Chasing the Aurora: A Guide to Northern Lights Cruises

Embark on the best Northern Lights cruise for an unforgettable adventure, witnessing nature's mesmerizing light show aboard a luxurious ship. These cruises are meticulously designed to provide optimal viewing opportunities, often navigating to remote locations far from light pollution. Imagine standing on the deck, surrounded by nothing but the vast expanse of the Arctic or subarctic, as the sky above comes alive with shimmering hues of green, pink, and purple.

The best Northern Lights cruises combine this awe-inspiring spectacle with top-notch amenities, ensuring that your journey is as comfortable as it is enchanting. 

Understanding the Northern Lights 

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are natural light displays caused by the interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetic field, best seen in polar regions during the winter months when nights are longer, with peak visibility in late autumn and early spring. 

Benefits of Taking a Northern Lights Cruise 

Uninterrupted Views Away from Light Pollution

Northern Lights cruises take you to remote locations, away from the glare of city lights, providing optimal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis. 

Flexibility to Chase the Lights Based on Weather Conditions 

Cruise ships can navigate to various locations, increasing the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, even if weather conditions are challenging in one area.   

Onboard Amenities & Comforts 

Northern Lights cruises offer a range of amenities, from cozy cabins and gourmet dining to onboard experts who provide insights into the phenomenon, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience. 

Top Northern Lights Cruise Destinations   

Norway 

The Norwegian coast is renowned for its stunning fjords and picturesque coastal towns. Norway offers a prime viewing location for the Northern Lights.

Cruises along the Norwegian coast provide a unique opportunity to witness this natural wonder in a serene and beautiful setting. Travelers can enjoy the contrast of the vibrant lights against the dark Arctic sky, all while sailing through charming villages and dramatic landscapes. 

Tromsø 

Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," Tromsø offers excellent Northern Lights viewing and a vibrant cultural scene. Its location within the auroral oval makes it one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis.

Bergen

Despite being further south, Bergen's picturesque landscapes and proximity to fjords make it a popular cruise port for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The city's coastal location provides opportunities for Aurora sightings, especially during periods of high solar activity.

Longyearbyen

As the largest settlement in Svalbard, Longyearbyen offers incredible polar scenery and Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Its position within the Arctic Circle ensures dark skies, ideal for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. 

Alta 

Home to the Northern Lights Cathedral and rich Sami culture, Alta is a prime spot for Northern Lights excursions. Its inland location provides clear views of the night sky, perfect for experiencing the magic of the Aurora Borealis. 

Iceland 

The allure of Iceland's landscapes and culture: Iceland's dramatic landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs, provide a stunning backdrop for Northern Lights viewing. Additionally, Iceland's unique culture and vibrant arts scene add to the appeal of experiencing the Aurora Borealis in this enchanting country. 

Reykjavík 

The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavík, offers a mix of cultural attractions and easy access to Northern Lights tours. Despite some light pollution, the city's outskirts provide dark enough skies for viewing the Aurora Borealis. 

Akureyri 

Located in northern Iceland, Akureyri is renowned for its stunning landscapes and frequent Northern Lights displays. Its position near the Arctic Circle offers excellent viewing conditions, especially during the winter months. 

Isafjord

Nestled in the Westfjords, Isafjord offers dramatic fjord scenery and a rich maritime history. Its remote location and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot for witnessing the Northern Lights. 

Húsavík 

Known for its whale watching tours, Húsavík also offers excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing. The town's coastal location provides unobstructed views of the sky, ideal for spotting the Aurora Borealis.

Canada    

Cruising through Canada's Arctic regions: Canada's Arctic regions offer some of the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities in the world. Cruises through this remote and pristine wilderness allow you to witness the Aurora Borealis in its full splendor, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Churchill 

Known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," Churchill also offers fantastic Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Its northern location and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot to witness the Aurora Borealis. 

Nunavut  

Nunavut provides a unique Arctic cultural experience along with stunning Aurora displays. The city's remote location offers excellent viewing conditions for the Northern Lights. 

Pond Inlet 

Referred to as the "Jewel of the North," Pond Inlet offers breathtaking scenery and excellent Aurora viewing opportunities. Its pristine Arctic landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for the Northern Lights. 

