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7 of the Best Northern Lights Cruises

Set sail on these itineraries to try to spot the aurora borealis.

If seeing the northern lights , also known as the aurora borealis, is on your travel list, you've probably already looked into the best places to see them : northern destinations like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland , and Scandinavia among them. But have you ever considered visiting those destinations by sea rather than land? Many cruise lines not only offer itineraries to those regions but also offer northern lights-specific sailings, too. Cruising is particularly appealing for northern lights seekers because the ships can access remote areas without light pollution, allowing guests to see the aurora in its full brilliance. So if you haven't yet seen the northern lights — or if you're looking to see them again — here are seven northern lights cruises to help you accomplish your goal.

Viking: In Search of the Northern Lights

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Over the course of 13 days, a luxurious Viking ocean ship transports guests from London to Amsterdam , then all the way up the coast of Norway and north of the Arctic Circle, before returning back south to the Norwegian city of Bergen. (Although some sailings operate in reverse.) The Norwegian fjords themselves are a sight to behold — and if they're paired with the northern lights, that's all the better! The sailings run from January to March when daylight is limited in the Arctic Circle, making for prime aurora opportunities. Rates start from $4,999 per person in 2023, and it should be noted that Viking is an adults-only cruise line.

Aurora Expeditions: Northern Lights Explorer

Considering the cruise line is named after the atmospheric phenomenon, it should come as no surprise that it offers a northern lights itinerary. At 19 to 22 days long, depending on the departure, there is plenty of time to hope for a northern lights appearance — or two, or three, or more. The sailings start in the northern Norwegian city of Kirkenes before sailing south along the coast, heading back north to the remote archipelago of Jan Mayen (a polar bear hotspot), over to the scenic fjords of East Greenland, and around the northern half of Iceland. The longer itinerary continues with a visit to the Faroe Islands and disembarkation in Bergen, Norway. Aurora offers just one of these sailings per year in September. Rates start from $19,705.50 per person in 2023.

Hurtigruten: The Classic Roundtrip Voyage

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. In fact, Hurtigruten is so confident you'll see the northern lights during the auroral season (Sept. 26 through March 31) that if they don't show up on a sailing of 11 days or more, the company will give you a free six- or seven-day cruise to try again. For the best odds of seeing the northern lights, we suggest the 12-day round-trip itinerary from Bergen up the coast of Norway and back. Rates start from $2,309 per person in 2023.

Quark Expeditions: Under the Northern Lights

Specializing in polar voyages, Quark Expeditions knows a thing or two about the northern lights, which is why the company offers aurora sailings each fall. These 14-day itineraries cruise from Iceland to Greenland and back from September into early October. 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. Rates start from $8,501 per person in 2023.

Oceanwide Expeditions: East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis

If you don't have two or three weeks to take off work to go northern lights watching, consider Oceanwide Expeditions' eight-day aurora borealis sailings from Iceland to Greenland and back. The adventure begins in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland, before heading for Greenland's breathtaking Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. If you do have a little more time, you can opt for the 13-day Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis itinerary, which embarks in the Svalbard archipelago before sailing to Greenland and down to Iceland. Both take place in the late summer into early fall, as darkness returns to the skies in the Arctic. Rates for the eight-day itinerary start from $4,600 per person for the 2023 sailings.

Cunard: Norway and Northern Lights

Each fall, one or two of the ships in Cunard's legendary fleet head north for Norway, where guests are treated to scenic cruising along the coast. The 12-day itineraries depart from Southampton, England, before traveling to Alesund, Tromsø, Narvik, and Haugesund, sailing through majestic fjords along the way. Since the ships sail this itinerary from October to November, the skies will be dark enough to see the northern lights, should they decide to appear. In 2023, the voyage will be undertaken by Queen Victoria , while next season, the Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming Queen Anne will take the reins. Rates start from $1,689 per person in 2023.

P&O: Norway

The most affordable option on this list, British cruise line P&O operates 12-day sailings to Norway year-round, but during the auroral season, there's a strong chance you'll see the northern lights while onboard. Guests embark in Southampton, England, before sailing north to Norway, traveling as far north as Tromsø, well north of the Arctic Circle. We recommend splurging on a room with windows for the best northern lights viewing options. However, those in interior cabins can always run up on deck — which you should do anyway to witness the full grandeur of the atmospheric phenomenon. Rates start from $1,385 per person in 2023.

Can You See The Northern Lights From A Cruise Ship? The Best Cruises for Viewing the Northern Lights

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.

But can you actually see the northern lights on a cruise? The conditions must be just right, but it's highly likely to see this magical and sometimes elusive scientific phenomenon on a Northern Lights cruise sailing the Arctic Circle during the long, dark winter nights.

"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. "Cruise ships are able to be out at sea where it is dark for optimal viewing," she says, and when in port, they can create opportunities for guests to access optimal viewing sites outside of cities and their lights.

Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you.

What Is the Best Time To Go On a Northern Lights Cruise?

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 arctic viewing season for northern lights cruises is from late September to late March/early April, though the best months are December through March, when there are the longest hours of darkness and many clear night skies. Generally, skies are clearest near the spring and fall equinoxes in later September and March. Some late September/early October Alaska cruises can include northern lights sightings as well.

What Are The Best Cruise Lines That Sail Northern Lights Itineraries?

Midsize and small cruise ship companies offer a variety of Arctic Circle sails during prime northern lights viewing months. While this list is not inclusive, lines to choose from include Hurtigruten , Viking , Cunard , Quark , P&O , Silversea , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , Saga Cruises , Aurora Expeditions , and others.

"Viking has several winter trips from London to Bergen, and Cunard offers a cruise up coastal Norway in November 2022 searching for the Northern Lights. Hurtigruten sails the coast of Norway, and Quark Expeditions has a fantastic cruise to Iceland and Greenland in September to see the Northern Lights," says Goldberg-Glazer of Live Well, Travel Often.

"The Northern Lights cruises can hardly be considered mainstream, but Cunard and Viking are going to offer the experiences most familiar to those with experience cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean on a larger ship. Quark is going to offer more unique land-based experiences."

Here are a few examples of 2022 and 2023 itineraries that offer northern lights-themed cruises.

Both Hurtigruten Expeditions and the Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Express, offer a good number of itineraries that showcase the Northern Lights. The Coastal Express serves as both a passenger cruise line and a lifeline for Norwegian coastal residents and these working ships transport locals’ cars, fjord towns’ freight and up to 1,000 total passengers on any given day. For those absolutely intent on seeing the northern lights, both Hurtigruten Expeditions and its Coastal Express offer a Northern Light Promise on select itineraries, including the Expedition Cruise from the Northern Lights to Dover , The Astronomy Voyage/In Search of the Northern Lights (12 days), The Roundtrip Voyage (12 days), and the Voyage of Discovery (11 days).

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.

Viking Cruises’ 13-day In Search of Northern Lights itinerary, travels from London (Tillbury), England to Bergen, Norway (and in reverse), with multiple on-board lectures about the myths and science of the northern lights and tips on best photographing them. Passengers can opt-in for overnight wake-up calls, so they can get some sleep without worrying about missing a Northern Lights sighting.

Cunard’s Norway and Northern Lights cruise is a 12-day roundtrip along Norway’s coastline from Southampton, England on Queen Mary 2, or Queen Victoria ships. Guest speakers, astronomers and award-winning photographers are usually on board to join guests on deck to each evening to scan for and enjoy the northern lights show.

Aurora Expeditions ’ 22-day Northern Lights Explorer itinerary starts in Kirkenes, a small town in far northeastern Norway, stays close to the coastlines of the Arctic Circle, and skirts around the Norwegian and Greenland seas, and ends in Bergen.

