Sunday, March 31, 2024

Can You See The Northern Lights From A Cruise Ship? The Best Cruises for Viewing the Northern Lights

aurora borealis cruise

While this list is not inclusive, lines to choose from include Hurtigruten, Viking, Cunard, Quark, P&O, Silversea, Fred. With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises. With a bustling downtown filled with charming restaurants and shops, a unique sauna experience, and plenty of adventurous land and sea tours all available nearby, Tromsø promises ample activities to enjoy besides the aurora borealis. For an unforgettable encounter with nature, visit between November and January and book a whale-watching cruise. During that period, the region’s fjords become a haven for humpback whales, orcas, and harbor porpoises. While it’s possible to see the aurora borealis almost anywhere in Canada throughout the year, the northern regions are where the phenomenon tends to be most active.

Six reasons why a voyage sailing the Norwegian coast with us is the best way to see the amazing aurora borealis.

If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free. If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations mentioned here, you are best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Remember that seeing these lights doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Lights cruises

Home to over 100 nationalities, the city offers a wealth of eateries serving some of the best native cuisine in the Arctic. The excursion program presented is an indication of some of the excursions that may be available during your voyage. Norway’s reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable hybrid vessel. A few nautical miles are left between you and Bergen today as your Astronomy Voyage draws to a close. Before we say our goodbyes, we voyage across the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway. In the afternoon, we dock at Kristiansund, a quaint harbor town spread over three islands.

Cruises

Yes - you can view the Northern Lights on one of our Norwegian cruises, however we can't guarantee their appearance! The aurora borealis is near impossible to predict, but sightings are more likely on clear nights between October and March, and odds increase the further north you travel. By breakfast, we will have reached the top of Norway and the town of Kirkenes, situated just a mile from the border. If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colorful Bryggen district with its artisan shops and cobblestone streets. Embark on an illuminating once-in-a-lifetime voyage in search of the elusive aurora borealis, or northern lights.

The aurora is a natural phenomenon, which means whether or not you see it is ultimately beyond human control. We would say no one can guarantee you’ll see an aurora on your cruise, but Hurtigruten does just that on select cruises. Their Northern Lights Promise says that if there’s no aurora spotted on an 11+ night arctic cruise in aurora season, you’ll get a 6- or 7-night cruise to Norway for free, to give you another chance. In other cities, Viking offers late-night excursions that take passengers deeper into the countryside to darker spots with clearer skies to help increase the likelihood of spotting the elusive aurora. The following two days are at sea, taking in the beauty of the Norwegian coast as the vessel makes for its disembarkation city, Bergen.

Hurtigruten keeps its Northern Lights Promise on a North Cape Express sailing - Travel Weekly

Hurtigruten keeps its Northern Lights Promise on a North Cape Express sailing.

Posted: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Where do Northern Lights cruises go?

Whether exploring her expansive sundecks, indulging in afternoon tea, taking your seat at the theatre or pampering yourself in the spa, you’ll find being on board as captivating as exploring the ports you call at. Leave behind the magic of the Arctic Circle and head towards the ports of Bodø and Ørnes. Marvel at the Seven Sisters mountain range where local legend has it seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today. Get unique insight and knowledge about the Arctic sky and the greatest light show on Earth, the Aurora Borealis, on this popular voyage along the mesmerizing Norwegian Coast. This limited voyage is accompanied by special lecturers - experts on astronomy and expeditions to see the Northern Lights.

Fjord Travel Norway   Tel: (+ 55 13 13 10  Fax: (+ 55 13 13 11

For most travellers, the aurora borealis is the world’s most sought-after spectacle in the sky. On a clear night, these ethereal lights may appear over Norway as faint wisps of green or dramatically dancing ribbons in multiple colours. In Search of The Northern Lights is Viking’s 13-day ocean voyage in the Arctic, sailing between London (Tilbury) and Bergen via the Norwegian fjords. Multiple departures will operate from January to March 2025, regarded as the best time to see the lights.

How to See the Northern Lights

To see more of the area’s fjords and striking islands, hop aboard the Hermes II, a gorgeous restored wooden boat from 1917. The best time to see the Northern Lights is a clear, dark night with no cloud cover, on or around a new moon. Winter is the best time to see the aurora borealis, from December through to March in the Northern Hemisphere. The lights are often most active in 30-minute periods and can occur every two hours at peak times.

aurora borealis cruise

In the early hours of the morning, the ship crosses the Arctic Circle and enters the Arctic. Join us out on deck to mark the moment with a traditional ceremony that will be sure to wake you up fully! Above the Arctic Circle, your chances of spotting the majestic Northern Lights increase. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

If you’ve time before your ship departs, visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs of the colourful Bryggen district with its artisan shops and cobblestone streets. Just across the street is the famous Fish Market which serves delicious seafood or venture to the Fløibanen funicular which whisks you up Mount Fløyen for breath-taking views of the city. Of the 34 ports that we visit on our famous Coastal Express route, 22 sit within the Arctic Circle. On our 12-day Roundtrip Voyage, you spend no fewer than six nights in the Auroral Zone. This increases your chances both of seeing the Northern Lights multiple times, and of seeing a spectacular display.

aurora borealis cruise

There are no city lights to compete with, and some cruise lines even turn off the deck lights to help you see the lights more easily (just be sure to watch your step!). The next day will be in Narvik, a fishing village that can trace its history to the Stone Age but that has held township status only since the early 20th century. There travelers can ride the Ofoten Railway for a day trip to Sweden, hike to Frostisen Glacier, or ski at the Narvikfjellet ski resort. The final port town on the itinerary is Stavanger, where the most popular attractions relate to the community’s maritime history. Because it’s often chilly in this part of the world (especially at night), each passenger is given a waterproof polar expedition jacket upon arrival. The sailings will take place on the expedition vessel Greg Mortimer, which can hold 132 passengers in 79 cabins (most have private balconies for auroral viewing).

However, the Northern Lights are an unpredictable and sporadic natural phenomenon that can be invisible to the naked eye or not occur at all, so it’s impossible to guarantee a sighting. "Cruising is a nice way to see a lot of places, but in particular the Northern Lights," says Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, owner of Live Well, Travel Often, a boutique travel agency. "Cruise ships are able to be out at sea where it is dark for optimal viewing," she says, and when in port, they can create opportunities for guests to access optimal viewing sites outside of cities and their lights.

Next, guests will visit the Lofoten islands, considered one of the most visually stunning parts of Norway, before visiting Hardangerfjord, the second longest fjord in the country, to learn more about Viking history. The Alto Douro, a World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Viking Longships drift through this lush valley, past terraced vineyards, charming villages and eye-catching rock formations.

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