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A cruise ship by Peter Hansen – Unsplash
Best Northern Light Cruises
Few natural phenomena capture the imagination like the Northern Lights. Those multi-colored, otherworldly starry streamers are Mother Nature’s very own disco. One of the best ways to see the spectacle is via a cruise.
The Northern lights most commonly occur within the geographic area beneath the auroral oval. It encompasses latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees and takes in Iceland, northern parts of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada, and Alaska as well as southern Greenland.
The famed Northern Lights, the spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs in the Northern Hemisphere from as early as August all the way through April, is one of the most incredible bucket-list experiences in travel. The aurora is much brighter at sea with less light pollution and open, clear, skies, meaning a cruise is your best chance of witnessing them. Here are the best Northern light cruises to explore.
1. Hurtigruten Cruises
The cruise line offers some once-in-a-lifetime expedition sailings around the Norwegian Fjords, complete with bucket list experiences such as whale watching, snow hikes, and Aurora safaris.
Hurtigruten runs a 100% Aurora Guarantee. If you don’t see the Northern Lights during your trip, you get another voyage for FREE. The guarantee is applied for sailings from October 1 through to March 31.
2. Havila Voyages
Cruise Ship Terminal, Saint George’s – Grenada by Hugh Whyte – Unsplash
Among Havila’s many Norwegian cruises on offer, their round voyage that starts and ends in Bergen is one of the best ways to get a full round-up of the country and its celestial delights, with a stay in an ultra-modern new cabin.
Visiting such famed destinations as Lofoten, Geirangerfjorden, one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, and the Arctic Circle, you’ll see glaciers, meet indigenous Sami people, go king crab fishing, husky sledding, and much more, all while keeping your eyes above to watch for the dazzling Northern Lights which are almost guaranteed to make a frequent appearance throughout your cruise.
3. P&O Cruises‘
P&O Cruises‘ Northern Lights cruise options go one further with their no-fly option, which starts and ends in Southampton. From mountain scenery and the Arctic beauty of Tromso to the dramatic landscapes of Stavanger.
You’ll sail past natural wonders and beautiful medieval towns as well as spot reindeer and huskies while you step out to hopefully view the Northern Lights, with a base in a cozy cabin and enjoying delicious regional meals.
4. Saga
A cruise ship by Stephanie Klepacki – Unsplash
Cruise to Norway with Saga when the night sky hosts a mesmerizing display of lights and enjoy an extended stay in Alta, where this natural phenomenon can often be seen at its best.
You’ll also visit Bergen, with its UNESCO-listed Bryggen, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Narvik, and Kristiansund on board Saga’s boutique, luxury ship Spirit of Adventure, and enjoy talks from Musical Director, pianist, and composer, Dr. Simon Fricker, performances from the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and talks from explorer and adventurer, Sue Stockdale.
5. Princess Cruises
All aboard the Island Princess with Princess Cruises to begin a bucket-list-worthy voyage to find the northern lights. This round-trip journey from London, England includes stops in Norway, as well as days spent cruising the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the Arctic Ocean where you’ll cross the Arctic Circle.
Guests will especially enjoy a visit to Alta, Norway, which is known as the “City of the Northern Lights.” Be sure not to miss the UNESCO-protected rock carvings at the Alta Museum. Other high points include slipping through the fjords of the Stavanger region to see the iconic Lysefjorden.
6. Cunard Cruises
A cruise ship on sea by Karl Callwood – Unsplash
Cunard offers a number of dreamy European itineraries all seasons round, onboard Queen Mary 2, most of which include a two-night stay in Norway’s Tromsø, hailed as one of the world’s best spots for seeing the Northern Lights.
Other notable spots include Alesund, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim, all of which also boast impressive Aurora credentials.
The cruise line has also recently announced a series of new itineraries on Queen Elizabeth between February and May each year departing from Southampton which will include a voyage in search of the Northern Lights.
7. Viking Cruises
Explore Arctic Circle highlights in Norway including Stavanger, Bodo, Tromso, and Alta, all of which are renowned for offering some of the best chances of seeing the Aurora.
Discover the sweeping landscapes that make Norway such an enchanting winter destination and enjoy a host of guided tours and two excursions to make the most of your adventure.
8. Fred. Olsen’s Cruises
A cruise ship by Stephanie Klepacki – Unsplash
The cruise line’s Balmoral ship will sail on eight and nine-night itineraries around Norway’s best Aurora viewing spots including Ålesund, Tromsø, Narvik, and Bordø.
The cruise ship is dedicated to Aurora excursions, but even if you don’t see the lights you’ll be treated to spellbinding views of the Norwegian Fjords, as well as get the chance to have heaps of adventures from husky-sled rides to Arctic wildlife viewing.
9. Silversea Cruises
Head to the very top of the world to set sail into one of the most unexplored regions on the planet with Silversea. Cruise from the isolated Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard to Tromsø, the north-most tip of mainland Norway, via Bear Island.
Gaze on alien landscapes of towering mountains, fjords, and snow-filled wonderlands. The abundance of wildlife, birds, polar bears, walrus, and more won’t fail to astonish. Throughout the journey, guests will learn about the land, wildlife, botany, culture, and history of this unparalleled region thanks to special lecture presentations by knowledgeable onboard Expedition Team members. Depending on the weather, walking excursions, Zodiac cruises, and even kayaking may be possible.
10. Aurora Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions offers a true north adventure on a 21-day excursion of the Northern lights. Sail all the way from Reykjavik, Iceland to St John’s, Canada, while taking in stunning, one-of-a-kind panoramas that will leave you breathless.
This adventurous expedition spans three incredible coastlines where guests can experience the Inuit culture, the Viking history of the North Atlantic, and the northern lights.
Keep an eye out for whales and seals on your Zodiac-cruise to the secluded south coast of Iceland, which hosts the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. Partake in a traditional kaffemik with welcoming Inuit locals in Greenland and be awe-struck by the majesty of Torngat Mountains National Park in Canada, where polar bears, falcons and caribou roam free.