P&O Cruises, part of Carnival Corporation, also offers Northern Lights cruises that travel along the Norwegian coast and, like many of Norwegian-focused northern lights itineraries, forays “deep in the fjords and to the fringes of the Arctic Cricle in search of the aurora borealis.”

Iceland, Greenland, and polar regions around the Northwest Passage promote some of their active, adventurous cruises around the equinoxes in September and March as northern lights viewing opportunities as well. Lines cruising in these regions include Hurtigruten, Silversea, Lindblad Expeditions, Viking Cruises, Quark Expeditions, Adventure Canada, and others.

What Kind of Things Do You Do on a Northern Lights Cruise?

The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders.

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. Some cruises offer guests opportunities to spend a night in a snow-ice hotel and visit wildlife sanctuaries where wolves, wolverines, musk oxen, elk, reindeer, and other Arctic mammals might be spotted. And in some ports, cruise guests may learn about and visit with some of Norway’s indigenous Sámi people who, under Norwegian law, are generally the only people in Norway who may own and herd reindeer.

On northern lights-themed cruises, viewing activities and excursions will abound. Announcements (even opt-in late night wake-up calls) may be issued when there’s an opportunity to view the northern lights from your ship. Excursions may give you the opportunity to be transported to northern lights viewing spots by everything from buses and minivans to small boats and dogsleds.

On board and in the field, you’ll get tips on how to best photograph the northern lights so you can document your experience (and show off to your friends). And there will be lectures that explain the science of the aurora borealis and the myths and cultural beliefs that a variety of cultures associate with the appearance of the northern lights.

What Countries Do You Visit On a Northern Lights Cruise?

Northern lights cruises depart mostly from ports in the U.K. and Norway and generally sail 10 to 15-night itineraries during the winter season. Many cruises hug the northern Norwegian coast above the Arctic Circle. Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter.

Norway: Norway dominates the northern lights cruise circuit with voyages ranging from five to 14 nights. When selecting a northern lights cruise, keep in mind that sailing along Norway’s three northernmost counties – Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark – offer the greatest opportunities for viewing the northern lights, both onboard the ship and during nighttime excursions ashore. Ports of call often include Bodo, Tromso, Alta, Honningsvag, Kirkenes. Some cruises stop in Norway’s Vesteralen, Lofoten, and Svalbard islands.

Iceland, Greenland, and Northwest Passage: Cruises to these destinations average 14 nights but can be a short as three nights when part of Arctic land tours or up to a month on icebreaking expedition trips. Cruises often stop in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Greenland’s capital city, Nuk, as well as historic Sisimiut and Ilulissat.

Northwest passage cruises travel north around the Canadian High Arctic with stops that might include bird sanctuary Prince Leopold Island, Beechey Island, Canada’s most northern community Grise Fiord and Greenland’s east coast Inuit settlement, Ittoqqortoormiit on the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund **(**Scoresby Sound). It’s located near the remote Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park, where polar bears, walruses, reindeer, musk oxen and birdlife thrive.

Alaska: Although Alaska enjoys a high volume of aurora activity, few Alaska cruises are marketed as northern lights cruises because the core Alaska cruise season is during the summer, when it is rarely dark enough for the lights to be visible. The chances to see the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise increase, however, on early May, late September/early October cruises.

What Ports Do You Visit on a Northern Lights Cruise?

Beyond the rewards of seeing the northern lights, the bonuses of winter season Northern Lights cruises are the stunning contrasts of scenery and the variety of onshore activities. Ports vary greatly from industrial centers and fjord villages to picturesque coastal towns and remote outposts on barren, frozen coasts.

Bodo, Norway : Industrial grit, raw nature, and public art frame Bodo, which is wedged between fjord islands and craggy mountain peaks. At the Nordlandmuseet (Nordland Museum), exhibits survey Norway’s history, fishing industry, Viking and Sami people’s cultures, and rediscovered silver treasure. Norsk Luftfartsmuseum (Norwegian Aviation Museum) showcases Norway’s aviation military history. And giant murals of trolls and stylized summer landscapes splash across sturdy cement buildings housing cafes, antique shops, and art galleries.

Norway’s Vesteralen and Lofoten Islands: These mountainous islands harbor archeological sites of Stone Age farmers and Viking colonies, as well as small farms and fishing villages, such as postcard perfect Stamsund. Winter northern lights cruises call on major commercial port Sortland, which is often referred to as the Blue City because so many buildings in town have been painted blue. A Loftoten excursion might include a trip to the tiny hamlet of Borg, which is home to the Lofotr Vikingmuseet (Lofotr Viking Museum), which features archeological exhibits and a reconstruction of the world’s biggest Viking Age longhouse, which was once home to a powerful chieftain.

Tromso, Norway: Considered the gateway to the Arctic from whence many historical explorations launched, Tromso ’s museums and architecture do a great job of preserving Norway’s adventurous polar past. Port attractions include the city center’s preserved mid-19th-century wooden buildings and the contemporary stained glass and triangular-shaped Tromsdalen Church, nicknamed Ishavskatedralen (The Arctic Cathedral), an impressive church and concert venue. Polaria is an Arctic research center and aquarium housed in a stainless steel, saw tooth structure that looks like giant, stacked glacial ice shared. Inside an 1837 wharf Custom House, the Polarmuseet (Polar Museum) exhibits recount the region’s hunting history and tell the stories of famous icy expeditions by explorer Roald Amundsen and sea captain Fridtjof Nansen of the North Pole ship Fram . Trom is also the base for active shore adventures, including husky dog sledding and snowmobiling. Tromso is also known for having the most pubs per capita in Norway.

Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago: Some cruises call at Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen , the southernmost of Norway’s Arctic Ocean island of Svalbard. Covered mostly by glaciers where polar bears roam, adventurous cruisers hike and dog sled accompanied by guides toting rifles.

Alta, Norway: A historic Sami settlement and site of the world’s first northern lights observatory, industrial Alta was rebuilt after World War II. Winter cruisers visit the Northern Lights Cathedral, which houses an exhibit about the myths and science of the northern lights and can overnight at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Outside of town, at Hjemmeluft, the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses the Alta Museum-World Heritage Rock Art Centre. In winter, visitors tour museums exhibit about the region’s history and geography, Sami culture, and the ancient rock art discovered there. Outdoor walkways (open when snow-free) offer access to Northern Europe’s largest collection of petroglyphs and rock paintings created by hunters-fishers 2,000 to 7,000 years ago.

Honningsvag, Norway : Here, cruises board buses to tour Island fishing villages or go to the Nordkapp or North Cape – Europe’s northernmost point, easily accessible to tourists and marked by a globe sculpture on a clifftop above the pounding Arctic Ocean. Nordkapp’s visitor center houses a large gift shop, some wildlife, historic diorama exhibit, and a cinema showing a dynamic northern lights film infused with Sami myth and scientific perspectives.

Kirkenes, Norway: Kirkenes is Norway’s northernmost urban center, and is rich in Sami culture, iron ore and World War II history. Excursions might include a military history-focused bus tour to the dense, pine forested Norway-Russia border and an underground bunker visit. Cruisers might also enjoy frozen fjord-caught Kind Crab dinner, Sami cultural visits, snow mobile rides and overnights at the Snowhotel.

Reykjavik, Iceland: The island country’s capital and southern cove cruise port is in Reykjavik , a city with lots of nightlife, an impressive opera house, and easy access to the famed geothermal Blue Lagoon. A popular day trip is to UNESCO World Heritage List site Thingvellir National Park, which is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and where Iceland’s parliament was founded in 930 A.D. Visitors also head to Gullfoss to marvel at a two-tiered waterfall plunging into a deep, narrow canyon. Nearby, it’s possible to see spouting geysers at Haukadalur Valley. The famous Ring Road connects Iceland many waterfalls, national parks, wildlife refuges, and glacial areas and is a popular pre or post cruise day trip.

