The Ultimate Guide To A Northern Lights Cruise: How To See The Stunning Natural Phenomenon

Table Of Content

• Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Visiting the Salvador Dali Museum in Spain
• Norway & Iceland Cruise Onboard Experience
• CITY CRUISIN'
• Oceanwide Expeditions: East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis
• Ultimate World Cruise: An Epic Journey Around the World Royal Caribbean Cruises

While seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed, cruises to Alaska and Iceland make for unforgettable vacations. Whether you’re traversing the wild terrain of the Last Frontier or spending your days exploring cities like Bergen and Alesund, we have an ideal itinerary for you. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights on your cruisetour, we can promise you’ll walk away with a deep appreciation for Alaska’s rugged wilderness, flora, fauna, and rich history. The 10-Night Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour (2A Northbound) will take you deep into the interior of Alaska, where you can explore Gold Rush history. You might lose track of time, since the sun shines late into the night. Get up close to beautiful, picturesque landscapes on an Iceland and Ireland cruise from Southampton, England, which offers 14 nights of pure bliss on Celebrity Silhouette.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities Royal Caribbean Cruises

Here are some Rome vacation must-sees and tips on how to navigate travel when arriving or departing via cruise through Civitavecchia. A Barcelona vacation is always a good idea, but arriving at this iconic port of call by sea is a truly unique experience. Here are some fun European cities to visit on your next European cruise — plus tips to make it a memorable, stress-free experience. Find a new perspective from high in the sky with a hot air balloon ride in Turkey. Uncover the ultimate guide to eating locally in Italy as you make the most of your vacation travels. Take a moment to make the most of your Greek island hopping travels, reveal the best places to visit in Greece.

Visiting the Salvador Dali Museum in Spain

Spa services might also be available, offering treatments that rejuvenate both body and mind amidst the serene Arctic surroundings. For those wanting to stay connected or document their experience in real-time, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot might be worth considering. While many ships offer Wi-Fi, the connection at high latitudes can be inconsistent. Time of year plays a significant role in determining the success of a Northern Lights sighting. The best months for Aurora viewing are from September to April, when nights are longest, and skies are darkest. Travelers should also heed the moon phase during their chosen cruise dates; a new moon phase is ideal as it ensures the darkest skies, enhancing the visibility of the Aurora Borealis.

Norway & Iceland Cruise Onboard Experience

Here are some tips to help enthusiasts take mesmerizing photographs of this natural spectacle. Embarking on a Northern Lights cruise from Iceland is an adventure that requires thoughtful preparation, especially when it comes to packing. With the right items in their luggage, travelers can ensure they're ready for whatever their journey under the arctic skies might bring. Smaller boats afford a more personal and intimate experience, often allowing closer proximity to the lights and easier maneuverability through narrower passages. In contrast, larger ships boast more amenities and comfort but might not offer the same closeness to the phenomena. The Hofsstadir Country Hotel in Skagafjordur in North Iceland has wide windows to take in the sweeping views of lava fields and fjords.

Related Destinations

Passengers can opt-in for overnight wake-up calls, so they can get some sleep without worrying about missing a Northern Lights sighting. Here are a few examples of 2022 and 2023 itineraries that offer northern lights-themed cruises. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you. "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.

CITY CRUISIN'

Northern Lights Guide 2024: land and sea, for Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska & Canada - The West Australian

Northern Lights Guide 2024: land and sea, for Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska & Canada.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

These tours are very convenient and head straight out to the bay of Eyjafjordur or Faxafloi bay from their respective town’s downtown harbors. You’ll also be able to reach places larger buses can’t go and get to the most remote viewing locations by traveling over rivers and down bumpy trails. Of course, there’s always a slight chance that you still might not see them even if you take every opportunity. Or you might see them on the plane over to Iceland or the drive from Keflavik airport.

