Sky-watchers can join experts from several universities–as well as Dr. Paul H. Knappenberger Jr., president of the Adler Planetarium–to view a total solar eclipse from a point in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. Sailing from Mombasa, Kenya, the 220-passenger MS Royal Star reaches 20 degrees south latitude on June 21, the summer solstice, for a unique view of the eclipse, with totality lasting nearly three minutes. The ship also calls at two islands off Madagascar for a look at black lemurs, at Mayotte in the Comores Islands for some snorkeling in a reef-encircled lagoon and finally will make a stop at Zanzibar for a day wandering the markets. Trip dates are June 14-27. Prices start at $2,995, plus port taxes of $110. Air fare is additional. The tour is presented by Adler Planetarium, MIT, Dartmouth and Harvard; it is operated by Siemer & Hand Travel of San Francisco. (800-451-4321)
GLACIER GAWKING
The ptarmigan, a bird of the northern regions with completely feathered feet, has lent its name to the MV Ptarmigan, whose habitat is the iceberg-strewn Portage Lake in Alaska. The boat carries sightseers within 300 yards of an active glacier, lingering there as a U.S. Forest Service representative provides narration. With luck, the icy-blue glacier will calve (a chunk will break off) with a mighty crack while the Ptarmigan hovers. Owned by Holland America Tours, the Ptarmigan sails five times daily. Portage Glacier trips are part of many Alaska packages and may also be booked by individual travelers as a day trip from Anchorage for $59. They are available as well, for $25, to independent travelers who make the scenic 50-mile drive south of Anchorage on their own. (800-544-2206; or at www.hollandamerica.com)
TUNDRA TRIPPING
Long known for adventurous, off-the-beaten-path itineraries, Seattle-based Society Expeditions is offering an Around the Ring of Fire cruise Aug. 8-27 on its new 160-passenger World Discoverer. Sailing along the northwestern reaches of the volcanic Ring of Fire, the shallow-draft ship will trace an arc from Alaska to northern Japan, sweeping by bird-covered cliffs, seal rookeries and volcanic vents on uninhabited islands and remote shores. Cruise costs range from $7,809 to $18,869, depending on cabin choice but including many extras. Air fare is additional. (800-548-8669; or at www.societyexpeditions.com)
NAVIGATING THE NILE
Specializing in river cruises around the world, Value World Tours of Fountain Valley, Calif., has a new land-and-cruise itinerary covering both Cairo and the Nile. The Cairo portion provides a look at the Pyramid of King Cheops and a camel ride to see the Sphinx. Then a four-night cruise aboard the brand-new Sun Flower takes in the Temple of Karnak, the statue of Ramses II and the High Dam at Aswan. The cost for the 10-day package is $1,498 to $1,698 until May 1, dropping by $200 May 1-Sept. 30. Air fare, port charges, taxes and visa handling are extra. (800-795-1633; or at www.rivercruises.net)
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Prices generally are per person double and are good only on a space-available basis.