Nuuk and Ilulissat, Greenland: In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, visitors take in the Katuaq Cultural Center, Gronlands Nationalmuseum (Greenland National Museum and Archives), Nuuk Art Museum, historical Old Harbor, and the country’s oldest and largest microbrewery, Godthaab Bryghus. Vessels call on Sismiut, which is grounded in strong Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule cultural history. Passengers on ships sailing Greenland’s west coast around Disko Bay might spot Bowhead, Narwhal, and Beluga whales. At Ilulissat , (birthplace of Northwest Passage explorer Knud Rasmussen), there’s Ilulissat Icefjord and the massive jagged-iced Jakovbshavn Glacier. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s most active glaciers.

Northwest Passage: This famous route, traveled mostly in summer months from northern Canada through parts of Alaska and to Russia’s far east and Anadyr, is open for limited colder-months cruising, most often on icebreaker expedition ships. Sites visited might include Radstock Bay’s polar bear research area; the Yukon’s Ivvavik National Park; and Beechey, Prince Leopold, Banks (Aulavik National Park), Herschel and Wrangel Islands.

What Do You Need to Know Before Booking a Northern Lights Cruise?

Be flexible: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that performs on its own schedule. So, there are no guarantees you’ll see them on a cruise that has Northern Lights in its name, regardless of when you sail. NASA’s Space Weather Bureau website ( www.spaceweather.com ) and a variety of Northern Lights apps can help remove some guesswork by tracking solar storm activity and alerting you to when the northern lights might be visible from your location.

On many cruises, when passengers or crew spot northern lights, they make ship-wide announcements. Because the northern lights often appear late at night or very early in the morning, some ships offer opt-in wake up calls for this purpose.

Bridgett Quinn Weber, an advisor with Cruise Specialists who works with expedition cruises offered the advice below.

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.

Come prepared. Scanning night skies for northern lights requires patience and warm clothing. So be sure to pack both. Besides a down coat, warm hat, and gloves, be sure to pack wind and waterproof pants (i.e., ski pants or rain pans), thermal long underwear, wool socks, and winter boots for walking on snow and ice. Ice crampons may come in handy, especially in ports where walkways may be icy or slick. On some active excursions, outfitters provide weather appropriate gear, but you can’t always count on that. And don’t forget your bathing suit for outdoor tub soaks and pool swims onboard.

Photographing the northern lights: A tripod or monopod are necessary and will be your tools for shooting exposures of around 30 seconds or more, which is what is required to capture the northern lights’ colors. Bring photo memory cards and an extra charged camera battery because the cold quickly drains them. Gloves with flip-back mitten covers for your fingers will make it easier to stay warm and press your camera – or smartphone’s – shutter release button. You can get great photos of the northern lights, but the best advice we’ve heard is that when the lights do appear, don’t spend all your time trying to get the best picture.

"There are lot of incredible photos of the northern lights out there taken by great photographers," one expert told us. His advice: "Take some pictures, then put your phone or camera away and just enjoy the nature’s wonderful show."

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The 9 best northern lights alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Consider one of these trips for a chance to see this mesmerizing natural wonder.

The Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

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There's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

Find your perfect cruise

When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

Holland America Line

Princess cruises, celebrity cruises, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international.

Thierry Guenez | Courtesy of Holland America Line

9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

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Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• The Best Luxury Alaska Cruises
• The Best Alaska Cruises for Families
• The Best Alaska Shore Excursions

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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• Expeditions
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• London (Tilbury) to Bergen
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In Search of the Northern Lights

• From $5,299
• 5 Guided Tours
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In Search of the Northern Lights Map

Feel the spirit of the north

Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Sailing far north during Norway’s winter, witness snow-covered landscapes dotted with rugged mountains and steep fjords, and seek out the brilliant aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and pilot a dog sled or snowmobile to further immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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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.

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Home > Expeditions > Northern Lights Explorer

Northern Lights Explorer

Usd $ 19,795.00, from usd $ 17,815.50 /pp save 10%*.

Plus Air Credit of USD $1,500 / AUD $2,200 / GBP £1,100 pp*

Cabins & Prices

Extension tours.

• Health & Safety

Shorter days in the high latitudes means darkening evening skies, so on this voyage we stay close to the coastlines of the Arctic Circle, skirting around the Norwegian and Greenland seas, and exploring remote islands and villages of the region. As night falls, we look skywards hoping to catch the magic of the northern lights. This spectacular natural phenomenon offers a surreal light display as vibrant hues of blue, green, pink and violet dance across the night sky. Places located near the Arctic Circle such as northern Norway, Iceland and Greenland, are some of the best places in the world to witness this stunning light show.

• Sail in a region renowned for its dazzling display of Aurora borealis

• Just south of the Arctic Circle, explore Vega Island, an important centre for the production of eider duck down and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Attempt to land on Jan Mayen, home to Mount Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcanic in the world

• Discover the world’s largest fjord system at Greenland’s Scoresbysund, an unbeatable place to photograph dazzling icebergs

• Iceland’s remote Westfjords offer hikes among splendid scenery where you will barely see another soul

Officially certified proof of vaccination and booster will be required ahead of travel and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 15 days prior to departure.

Aurora Expeditions does not require passengers to undergo tests for COVID-19 prior to embarkation or during the voyage. We do not conduct routine COVID-19 testing unless required by the relevant authorities. However, passengers who report symptoms of COVID-19 to the medical team during a voyage will be tested.

Northern Lights, Lofoton, Norway © Unsplash

Captured at Nordvestfjord & Eskimobugt on 13Aug, 2019 by Matt Horspool @Etchd Photography.

Coloured Houses, Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland © Michael Baynes

The beautiful city Reine at Lofoten islands © Unsplash

Lofoten islands, Norway © Unsplash

Giant icebergs along the coastline of East Greenland before sunrise © Shutterstock

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.

Day 1 Arrive in Kirkenes

Having made your way to Kirkenes, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.  

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. 

Accommodation: Thon Hotel Kirkenes (or similar)

Day 2 Embarkation Day

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day. 

After a leisurely breakfast, check-out of your room before commencing an excursion of Kirkenes and surrounds. Transfer to the pier for embarkation in the late afternoon, when you will have time to settle into your cabin before attending our mandatory safety briefings, and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail.

This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, friendly expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure.

Day 3–6 Norwegian Coast

Over the next few days we explore parts of Norway’s remarkable 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) coastline. 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.

The spectacular northern lights is a natural phenomenon that is most commonly seen in the sky above the Arctic Circle, between late autumn and early spring. As we are near North Cape in northern Norway, keep a close watch in hope of witnessing this dazzling spectacle in the night sky. The North Cape is located at a latitude of 71° 10´ 21 and is Europe’s northernmost point. Here we enjoy a short walk, visit the North Cape Hall and perhaps sample some local treats.

Enjoy a Zodiac cruise through spectacular Trollfjord, a gorge flanked by steep mountains and so narrow that it can only be accessed by small ships. In the Lofoten Islands, voted by National Geographic as one the of the most beautiful destinations in the world, we stroll through picturesque villages dotted with red and white fishers’ huts, surrounded by soaring granite peaks. Visit the Lofoten Seafood Center and learn about the impressive cod fisheries and perhaps sample some local seafood.