Gjoa Haven 

Known for its rich history and Inuit culture, Gjoa Haven offers a unique Arctic experience and great Northern Lights viewing. Its remote location and clear skies make it an ideal spot for witnessing the Aurora Borealis.

Alaska    

Alaska's pristine wilderness and Northern Lights viewing opportunities: Alaska's vast wilderness provides a stunning backdrop for Northern Lights viewing. Cruising along Alaska's coast allows you to witness the Aurora Borealis against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, icy fjords, and pristine forests. 

Anchorage 

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is a hub for Northern Lights enthusiasts, offering a range of tours to prime viewing spots. Its location provides easy access to areas with clear skies, enhancing the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Anchorage also boasts modern amenities and accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay. 

Juneau 

Despite being further south, Juneau still offers occasional Aurora sightings due to its position under the auroral oval. This provides a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights against the backdrop of Juneau's scenic beauty. Visitors can explore glaciers and forests during the day and keep an eye out for the Aurora in the evening.

Ketchikan 

Known for its rich Native American culture and stunning landscapes, Ketchikan offers a unique Alaskan experience. While sightings are less common than in more northern locations, the city's cultural and natural attractions make it worthwhile. Visitors can explore totem pole parks, learn about Native American traditions, and enjoy the coastal scenery. 

Skagway 

This historic town in southeastern Alaska provides a picturesque backdrop for Northern Lights displays. Its location near the coast and surrounded by rugged mountains offers a unique setting for Aurora viewing. When conditions are right, the Northern Lights can be seen dancing above Skagway's historic buildings and stunning natural scenery. 

What to Expect on a Northern Lights Cruise   

Types of Northern Lights Cruises

Northern Lights cruises come in various forms, including expedition cruises that focus on exploration and luxury cruises that offer high-end amenities and services. 

Typical Length & Itinerary

Northern Lights cruises can vary in length from a few days to several weeks, with itineraries that may include stops at ports of call, scenic cruising in fjords or along coastlines, and dedicated Northern Lights viewing opportunities.   

Onboard Activities & Amenities

Depending on the cruise line and ship, onboard activities may include lectures and presentations by Northern Lights experts, spa services, gourmet dining, and entertainment options. 

Tips for a Successful Northern Lights Cruise   

Best Time to Go

The best time to go on a Northern Lights cruise is during the winter months when the nights are long and dark, typically from late September to late March. 

Packing Essentials

Essential items to pack for a Northern Lights cruise include warm clothing, including thermal layers, a winter jacket, a hat, gloves, and sturdy boots, as well as a camera with a tripod for capturing the lights. 

Photography Tips for Capturing the Lights

To capture the Northern Lights in all their glory, use a camera with manual settings, set a high ISO (adjust based on brightness and camera capability), use a wide-angle lens with the widest possible aperture, and keep the shutter speed fast to prevent blurring. Manually focus on a distant light or star to ensure sharpness!

Choosing the Right Northern Lights Cruise 

When choosing a Northern Lights cruise, consider factors such as the cruise line's reputation, the ship's amenities, the itinerary and the length of the cruise, and your budget. 

Recommended Cruise Lines & Ships

Some recommended cruise lines for Northern Lights cruises include Viking Expedition, Viking Ocean, Cunard, Silversea, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises.

Ships with large, panoramic windows and outdoor viewing decks are ideal for Northern Lights viewing. 

Budgeting for a Northern Lights Cruise

Budgeting for a Northern Lights cruise should include the cost of the cruise fare, travel insurance, excursions, onboard expenses, and any additional expenses such as flights and pre- or post-cruise accommodation.

Check out our blog, Avoiding Costly Mistakes to make sure you're getting the best value for your cruise!

Recap of the Allure of Northern Lights Cruises

Northern Lights cruises offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience this natural phenomenon, providing unparalleled views and a range of onboard amenities and activities. 

If you have ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, a Northern Lights cruise is the perfect way to make that dream a reality. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and witness the magic of the Aurora Borealis in person. 

Ready to witness the magic of the Northern Lights on a cruise? Contact us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to book your unforgettable journey now and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!