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The Aurora Borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space. First and foremost, it’s critical to understand what you’re actually going to see on a northern lights cruise. The expectation of hearing an announcement, peeking out of the door, and seeing the sky filled with vivid green isn’t a realistic one.
P&O: Norway
As the majority of the voyage takes place above the Arctic Circle, the odds of seeing the northern lights are high, especially as solar activity tends to peak around the autumnal and vernal equinoxes in September and March, respectively. And if they don't show, well, you still get to explore Iceland's Westfjords and Greenland's eastern shores — and that's a worthwhile journey in itself. Known as the aurora season, the best time for taking a cruise holiday to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. However, the equinox months of September and March are the peak months for catching the aurora borealis as the magnetic fields of the Earth and the Sun’s solar wind are in sync then. And, luckily for you, we have a number of Northern Lights cruise holidays during these months to maximise your chances of spotting this mesmerising light show in all its glory. The best time to see the captivating Northern Lights is during the late autumn, winter, and early spring months, between October and March.
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To make sure you’re protected from the elements, pack lots of warm layers such as fleece jackets and woolly jumpers, which will shield you from the crisp and frosty temperatures. And don't forget to bring along gloves, hats, scarves and thermal socks so you can stay warm as you search for the Northern Lights under Norway’s dark skies. Hunting the aurora borealis with Hurtigruten entails a journey from capital Oslo to North Cape, on the Arctic Norwegian coast, in the hopes of watching the ultimate light performance. Think frost-tipped mountains, icy fjords and some serious snow with stops at Tromsø, aurora hotspot, Alta, and Honningsvåg, Norway’s northernmost city, along the way. Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Arctic for a chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. In true expedition style, we encourage exploration and adventure on our Northern Lights tours.
Best Time to See Polar Bears in Svalbard – Wildlife Guide
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. Embark on a journey of breathtaking beauty and celestial spectacle with a Northern Lights cruise through the icy landscapes of Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords. This enchanting voyage invites you to delve into the majesty of the Arctic, where pristine, untouched wilderness gives way to vibrant cultures and surreal vistas. The elusive Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, take center stage, casting an ethereal glow across the inky night sky, while days are filled with panoramic fjord views and an abundance of wildlife encounters.
The North Cape Express
To peruse eight port cities during a round trip of the Arctic Circle’s Norweigan aurora belt, Royal Caribbean’s 12-night Arctic Circle Cruise to Tromsø, Flam and Kristiansand provides the ideal glide through remote dark skies. A voyage on the 14-day The North Cape Express itinerary costs from £1,827pp, with multi-course dining, flights, port transfers and on-board activities – such as photography workshops – on MS Trollfjord included in the price. Hurtigruten promises an additional six- or seven-day Norway voyage free of charge if the Northern Lights don’t put on a show while you sail. With cruises bound for Norway, Iceland, Canada and Greenland chasing the cosmic whisps of purple and green, here’s our guide to the sailings primed for illuminated skies. Ribbons of brilliance, dazzling displays and ethereal stargazing – the Northern Lights are a lifetime highlight for those lucky enough to witness the intriguing spectacle. A nostalgic voyage of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago to experience a remote wilderness of fjords, glaciers, and polar wildlife.
day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Kiel
Like us, they have a long history of serving local passengers and communities, and sail to places that most visitors to Greenland never see. For the first time, we sail to or from the capital Oslo, journeying between Norway’s southernmost point and its northernmost. See ancient rock carvings at the Alta Museum; learn about the science of the northern lights. On your journey, you can expect to view such wonders as the Norwegian Fjords, majestic waterfalls, and you might even witness some volcanic activity in Iceland, so there is a lot more up for grabs on such a cruise than just the Northern Lights. There is the option to cruise from the UK or fly and start your holiday in Bergen, renowned for its Hanseatic wharf, Kirkenes, close to the Russian border, or the Arctic capital of Tromso.
Norway Round Voyage, Havila Voyages
While aurora borealis activity happens year-round, the best time for a Northern Lights adventure is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer and the skies darker. There’s a chance of seeing the Northern Lights anywhere within the auroral zone – a 1,500-mile radius of the magnetic north pole. Based right at the heart of this zone is the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is widely regarded as the world’s best place to see the Northern Lights when the conditions are right. And with stops at this dramatic destination on a Northern Lights holiday with P&O Cruises, you can go in search of the aurora borealis as you sail along the stunning Norwegian coastline. There is nowhere better to take in this primaeval wonder of nature than from onboard one of our traditional or authentic cruises to the Northern Lights, and we will bring you the very best these northern lands have to offer.