Crossing south of the Arctic Circle, we visit the Vega archipelago, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Vega Island is fantastic for birdwatching and here eider ducks are the main attraction, where they are raised for their down, which at one point accounted for one third of the islanders’ income. The islanders still make houses for the birds to nest in and in return, the ducks provide valuable down when they and their chicks leave the nests to continue their lives at sea. The archipelago reflects a traditional way of life that has not changed for more than 1,500 years. On nearby Torget Island, we plan to land and hike to Torghatten, a fascinating rock formation with an equally interesting legend describing the hole in the mountain as having been created by a troll’s arrow.

Day 7 At Sea

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.

Day 8 Jan Mayen

The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge Beerenberg volcano is the world’s northernmost active volcano, last erupting in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins, and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is friendly, we will try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one of the landings used to supply the Norwegian weather station at Olonkinbyen, a settlement situated on the eastern side of the island. We hope to land in front of the station at Olonkinbyen, so as to visit before embarking on a three-hour hike (weather permitting) back across the island to where the Greg Mortimer will be waiting for us in Kvalrossbukta, and our trusty Zodiacs will transport us back to the ship.

Day 9 At Sea

Our series of onboard lectures continue as sail towards the wild coast of East Greenland. You will learn about sea ice, glaciers, the unique geology found in East Greenland and daring tales of European exploration. We are also in the prime zone to view the northern lights, so glance up to the skies and you might just see more than shimmering stars.

Days 10–13 East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available to us, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is ours to explore. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our voyage to suit the day-to-day conditions. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and any opportunities for wildlife encounters. We generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales feeding near the surface.

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 2,000 metres (6,562 feet), and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hares and reindeer. Throughout the area there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the opportunity to meet the friendly locals.

Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system and a favourite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk oxen and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and common eider.

We will attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration, located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, we marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. We will then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with our passage dependent on ice conditions.

We stretch our legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. We may see musk oxen, arctic hares and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. We will see ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Day 14 At Sea

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.

Days 15–18 Iceland

Over the coming days, we explore the Westfjords region, which features outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer, table-top mountains that plunge into the sea, and pristine north Atlantic vegetation. The region features attractive towns such as as Isafjordur, the famous Dynjandi waterfall, and spectacular fjords that are ideal for kayaking, hiking and birdwatching. 

In genuine expeditionary style, we keep our itinerary flexible to allow for spontaneity. We plan to visit Hornstrandir peninsula, one of Iceland’s remotest and most pristine regions, which is filled with deep and dramatic fjords, towering bird cliffs, stunning natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife encounters. Enjoy the bountiful silence and magnificent landscapes seen by the few adventurers that make their way here. In Húsavik, we hope to have magical encounters with the many whales that visit this part of Iceland, known as the country’s whale-watching capital.

Day 19 Disembark in Reykjavik

During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer options are as follows:  

1. Direct to Keflavik Airport. 2. Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg (outside the Fosshotel Reykjavik). 3. For late afternoon and evening airport departures, Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg (outside the Fosshotel Reykjavik) where we will hold your luggage on the coach until your departure to the airport at 1pm. 

Note : We do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage.

• Transfer from airport to hotel on arrival Day 1
• One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, on Day 1
• Tour of Kirkenes and transfer to ship Day 2
• Transfer from pier to airport or hotel on Day 22
• On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
• All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
• Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
• Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
• All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
• Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
• Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation)
• One 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
• Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
• Comprehensive pre-departure information
• Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
• International or domestic flights – unless specified in itinerary
• Transfers – unless specified in itinerary
• Airport arrival or departure taxes
• Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
• Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
• Hotels and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
• Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges
• All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone charges

Included Activities

Bird watching

Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations

Near shore cruises

Photography

Polar plunge

Trips ashore

Whale and mammal spotting

Zodiac cruises

Add-on Activities

Sea kayaking.

From USD $ 1,190.00 /pp

Sea Kayaking Vacations One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Sea kayaking holidays in …

Sea Kayaking Vacations

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience antarctica, the arctic and beyond..

Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of  Antarctica , the Arctic , and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes,  absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you. 

In Antarctica, keep your camera on-hand for unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, prepare to  paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large iceberg. 

Led by experienced guides , you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Paddling is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and therefore make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit . 

‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, the sea kayaking activity is normally available anytime the other expeditioners go out. Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to ensure you see as much as possible. We paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, often taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.

Each small group of kayakers (up to 10 per guide) will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. Of course, we also make time for your own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.

The elements play an important role in our sea kayaking program. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that the weather can impact our kayaking time.

What about beginners up to the challenge?

You should be fit enough to paddle for up to three hours and climb between moving Zodiacs on the water. Regular exercise is recommended, because the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. The more paddles you can do before the trip, the better. We recommend at least three outings prior to your voyage.

Polar regions

During summer the air temperature in the Antarctic Peninsula, Greenland and Spitsbergen are generally above freezing but can range from -4°C to +5°C / 24.8°F to 41°F. The water temperature in the polar regions is close to freezing and winds sweep off the glaciers, making paddling a chilling experience. In South Georgia, there are stronger winds and swells than in Antarctica. Scotland, Iceland, Norwegian coasts are warmer with water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F.

Temperate regions

The northern waters are warmer than the polar regions but water temperatures of around 12 °C/ 53.6°F mean you may opt to wear your paddle jacket on a warm, sunny day or our dry suits on a cool day. Surf landings are not likely, but you must be capable of paddling in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 20 knots. With that being said, we will not paddle if wind conditions are too strong and there is no sheltered area for paddling.

Tropical regions

In Costa Rica and Panama, April is the end of the dry season. The shoulder season begins in May, bringing increased humidity. Afternoon rain showers are possible in May with temperatures ranging from 26-36 °C (80- 96 °F). Winds are generally light at this time of year. The water temperature ranges from 27 -29 °C. Surf landings are not likely, but be prepared to paddle in a small swell or wind chop, with winds up to 15 knots. Again, we will not paddle if wind conditions are too strong and there is no sheltered area for paddling.

The Sea Kayaking activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions and kayaking equipment. Fares for this activity start from US$900, AU$1,250, £460 or €550. 

Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates.

Top reasons to choose a Sea Kayaking holiday

See wildlife unobtrusively.

Kayaking is one of the best ways to spot rare wildlife, from penguins to puffins.

Better access

Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can't reach.​

Knowledgeable guides

Our experienced sea kayak guides will help bring your chosen destination to life.

Become an expert

Hone your kayaking skills and gain a hobby for life!

Make friends

Become lifelong friends with your small group of like-minded adventurers.

Stay fit on your holiday

Being active every day on your holiday means you don't have to feel guilty about being spoilt by our expert chefs!

Enhance your experience

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.

Have the time of your life exploring some of the wildest places on earth from the water.

Sea Kayaking in Scotland

Sea Kayaking in Antarctica

Sea Kayaking in Norway

Sea Kayaking in Greenland

Sea Kayaking in the Arctic

Sea Kayaking in Canada

Sea kayaking vacation faqs.

Our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac. There are 26 places available in Antarctica and tropical voyages, 20 in temperate regions, South Georgia and all Arctic trips except in Franz Josef Land where the maximum is 16 kayakers.

Kayakers must be 14 or over.

Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.

We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.

If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.

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. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.

Kayaking in the poles offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. In Antarctica, we have many opportunities to encounter penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally we may even spot leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, we’ll paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large icebergs, however we maintain a safe distance from polar bears and walruses. Our guides carry rifles and flare guns in the Arctic to ensure your safety against polar bears.

Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.

The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in th e astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.

In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.

No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. Passengers are unable to share a kayaking place as we customise the kayaks and dry suits for each individual kayaker at the beginning of each voyage.

