Mark and Carolyn's Excellent Eclipse Cruise

The day began off the coast of Curacao, with clouds! Oh no!

They cleared away by the time of first contact, and everyone began setting up observation equipment and deck chairs along the Sports Deck.

Jiggers, the press!

The Fox News team (Sue Palka, Nelson the camera guy) from Washington, D.C., along with Greg and Laurie Redfern, Johnny Horne's backside and his family.

Bottles of signed Eclipse Champagne, ready and waiting for satisfied customers!

On the ship, the food was free; the drinks weren't!

And, of course, the bringing out of the celebratory cakes. They had high hopes!

And another one! The crew members from the Statendam all came out for the eclipse. In the end, only three crew members did not get to see totality because of their duty posts.

Our eclipse-watching friend Gayle, from Austin, Texas. Carolyn, sitting behind her, catches a few rays before totality.

Carolyn, wearing her special solar-system hat. Note the always-cool Sky & Telescope/Scientific Expeditions/Holland America commemorative T-shirts we all have on!

Okay, I'm ready, bring it on!