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Seeing the northern lights on a cruise isn’t guaranteed (although at least one cruise line, Hurtigruten, does issue a guarantee for certain cruises. See below). But you will increase your odds of seeing the northern lights by being in the right place in the Arctic Circle at the right time. "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. The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world – and the advantage of viewing them on a cruise is the sky is unpolluted, so you get the full spectrum of colours.
Head South To See The Aurora Australis
Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and pilot a dog sled or snowmobile to further immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage. A general rule is that the further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Norway is perhaps the most popular country for a Northern Lights cruise, though Iceland is also a good choice. Cunard offers cruises within the Arctic Circle visiting the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is a known place to view the aurora borealis. The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders.
A Voyage to Norway in the Winter is An Expedition Cruise by Any Other Name
The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances. The northern waters are warmer than the polar regions but water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F mean you may opt to wear your paddle jacket on a warm, sunny day or our dry suits on a cool day. Surf landings are not likely, but you must be capable of paddling in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 20 knots.
Why This Cruise Is the Best Way to See the Northern Lights in Alaska - AFAR Media
Why This Cruise Is the Best Way to See the Northern Lights in Alaska.
Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Stay in our spacious cabins and enjoy a good night's sleep
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. Besides a down coat, warm hat, and gloves, be sure to pack wind and waterproof pants (i.e., ski pants or rain pans), thermal long underwear, wool socks, and winter boots for walking on snow and ice. Ice crampons may come in handy, especially in ports where walkways may be icy or slick. On some active excursions, outfitters provide weather appropriate gear, but you can’t always count on that. Beyond the rewards of seeing the northern lights, the bonuses of winter season Northern Lights cruises are the stunning contrasts of scenery and the variety of onshore activities.
Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024 - Forbes
Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024.
Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk oxen and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise through spectacular Trollfjord, a gorge flanked by steep mountains and so narrow that it can only be accessed by small ships. In the Lofoten Islands, voted by National Geographic as one the of the most beautiful destinations in the world, we stroll through picturesque villages dotted with red and white fishers’ huts, surrounded by soaring granite peaks.
Discover Norway
Create a very personal souvenir as you go in search of the northern lights with an art session on Bolette and Borealis; watercolour classes to help you capture the awe-inspiring night-time display are held aboard both ships in the Olsen Art Studio. You can book a nine-night sailing on Balmoral out of Newcastle — a shorter than typical trip due to the closer proximity of the departure point to Norway. Depending on where you live, there are also convenient sailings with longer voyages from Southampton, Portsmouth and Newcastle. Announcements (even opt-in late night wake-up calls) may be issued when there’s an opportunity to view the northern lights from your ship. Excursions may give you the opportunity to be transported to northern lights viewing spots by everything from buses and minivans to small boats and dogsleds. Iceland, Greenland, and polar regions around the Northwest Passage promote some of their active, adventurous cruises around the equinoxes in September and March as northern lights viewing opportunities as well.
The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators. For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland. This spring, we are excited to present nine new and sustainable excursions, each thoughtfully crafted to enrich your travel experience. If Norway’s primary color in summertime is green, the Norwegian winter is characterized by shades of white and grey and blue; a storybook landscape that seems better suited for fairytales than rugged polar reaches.
Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system and a favourite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds.
Northern Lights Cruise Activities
Norway, with its myriad of natural wonders, rich culture, and prime geographical location, offers one of the most exquisite Northern Lights experiences. Its natural beauty, combined with the ethereal dance of the lights, makes it an experience like no other. The combination of nature’s most brilliant display with the luxury and mobility of a cruise ship ensures memories that last a lifetime. Choosing a cruise for your Northern Lights adventure is more than just about the lights; it’s about the holistic experience.
In 2023, the voyage will be undertaken by Queen Victoria, while next season, the Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming Queen Anne will take the reins. There, guests spend their days scanning the dizzying cliff sides for puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, and their nights scanning the sky for signs of the aurora. The ship then crosses the Arctic Circle as it heads to Greenland, where it spends seven days patrolling the remote northeast coast. This wild tundra is home to reindeer, arctic hares, and 40 percent of the world’s musk ox population.
The archipelago reflects a traditional way of life that has not changed for more than 1,500 years. On nearby Torget Island, we plan to land and hike to Torghatten, a fascinating rock formation with an equally interesting legend describing the hole in the mountain as having been created by a troll’s arrow. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, friendly expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure. Having made your way to Kirkenes, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Aurora Expeditions does not require passengers to undergo tests for COVID-19 prior to embarkation or during the voyage.
Visit the Lofoten Seafood Center and learn about the impressive cod fisheries and perhaps sample some local seafood. The ‘auroral zone’ starts in Northern Norway just above the Lofoten Islands and extends up the coast to the North Cape (Nordkapp) and beyond. You will observe the same light display from anywhere in this region, but from a different angle. Some of our favourite places in Northern Norway to witness the Northern Lights include Tromsø, Kirkenes, the Lofoten Islands, Bodø and the North Cape. Our Northern Lights cruise sticks to the aurora zone in the Arctic Circle, but seeing the lights dance is only one part of your Northern Lights adventure.
While this list is not inclusive, lines to choose from include Hurtigruten, Viking, Cunard, Quark, P&O, Silversea, Fred. While the best time to see the northern lights is in the northern winter, this is flipped for the aurora australis, aka the southern lights. Though it may not technically constitute an expedition experience, our sailing along the Norwegian coast in early February attracted the hearty adventure set. Passengers sported expedition jackets from the likes of Viking, Silversea, Seabourn and Lindblad Expeditions, adorned with patches and logos from voyages to Antarctica and the Far Arctic. They came with hiking boots and Nordic walking sticks and crampons and the heavy winter gear of experienced modern-day polar explorers. During the aurora season (September to April) our cruises travel along Norway’s dramatic coastline to the fringes of the Arctic Circle in search of the Northern Lights.
Lines cruising in these regions include Hurtigruten, Silversea, Lindblad Expeditions, Viking Cruises, Quark Expeditions, Adventure Canada, and others. Both Hurtigruten Expeditions and the Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Express, offer a good number of itineraries that showcase the Northern Lights. The Coastal Express serves as both a passenger cruise line and a lifeline for Norwegian coastal residents and these working ships transport locals’ cars, fjord towns’ freight and up to 1,000 total passengers on any given day.
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