Around Iceland Self Drive

From: Keflavik, Iceland To: Keflavik, Iceland Discover Iceland on a self-drive journey, taking in breathtaking fjords, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and icebergs while

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

Daily from May to September

Iceland Complete

From: Reykjavik, Iceland To: Reykjavik, Iceland Discover the world’s largest lava mass in Cross Eldhruan and later continue to the birthplace of

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

Selected dates May-Sep

Norway in a Nutshell

Start: Oslo End: Bergen Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys and then explore picturesque Bergen at your own pace.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

Departs Daily

Taste of Reykjavik (Post-Voyage)

You won’t regret spending time exploring Reykjavik and its surrounds. Discover cosmopolitan Reykjavik on a walking tour, and treat yourself

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS

Taste of Reykjavik (Pre-Voyage)

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12 best northern lights cruises for a spectacular adventure

Maximise your chances of seeing mother nature’s most spectacular light show dancing across the night sky on a sailing into the arctic circle.

N o photograph or television documentary can prepare you for seeing the northern lights in real life. 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. Additionally, shore tours seek out the best potential viewing spots based on meteorological forecasts. Here’s our pick of the best northern lights cruises.

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1. Princess Cruises

Choose how you hunt for the northern lights this 13-night trip to and from Southampton on the 3,140-passenger Caribbean Princess. On the overnight in Alta you can head to the Paeskatun centre, set at the top of a slate quarry, with sweeping views over the dark winter sky, Here you can watch a film presentation on the myths, history and science behind the lights and warm up in cosy cottages with hot drinks and cakes. The alternative viewing spot is a longer trip to a camp site to look for Mother Nature’s marvel.

Best suited to six months+ Price ££ Family-friendly Y

2. Ambassador Cruise Line

One of the latest cruise lines to launch sailings to seek out the aurora is Ambassador. It’s the first British cruise line to do so in more than a decade and has convenient, value-for-money, round-trip voyages from Tilbury, Bristol, Newcastle and Dundee. 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.

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Best suited to 50+ Price £ Family-friendly N

3. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Create a very personal souvenir as you go in search of the northern lights with an art session on Bolette and Borealis; watercolour classes to help you capture the awe-inspiring night-time display are held aboard both ships in the Olsen Art Studio. You can book a nine-night sailing on Balmoral out of Newcastle — a shorter than typical trip due to the closer proximity of the departure point to Norway . Depending on where you live, there are also convenient sailings with longer voyages from Southampton, Portsmouth and Newcastle.

Best suited to 50+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

4. P&O Cruises

Sailing to and from Southampton, P&O runs dedicated northern lights cruises on its adult-only ship Aurora. During these 12-night sailings you’ll sail along the dramatic coast of Norway to the fringes of the Arctic Circle and also visit the country’s beautiful fjords, including 550m-deep Romsdalsfjord. On a shore tour in Alta you’ll meet a northern lights expert who monitors the skies and aurora borealis forecast beforehand to help pick the best location for the day.

Best suited to 21+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

• Things you might not know about the northern lights

Search for the northern lights in style aboard Cunard’s stylish Queen Anne, the line’s first new ship in 12 years. The 12-night, round-trip Southampton sailing includes several days at sea to explore the 3,000-passenger vessel and indulge in the signature afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters. You’ll visit Narvik, one of the world’s most northerly towns, where a ride on the cable car is the best way to experience breathtaking views over the fjords and Arctic landscape. Sailings from Southampton are also available on Cunard’s ocean liner and flagship Queen Mary 2.

Best suited to 12+ Price £££ Family-friendly Y

6. Hurtigruten

Although sightings of the northern lights can never be 100 per cent guaranteed, Norwegian cruise specialist Hurtigruten is so confident you’ll see them that it has a “Northern Lights Promise” on selected sailings — if the lights don’t put on a show, you’ll enjoy a future Classic Voyage sailing free of charge. Dedicated trips in search of the aurora borealis include a 13-night round-trip expedition cruise from Amsterdam on MS Maud. It features a day on Senja, one of the most ruggedly beautiful and lesser-visited Norwegian islands.

Best suited to 14+ Price ££ Family-friendly N

As well as the chance to view the northern lights, Viking’s sailings offer exciting excursions to experience local culture and traditions. The adult-only line, which has its roots in Norway, has a reputation for creating curated and insightful tours. On the 12-night northern lights itinerary aboard Viking Venus from London Tilbury to Bergen, or in reverse, these include Polar Park, the world’s northernmost wildlife park. Here, you’ll meet wolves on an extraordinary tour led by a wildlife biologist. Other activities include a snowshoe hike above Bergen and learning the winter sport of curling.

• Best ways to see the northern lights: our top tips

8. Havila Voyages

The new kid on the block along the Norwegian coast is Havila Voyages, which has a fleet of four eco-friendly ships that launched in 2022. The line has a variety of options to sail part or all of the way along the classic route from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, with the round trip taking 11 nights. Observation lounges have glass roofs and reclining chairs to view the Arctic sky and you can push a button on the cabin telephone to be woken up in the night if the lights appear. It also has a northern lights promise — if the phenomenon doesn’t appear during a 12-day sailing, passengers get a free week-long voyage.

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Cross the Arctic Circle on a 15-night itinerary available on Saga’s two 999-passenger ships, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery. Cruises sail to and from Portsmouth and to increase your odds of seeing the light show there’s an overnight stay in Tromso, where you can visit the Polar Museum or embark on an exhilarating husky or reindeer sledding ride. You’ll be joined by experts from the conservation charity Orca who will be out on deck to host seabird and wildlife spotting sessions.

10. Quark Expeditions

Explore Iceland and Greenland, two of the last unspoilt wilderness areas on the planet, with Quark Expeditions. Sailing round-trip from Reykjavik on the 128-passenger ice-class ship Ocean Adventurer, the 13-night Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland itinerary takes in Iceland’s mountainous Westfjords and Greenland’s rugged and isolated northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world. The ship sails to Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere, where polar bears are frequently sighted and there’s a good chance of seeing the northern lights.

Best suited to 21+ Price £££ Family-friendly N

• Best northern lights igloos and bubble domes

11. Aurora Expeditions

Embark on an epic sailing in 2024 aboard the 132-passenger Greg Mortimer, the first expedition cruise vessel to feature a striking inverted bow design for smoother sailing. Aurora Expedition’s 19-night Northern Lights Explorer sailing from Kirkenes to Reykjavik will hug coastlines in the Arctic Circle and explore far-flung islands and villages. Highlights include a visit to Unesco-listed Vega Island, a centre for the production of duck eiderdown, and a planned landing at Jan Mayen where the Beerenberg volcano is the world’s northernmost active volcano, last erupting in 1985.

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. Timed to coincide with the best chance of viewing the northern lights, the cruise will also have an accent on the region’s cultural traditions, with shore tours to meet the indigenous Sami people, who have been reindeer herders since the 17th century, and the chance to try your hand at dog sledding, ice fishing and snowshoeing.

• Best northern lights tours: Iceland, Lapland and Canada

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Inspired to book a Northern Lights cruise? Here are the best cruising options with Fred Olsen and Cruise 118 .

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Northern Lights Cruise: How to See the Stunning Natural Phenomenon

Last updated: June 25th, 2021

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Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those magical experiences on nearly every traveler’s bucket list due to the surreal way light moves in waves of green color across the nighttime sky.

Aurora Borealis, as it’s officially known, can only be seen above the magnetic pole of the Northern Hemisphere. Your chances of seeing them increase the farther north you are, which in turn makes Iceland an ideal place to try your luck at Northern Lights gazing.

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.

What is the best cruise to see the Northern Lights?