A tripod is also essential to keep the camera steady during long exposures. Considering the unpredictable weather, waterproof clothing is also a must. A waterproof jacket and pants can make the difference between a comfortable excursion and a rather damp experience. Additionally, waterproof boots are vital for navigating icy decks and snowy shore excursions. These packages may even suit those only in the country for a limited time, such as this three-day self-drive to the ice caves and this five-day package around the South Coast and Golden Circle. Hotel Ranga in Hella is 60 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik.

If, however, the Aurora doesn’t show on the night of your cruise, don’t worry, you will receive a free voucher to try again on any other night. Make use of the darkness outside Reykjavík’s shores and book your Northern Lights cruise now. Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe. Your European cruise should be every bit as refreshing as it is inspiring. Unwind in the Sanctuary, a retreat just for adults, and relish in tranquility. Or book an appointment at the Lotus Spa®, named "Best Spa on a Cruise Ship" by Spafinder Wellness 365™.

When the northern lights do appear, "more than likely the ship will turn off most of the exterior lights," Weber says. "But you can prepare as soon as you board the ship by scouting out the darkest spot outside, and up top on the ship." That may be away from the ship stairways and public rooms. 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.

The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between September and April. While you can occasionally see them towards the end of August, the lingering sunlight makes them very faint. Iceland sits at a latitude of approximately 64 degrees north, making it the perfect place to see the northern lights. Alaska cruisetours are the ideal way to explore the state’s stunning interior and extend your Alaska cruise vacation. In Iceland, you’ll stop in Akureyri and overnight in the capital city, Reykjavik.

This holiday also allows you to see the auroras over the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a mesmerizing experience where the lights can often reflect in the icebergs below. Reykjavik Domes is one of the only glass-dome-like accommodations in Iceland. Since it’s not in the downtown area, there’s still an excellent chance to see the northern lights if you stay long enough. You can research these last two conditions before looking for the lights by referencing the cloud cover forecast and the aurora forecast in Iceland. However, it’s impossible to know the forecasts more than a few days in advance. If there’s no aurora to be enjoyed, most tours will offer you a complimentary second chance.

The city lights will shrink behind you, but you will still be able to see the capital’s important landmarks, such as Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja. As soon as you are far enough from it, the light pollution will be so little that it will not affect your viewing experience. Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related. The combination of stunning natural phenomena, luxurious amenities, and educational opportunities make Northern Lights cruises from Iceland an unforgettable adventure.

If you’re unsure, there are dedicated tours like this eight-day northern light winter photography workshop tour that would help you capture the best photos of aurora borealis and Iceland’s beauty in the winter. In 2021, our cruises to Alaska will be sailing later than usual, kicking off the season in late July and ending in early October. Travel to Alta, the "City of the Northern Lights," for a chance to see the sky painted lime green. Cruise to Iceland in June and bask in 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice.

The northern lights are spectacular and Iceland is the ideal place to search for this natural phenomenon. Sightings are most likely in the evening hours from September to March. Cruising along the North Atlantic Ocean, the Amelia Rose ventures into the heart of the northern lights zone, where the auroras unfold against the backdrop of the Reykjavik coastline. The vessel's size and stability ensure a smooth journey, enhancing your experience as you revel in the enchanting display overhead. As you step aboard, the vessel's spacious observation decks provide panoramic views, offering the perfect vantage point to witness the northern lights in all their glory. This experience is tailor-made for those seeking a magical encounter with the northern lights while enjoying the comfort of a luxury cruise.

Instead, passengers receive a complimentary return option for up to three years, subject to availability – an assurance that your northern lights quest remains incomplete until success is achieved. When planning a Northern Lights cruise from Iceland, timing is everything. The auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, are visible when the night sky is dark enough to see them against the backdrop of space. This spectacular natural phenomenon is most commonly witnessed from September through April, a period characterized by longer nights and shorter days in the Arctic region.

Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments. As one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, Tromsø is teeming with wonders from the skies above to the fjords below. On a Norway cruise, learn about the city’s history of Arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. Visit the Husky Wilderness Camp to meet championship dogs and hear about their racing careers.