Norway's Land of the Northern Lights
Aside from volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, one of the main reasons people have Iceland on their travel bucket list is because they dream of seeing the Northern Lights on display. Iceland is a sparsely populated country, so you don’t have to go far to get away from light pollution. 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. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.
A good breakfast (and lunch), magnificent views from the ship, a visit ashore, 3 course dinner and hunting the lights. The viewing gallery was a great place to be whilst at sea (take a good book too) and we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. Magellan cruise from Tillbury to the Northern Lights My friend and I recently spent two weeks cruising to Norway to see the northern lights and had a fantastic time .
It is a time when the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland and the ethereal Northern Lights begin their dance. Wildlife viewing is still possible, with sightings of polar bears, seals, and Arctic foxes. Walruses are often spotted resting on ice floes, while seabirds continue their flight across the expansive sky. Cruising in the Arctic in October offers the possibility of experiencing some of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena. Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions offer a unique and enchanting experience, providing travellers with the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. These expeditions take place in regions near the Arctic Circle, such as Norway or Iceland, where the Northern Lights are frequently visible.
Take a journey along Amsterdam’s network of canals or browse one of the city’s museums. Found well within the Arctic Circle, these Norwegian islands are home to soaring mountain peaks, charming fishing villages and exciting Viking history. Modern cameras are so much better at detecting light and especially color at night than the human eye. It can take many minutes for the human eye to adjust to ‘night vision’, and even then, color can be difficult for many people to distinguish. So finally, our thanks to Hurtigruten and Finnmarken and last but not least to staff at Blue Water Holidays for arranging our Arctic Adventure. We have just returned from a six day Taste of the Arctic cruise aboard Hurtigrutens MS Finnmarken.
12 best northern lights cruises for a spectacular adventure - The Times
12 best northern lights cruises for a spectacular adventure.
Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
To marvel at the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With mountains and fjords, as far as the eye can see, a trip on Narvik’s cable car offers stunning views, 650 metres above sea level. By day, you’ll visit some of Norway’s most enchanting coastal towns, discovering the region’s rich culture and scenery. While at night the prospect of the Northern Lights is enough to tempt you from your stateroom into the crisp, still, darkness beyond. Each Northern Lights cruise features a one-of-a-kind combination of thrilling activities and luxurious amenities, all of which are designed to make the most of every moment.
Nunavut in the heart of Canada’s High Arctic is a prime aurora borealis viewing country, with its close proximity to the North Pole and vast expanses of tundra. Consider visiting a remote traditional Inuit community for an unparalleled night of dazzling aurora displays. While Greenland is one of the best countries in the world for witnessing the Northern Lights, getting there can be challenging and often what holds people back.
That’s why, on a P&O Cruises Northern Lights holiday, you’ll have the chance to explore a host of breathtaking destinations, dive into adventures ashore and soak up a huge range of entertainment, dining and relaxation on board. One moment you might find yourself kayaking on a glistening fjord or gazing up at a thundering waterfall, and the next you could be watching a spectacular stage show or sinking into a soothing spa treatment. Hurtigruten is something of an outlier in this group because it doesn't offer specific northern lights itineraries. But the routes of this coastal ferry company in Norway just happen to traverse the perfect latitudes to see the aurora.
And our curated programme of shore tours offer authentic Arctic experiences for the most avid travel enthusiast. It’s £1,478pp for an interior cabin including daring dining from sushi rolls to plates of steak and glasses of fine wine. Entertainment-wise, musical performances, rock climbing walls and mini golf fill days anticipating nature’s displays after dark. Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights or aurora borealis on a small ship expedition cruise that takes you deep into the Arctic, to iconic destinations such as Greenland, Iceland and Norway. Nothing will ruin your northern lights cruise quicker than having inappropriate clothing. Pack plenty of layers to give yourself flexibility, including woollen base layers, thin fleeces, thick sweaters, and two coats—one waterproof and windproof, and another thick and warm.
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. Join John Maclean, astronomer and award-winning astrophotographer, on an exploration of the sought-after sights of the mysterious aurora borealis. This is a difficult question to answer, as sightings are more dependent on cloud cover and luck than anything else, and the weather is so varied around the Norwegian coast. Home to over 100 nationalities, the city offers a wealth of eateries serving some of the best native cuisine in the Arctic.
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