Watch: Iceland Cruises Aboard Celebrity Cruises

On Celebrity, cruises to Alaska and Iceland just might yield sightings of Aurora Borealis. That said, even if you don’t see the Northern Lights during your cruise, there’s plenty to fall in love with in these exciting destinations, from incredible dog-sledding competitions to hiking along stunning fjords.

Alaska Cruises to See The Northern Lights

In 2021, our cruises to Alaska will be sailing later than usual, kicking off the season in late July and ending in early October. These exciting seven-night itineraries stop in stunning Alaskan ports, such as Ketchikan and Juneau, and spend a day sailing close to the majestic Dawes Glacier, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers.

One of the benefits of sailing to Alaska later in the year is that it increases the chance of seeing the breathtaking Northern Lights, as these are much more likely to be witnessed during the fall and winter months. If you’re sailing on a 2021 cruise to Alaska , you might even have the chance to admire this natural phenomenon from the comfort of your private Veranda Stateroom or from one of the open-air decks on board.

14-Night Iceland and Ireland Cruise to See the Northern Lights

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 .

In Iceland, you’ll stop in Akureyri and overnight in the capital city, Reykjavik. Discover the wonders of Iceland’s nature by hiking along snow-capped mountains, marveling at enormous waterfalls, and exploring gurgling fields of Icelandic lava.

The best Iceland cruise excursions for someone who is hoping to see the Northern Lights takes place in Reykjavik, where you’ll have the unique chance to explore the scientific and cultural significance of aurora borealis at the Northern Lights Center, head outside the city for a chance to see them in person, followed by a jaunt to the small fishing village of Stokkseyri, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Icelandic lobster feast.

Alaska Cruisetours to See the Northern Lights

Alaska cruisetours are the ideal way to explore the state’s stunning interior and extend your Alaska cruise vacation.

For the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, the Evening Aurora Pursuit is available on Alaska Cruisetours in mid- and late August on Celebrity Millenium. The Evening Aurora Pursuit is an optional land excursion available on different cruise tours from 10 to 13 nights, like:

Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour

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. Stay overnight in Fairbanks and explore Denali State Park. You might lose track of time, since the sun shines late into the night.

Majestic Tundra Explorer Cruisetour

If you like to spend quality time in the cities you travel to, the 11-Night Majestic Tundra Explorer Cruisetour (4A Northbound) is ideal because it features two nights in both Denali and Fairbanks. You’ll stay in a cozy lodge and keep an eye out for Alaska’s “Big Five”: caribou, moose, bears, grey wolves, and Dall sheep.

Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

The 12-Night Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour (6A Northbound) is perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, and offers even more time in Alaska’s breathtaking national parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords.

The Great Frontier Expedition & Grand Heartland Adventure

Cruisetours like the 13-Night Great Frontier Expedition (8A Northbound) and the 13-Night Grand Heartland Adventure (7A Northbound) show Alaska’s many majestic sides. Meet the eclectic locals in Talkeetna. Discover a wealth of knowledge on indigenous history. Board a glass-domed rail car, called the Wilderness Express, to Fairbanks, and soak up picturesque views every step of the way.

On cruisetours like these, you’ll traverse to towns like Seward, Anchorage, Denali, and tiny Talkeetna . Of course, sightings of the Northern Lights on your cruisetour depend entirely on natural circumstances, relying on weather, darkness, and a bit of magic.

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.

What month is best to see the Northern Lights?

Aurora Borealis is more likely to be seen between September and March. Darkness is essential if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights during your travels.

Read: Best Time to Cruise Alaska

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. Because it’s a scientific phenomenon beyond the comprehension of modern science, you can only truly predict occurrences of the Northern Lights roughly two hours before they happen.

What do I pack for a Northern Lights cruise?

For fall and winter, when sightings of the Northern Lights are more common, layering is key.

A large coat or puffer jacket is helpful, but the true secret to staying warm is layering. Thick wool socks and not airy fabrics (avoid cotton or linen) are important in keeping heat trapped in and closer to the body.

When in doubt, wear one more layer than you think you need. Remember: you can always take off another layer, but if you didn’t bring one to begin with, you might find yourself battling the cold.

Beanies, hats, hoods, gloves, and hand warmers are all good ideas, too.

Read: What to Pack for Iceland

Book A Cruise to See the Northern Lights

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.

Call one of our vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086 or browse our cruise itineraries online.

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The ultimate guide to the world’s best northern lights cruises.

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Norway & North Cape – Magic of the Arctic Winter, Auora Over Svolvaer

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. There’s just something about the juxtaposition of floating on the ocean—the planet’s still unknowable, final frontier—while staring upwards towards the heavens that intensifies the aurora experience.

Additionally, the chances of catching the starry show are much better out at sea than on land because you’re away from a city’s light pollution that can dim the display. While there’s never any guarantee that the aurora will appear, the extraordinary adventure of taking a northern cruise offers ample other rewards. So, if you’re yearning to combine a sea voyage with a luminous light show, here are some of the world’s best northern lights cruises.

Iceland, Greenland & East Canada cruise

 Iceland, Greenland & East Canada

Immerse yourself in a true north adventure on this 21-day excursion with Aurora Expeditions (the name says it all!). 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 Inuit culture, the Viking history of the North Atlantic and (weather willing) 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.

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Under The Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland

This 14-day northern lights odyssey offered by Quark Expeditions is a deep-dive into some of the world’s most hard-to-access and secluded regions. Glide alongside Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s untamed northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system on the planet. Revel in jaw-dropping scenery, spectacular seascapes and iconic Arctic wildlife. Witness Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, wander ancient Thule sites and gape at polar bears, muskoxen and whales at every turn. Fear not, while you’re transfixed by the sites, the highly experienced staff and crew are always on aurora alert and notify passengers of a sighting. Optional hiking, kayaking and walking excursions fill-out the itinerary.

Northeast Passage

Crystal Cruises’ luxury expedition aboard the Crystal Endeavor takes guests on a 29-night unforgettable journey from Anadyr, Russia to Tromsø, Norway. The trip features stops in several locations in Northern Europe and Russia that are within the Arctic circle, which is prime aurora territory. Explore the coasts of the High Arctic in all-suite, all-verandah comfort with no more than 200 guests hosted by attentive butlers, as well as a team of expedition and destination experts. On this elusive route, the Endeavor will navigate the fantastical realm of polar bears, reindeer, pacific walrus and rare bird species. Visit the Solovetsky archipelago, a UNESCO-listed set of islands in the White Sea that’s home to a historic monastery and explore the charming town of Honningsvåg in Norway, the northernmost village in Europe.

Norway & North Cape – Magic of the Arctic Winter, Aurora Over Svolvaer

Norway & North Cape – Magic of the Arctic Winter

Hurtigruten’s spectacular 12-day voyage sets sail to hunt for the magical aurora, which tends to be plentiful in Norway during the winter. Even aside from the lights, this rugged coastline has much to offer intrepid travelers. Guests will discover an Arctic landscape rich with majestic mountains, breathtaking fjords and quaint coastal towns. The journey starts in Bergen’s where guests may see  Bryggen , a UNESCO-Heritage Site with wooden buildings more than 300 years old. Other highlights of the trip include Atlanterhavsparken , which is among Europe’s most fascinating aquariums, the Lofoten Wall and Tromsø, home to Ølhallen pub, where you can have a pint at the world’s northernmost brewery.

12-Day Search for the Northern Lights

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 (Southampton), 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. In the city of Stavanger, muse over the magic of the unlikely tropical landscape at  Flor og Fjære Gardens and at Jernaldergarden , step back in time at a reconstructed farm from the Iron Age.

