The Ultimate Guide To A Northern Lights Cruise: How To See The Stunning Natural Phenomenon
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With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises. The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.
What is the best cruise to see the Northern Lights?
And Norway and generally sail 10 to 15-night itineraries during the winter season. Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights, whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea. Hurtigruten is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise.
In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas
These include a 14-night sailing on its recently launched second ship, the 1,200-passenger Ambition. Highlights include visits to former Viking strongholds Haugesund and Trondheim, and Arctic Circle calls in Alta, Narvik and Bodo. It’s also the site of Scoresbysund, the most extensive fjord system in the world, and the glaciers here are the birthplace of many of the icebergs you see in the Arctic. Because it’s an expedition sailing, guests typically get off the boat two or three times per day for excursions, be that for Zodiac rides between bobbing bits of icebergs, hiking among reindeer, kayaking in the fjords, or perhaps even doing a polar plunge. The Norwegian-owned Havila Voyages operates four newer environmentally friendlier coastal cruise ships that carry both people and cargo between Bergen and Kirkenes, year-round.
best northern lights cruises for a spectacular adventure
Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph the many seabirds that trail our ship in the ever-present arctic winds. The dark night skies promise more opportunities to experience the northern lights. Onshore activities for cruisers might range from museum and science center visits to dogsledding with huskies, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and scenic helicopter rides.
Discover Greenland with Arctic Umiaq Line
Starting in North Cape, in the very north of the country, we make our way south, stopping in the Lofoten Islands and visiting mesmerising Mount Torghatten, famous for the hole through its centre. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you. As we explore your cruise itinerary together, you'll be able to sample various treats of the region in our on board restaurants - trying out local delicacies, with options for both lunch and dinner. Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from a unique perspective of our ship. 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.
Sail the North Sea, central to Europe’s history, from Viking voyages to oil drilling. Under the Northern Light Promise, if the Northern Lights do not appear on a traveler's applicable Norway Expedition cruise, the expedition group will give travelers another Norway cruise free of charge. Glimpsing the Northern Lights in all their mystical and sky-transforming glory is one of those bucket-list life experiences that many world travelers often wait years to see. Take a look at our gallery of fantastic photos taking on board our ships as we cruise to the Northern Lights. Read below to see what our lovely guests have said about our Northern Lights cruises. Surrounded by stunning arctic landscapes, get closer to magnificent Humpback and Orca Whales, listening out for their otherwordly calls echoing around you.
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]
Rates for the eight-day itinerary start from $4,600 per person for the 2023 sailings. In 2024 luxury line Ponant features its first-ever winter cruise holidays in Norway. On the ten-night Nordic Discoveries & Traditions itinerary you’ll sail to and from Tromso on the elegant 184-passenger Le Bellot or Le Champlain. Search for the northern lights in style aboard Cunard’s stylish Queen Anne, the line’s first new ship in 12 years.
Norway’s Coastal Kitchen
Enjoy the crossing to Jan Mayen, accompanied by seabirds as we search for whales. Enjoy informative talks from our team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners, stay active in the gym or treat yourself to a massage in the wellness centre. Remember to look to the skies at night and hope for sightings of the northern lights. 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.
S&T's 2024 Norwegian Aurora Cruise - Sky & Telescope - Sky & Telescope
S&T's 2024 Norwegian Aurora Cruise - Sky & Telescope.
Posted: Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:56:39 GMT [source]
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Let us introduce you to the mysteries of the aurora borealis, the beautiful Lofoten Islands, and how our on board spa services take inspiration from the ocean itself. 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. You’re also more likely to see them if you visit in colder months, as the most brilliant displays occur both in dark and cold environments.
Of course, sightings of the Northern Lights on your cruisetour depend entirely on natural circumstances, relying on weather, darkness, and a bit of magic. Dreaming about seeing the Northern Lights is easy; figuring out the logistics of viewing those shimmering colors in the nighttime sky aren’t so simple. A Northern Lights cruise takes the stress out of planning, lodging, and even transportation to destinations like Iceland, Alaska, and more. British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.
You will have to look long and hard to find a cruise line more fair than that. This is one of the things that keeps us spending what travel funds we have with Viking. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March. The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators. Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region.
They are one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena and cruises, which sail beneath the aurora oval, provide some of the best chances of spotting the aurora borealis in all their glory. The best time for sightings is from September through to April in Norway, Greenland and Iceland. You can keep cosy in panoramic observation lounges before going out on deck if the lights make an appearance.
The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth. Receive special offers, exciting new itineraries and fascinating articles delivered straight to your inbox. Our Scandinavian tour packages offer a deeply immersive experience — the perfect Nordic adventure is waiting for you. Embark on a nostalgic summertime voyage along the Norwegian coast up to the Svalbard archipelago at the edge of the world. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.
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