei with breakfast; a one-day land tour; transfers; baggage handling, and port charges.

Contact Eclipse of the Century (Cameo House, 11 Bear St., London, WC2H 7AS, U.K.; phone, in UK, 020 7766 5237 or, outside UK, +44 20 7766 5237 or visit www.eclipseofthecentury.com).