Arctic Cruise: Longyearbyen to Tromsø

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 (and a popular aurora site), via Bear Island. Gaze on alien landscapes of towering mountains, fjords and snow-filled wonderlands. The abundance of wildlife—like 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 weather, walking excursions, Zodiac cruises and even kayaking may be possible.

Alaska, Including Glacier Bay Cruise

Alaska also affords ample opportunity to spy the northern lights (especially in August and September). Cunard offers a trip from Vancouver, Canada up to Alaska’s Inside Passage and majestic Glacier Bay, then on finally to California via a leisurely coastal cruise. Spend the days pondering the myriad marvels of Alaska’s islets, bays and fjords; and spend the nights searching the skies for the mystical aurora borealis. The voyage also features full days in numerous popular ports like Juneau, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Glacier Bay National Park , while members of the National Park Service come onboard to offer commentary on this stunning refuge.

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These Cruises Offer the Best Way to See the Northern Lights

On these sailings, passengers will be able to witness the aurora borealis from the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship with ample amenities..

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To see the Northern Lights, travelers need to be far north, away from light pollution, and have unobstructed views of the sky.

Photo by Shutterstock

The psychedelic light show that paints the night sky with multicolored neon streams, scientifically known as the aurora borealis, is an experience worth chasing for many. For the best chance of seeing the swirling spectacle, travelers should head to the northernmost climes on a cloudless night between late August and mid-April.

While it’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will be visible, one way to stack the deck in your favor is to be on a cruise ship that can move in search of the lights, typically in the Arctic.

Beyond seeing Mother Nature’s kaleidoscopic display, passengers on these cruises will have the chance to spend their days adventuring in the polar regions, perhaps cross-country skiing, dogsledding across the tundra, riding a Zodiac boat near the face of a calving glacier, or meeting with Sámi reindeer herders. In other words, if the lights fail to appear, you won’t be at a loss.

These are some of the cruises that offer you a solid chance of seeing the Northern Lights .

Where do Northern Lights cruises go?

The auroral oval, a band that hugs the northernmost latitudes where auroral activity has the highest concentration, covers most of Alaska and Iceland, southern Greenland, and the northernmost parts of Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

However, most Northern Lights cruises visit just Norway, Iceland, and Greenland because those countries have open waterways that aren’t frozen over.

Alaska’s cruise season only runs from May through September. While it is possible to see the Northern Lights display toward the beginning and end of the cruise season, it’s unlikely and no ships specifically target Alaska’s aurora season. Additionally, most Alaska cruises are concentrated around the collection of islands in the state’s southeast region, which is a little too far south for good auroral displays (though they do happen occasionally).

You’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights while sailing Aurora Expeditions’ 132-passenger Greg Mortimer through Norway, Iceland, and Greenland.

Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

1. Aurora Expeditions’ “Northern Lights Explorer” cruise

• Cost : From $19,346 per person
• Departure port : Kirkenes, Norway
• End port : Reykjavík, Iceland

It’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear—it’s all dependent on the strength of geomagnetic storms on the sun and how clear the sky is where you are. However, given that this sailing lasts 19 days and ping-pongs around remote Arctic sites in Iceland, Greenland, and Norway, your odds are pretty good of seeing the night sky ignited by ribbons of color at least a few times. The sailing starts in Kirkenes, on the northern coast of Norway, and spends the first six days hugging the coastline, sailing past fishing villages and granite peaks, and making stops in the Lofoten Islands and other small towns. Then it’s on to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, just north of Iceland, which is also an excellent place for spotting whales and dolphins, before sliding over to the glacier-covered eastern coast of Greenland for four days of Zodiac excursions and hiking along the tundra. One of the highlights is visiting the Inuit village Ittoqqortoormiit, the region’s most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement, with its gregarious locals and scores of Greenlandic sled dogs.

From there, you’ll visit the Westfjords region of Iceland (the northwestern peninsula), with its colorful small towns, turbulent waterfalls, and fjords rich in bird-viewing opportunities. The final days before disembarkation in Bergen, Norway, will be spent in the Faroe Islands. There you’ll find traditional red-painted timber homes with grass roofs, lots of sheep and Faroese ponies, Viking history, and imposing sea cliffs.

Because it’s often chilly in this part of the world (especially at night), each passenger is given a waterproof polar expedition jacket upon arrival. The sailings will take place on the expedition vessel Greg Mortimer , which can hold 132 passengers in 79 cabins (most have private balconies for auroral viewing). The sailing runs from September 8 to 26, 2024.

Havila Voyages is so confident guests will see the Northern Lights on Nordic sailings between October and March, it offers a guarantee.

Courtesy of Havila Voyages

2. Havila Voyages’ “Round Voyage”

• Cost: From $1,330 per person
• Departure port: Bergen, Norway
• End port: Bergen, Norway

Havila Voyages is so sure that guests will see psychedelic coronas of light in the night sky that the Norwegian cruise line offers a “Northern Lights promise” on any of its 12-day Round Voyages, taking place from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. (If the Northern Lights don’t occur, guests can claim a complimentary six-day or seven-day Norway sailing during the next Northern Lights season.) The sailing starts in Bergen—with its picturesque UNESCO-listed Bryggen district lined with long, narrow rows of colorful buildings that face the harbor—before visiting Ålesund, known for its art nouveau architecture, and Trondheim, home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Then, as the ship moves into the Arctic regions, it’ll pass by dizzying fjords, tiny fishing villages, and northern Scandinavia’s largest glacier, before visiting Tromsø, where guests can meet the Sámi people (an Indigenous group in Scandinavia) and their reindeer. From there, the ship will sail as far north as possible, to a few kilometers from the Russian border, before sailing back to Tromsø, then visiting the wild and rugged Lofoten Islands and the Trondheim fjord.

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. The hybrid ships run on liquified natural gas and, for up to four hours, on 86-ton battery packs, for emissions-free sailing (the packs can be charged in ports with clean electricity). Done up in decor inspired by Norwegian landscapes, the vessels carry up to 468 overnight cruise passengers.

Havila Voyages and HX both offer a Northern Lights promise on cruises that depart from the scenic town of Bergen, Norway.

Photo by Kaitlyn Collins/Unsplash

3. HX’s “North Cape Express”

• Cost : From $3,360 per person
• Departure port : Bergen, Norway
• End port : Oslo, Norway

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), like Havila Voyages, also offers a “Northern Lights promise.” Suppose you sail one of the Northern Lights–chasing itineraries with HX between September 20 and March 31 on a voyage of 11 days or more and don’t see an auroral display. In that case, the company will give you a free six-day southbound or seven-day northbound Original Coastal Express Class Voyage. Beyond the North Cape Express, the other auroral sailings (with the Northern Lights Promise) include the 12-day Original Coastal Express (the full scenic route that stops at all 34 ports twice, on the northbound and southbound route).

For Hurtigruten’s North Cape Express expedition cruise, after departing Bergen, Norway, the 822-passenger MS Trollfjord sails toward Norway, with the first stop being in Molde, where guests can hike to Varden viewpoint for panoramic views of the 222 neighboring peaks, or visit the Romsdal Museum, a folk museum. From there, it’s onward to Rørvik, an ancient fishing town, and then Lødingen, a village known for its place amongst the fjords. Then the ship continues north into the Arctic Circle and up to Alta. There, guests can take an excursion to visit a Sámi village and learn about the Indigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. Then it’s back down to Tromsø, where guests can visit the Polar Museum, go snowshoeing, or try one of the world’s northernmost breweries, Mack Bryggeri. Next, guests will visit the Lofoten islands, considered one of the most visually stunning parts of Norway, before visiting Hardangerfjord, the second longest fjord in the country, to learn more about Viking history. The final port of call is Oslo, the nation’s capital.

