Pacific Dawn passengers take in the sight of the total solar eclipse off the coast of Far North Queensland. Image: Jason Kiefer, Photo Video Manager Pacific Dawn.

Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel were in prime position yesterday morning off the coast of Far North Queensland when the eclipse that stopped a nation occurred.

At approximately 6:40am local time, passengers took to the decks of both ships as astronomy lecturers talked people through the event.

Passengers had the choice to don protective glasses or watch the eclipse via a live feed on the ships’ Big Screen, while one passenger aboard Pacific Jewel chose the rare moment to propose to his girlfriend, who said yes.

“Everyone onboard was thrilled with the spectacle and it was particularly memorable to see it from the deck of a cruise ship,” Pacific Dawn guest lecturer and eclipse chaser Peter Anderson said.