Each sailing has a professional photographer on board to help guests capture the lights display on their own camera. (Also, each room has an alarm that alerts guests when the auroras are visible.)

Quark Expeditions’ Northern Lights–themed sailings begin and end in Iceland, where sightings of the dancing aurora borealis are common in winter.

Photo by Balazs Busznyak/Unsplash

4. Quark Expeditions’ “Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland” cruise

• Cost : Starts at $8,996 per person
• Departure port : Reykjavík, Iceland

Northern Lights cruising isn’t what you would consider a mainstream cruise itinerary—there aren’t lots of options—but even within the limited field, Quark’s aurora-viewing sailing stands out for its unique destinations. In Iceland, guests spend time in Reykjavík before motoring along the Westfjords, the rugged peninsula that makes up the northwest corner of the island nation. There, guests spend their days scanning the dizzying cliff sides for puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, and their nights scanning the sky for signs of the aurora. The ship then crosses the Arctic Circle as it heads to Greenland, where it spends seven days patrolling the remote northeast coast. This wild tundra is home to reindeer, arctic hares, and 40 percent of the world’s musk ox population.

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.

Guests also have the option to extend their trip with a few days in Reykjavík, where Northern Lights displays are common in the winter. Quark is running this itinerary once in 2024, from September 20 to October 1.

Warm up after aurora borealis–chasing in the Nordic-style spa on Viking ocean ships.

Eric Laignel/Viking

5. Viking’s “In Search of the Northern Lights” cruise

• Cost : From $4,999 per person
• Departure port : London, England
• End port : Bergen, Noway

Looking to check multiple countries off your list and see the Northern Lights? Viking’s 13-day sailing has stops in England, the Netherlands, and Norway.

After departing London, guests spend a day in Amsterdam, where they can stroll along the canals, admiring the architecture and indulging in alfresco coffee and stroopwafel breaks. Then, after crossing the North Sea, the ship cruises the scenic Norwegian Inside Passage, a protected shipping lane that runs from the southern tip of Norway to Russia (though Viking guests will only go as far north as Tromsø).

The first stop where the Northern Lights could make an appearance is in Narvik, a small port city within the Arctic Circle where cruisers can participate in a Sámi Northern Lights ceremony, go snowshoeing in the mountains, or ride the cable car at Narvikfjellet. Then it’s on to Tromsø, Norway’s northernmost city, for two days of Arctic adventures, before sailing to Atla, a town known for its bluebird days (ideal for Northern Lights viewing later) and ancient rock carvings for two days.

In other cities, Viking offers late-night excursions that take passengers deeper into the countryside to darker spots with clearer skies to help increase the likelihood of spotting the elusive aurora. The following two days are at sea, taking in the beauty of the Norwegian coast as the vessel makes for its disembarkation city, Bergen.

If the lights appear during the night, the crew will play an announcement over the in-cabin TVs (meaning guests need to leave their TVs on all night to hear it). During sightings, staff circulates trays of hot beverages, like cocoa and toddies, to help guests stay warm on deck. Viking runs the itinerary multiple times from January through March in 2025 and 2026.

See the Northern Lights in elegance and high style on Cunard’s forthcoming Queen Anne .

Rendering courtesy of Cunard

6. Cunard’s “Norway and Northern Lights” cruise

• Cost: From $1,749 per person
• Departure port: Southampton, England
• End port: Southampton, England

While Cunard’s 2,996-passenger Queen Anne will offer oodles of nightly performances once it launches in 2024, one of the most dazzling shows could be the one Mother Nature puts on.

After departing Southampton, the first stop on this cruise will be in Ålesund, Norway, to spend a day exploring its art nouveau architecture. After another day at sea, guests will reach Tromsø, a city 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle with famously consistent Northern Lights displays. Guests can stop by the Arctic Cathedral (which resembles a geometric glacier), visit the Polaria Arctic Center, or perhaps take a cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen.

The next day will be in Narvik, a fishing village that can trace its history to the Stone Age but that has held township status only since the early 20th century. There travelers can ride the Ofoten Railway for a day trip to Sweden, hike to Frostisen Glacier, or ski at the Narvikfjellet ski resort. The final port town on the itinerary is Stavanger, where the most popular attractions relate to the community’s maritime history.

Cunard is known for bringing aboard subject experts, astronomers, and night-sky photographers who add extra color and insights to the sky-transforming glory of the Northern Lights. There will be ample space on the 1,085-foot, 13-deck ship to find quiet areas to see the nighttime show. In 2025, Cunard will offer a departure from September 26 to October 8, and it will offer a sailing on the 956-foot, 12-deck Queen Victoria from November 22 to December 4, which will visit Haugesund, Norway, where the 2,000-foot-tall Langfoss Waterfall and hikes to the Instagram-famous Pulpit Rock are the big draws, instead of Stavanger.

Fran Golden contributed reporting. This story was originally published in October 2022 and was updated on April 5, 2024, to include current information.

Give the Gift of an Ultimate Travel Experience: Buy a Gift Card for Northern Norway's Best Tours Now!

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE

A scenic nightcruise in search of the northern lights while enjoying your own private hot tub experience aboard our luxury sailing yacht., enjoy personalized service, hot drinks, a uniquely delicious reindeer soup and a luxurious atmosphere on this small group tour..

Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with hot tub and dinner

aurora hot tub cruise

northern lights night cruise

ABOUT THE TOUR

Step aboard our exclusive 4-hour Northern Lights Cruise and immerse yourself in pure luxury as you chase the mesmerizing aurora borealis.

Join us aboard Stella Oceana, a custom built 32-meter luxury yacht, designed to host small groups of up to 12 guests.

Settle into an evening of indulgence with a private hot tub experience and a delectable local dinner featuring the rich flavors of traditional reindeer soup.

Relax in our spacious saloon, reminiscent of your own living room, offering comfort, warm drinks, entertainment and engaging conversations.

Your knowledgeable local captain ensures the best vantage points for seeing the northern lights.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the arctic landscape and, with luck, witness the northern lights while relaxing in the warmth of the hot tub.

Don't miss this extraordinary chance to experience the magic of the northern lights in unparalleled comfort and luxury.

NOK 2,500  per Adult (Age 13+)

NOK 2,200 per Child (Age 1-12)

Private charters:

For up to 12 people NOK 30,000

19:00 - 23:00 (7-11pm)

From Tromsø

-4 hour cruise in search of the aurora

-Private hot tub time for your group

-Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water & cookies

-Reindeer stew with bread

-One non-alcoholic welcome drink

-Blankets & pillows for comfort

-Books & games for entertainment

-English speaking host and guide

-Former Norwegian Navy Sea Captain

DETAILED TOUR DESCRIPTION

Our luxury Norweigen northern lights cruise departs from Tromsø, the Paris of the North in Northern Norway. Tromsø is an ideal destination for viewing this special light show. With very little light pollutio just outside of the town, we don’t have to sail far for the opportunity to view the northern lights at sea. With this area being above the Arctic Circle, the Tromsø northern lights are a spectacular sight to behold. As we depart our home port, you can enjoy the scenery outside under cozy blankets with a warm drink. We’ll cruise out to the best place to see the lights depending on the weather for the day. Settle into our dining room for a traditional dinner of reindeer stew paired with local root vegetables and fresh bread. Your guides will share local stories and answer any questions you have about the aurora borealis or Northern Norway. Now full and content, you can opt to take a soak in our outdoor hot tub. This is literally the best way to stay warm and keep an eye out for the auroras. Alternately, if you’re not going to hot tub, you can rent a thermal suit to stay warm and bundled up while searching for the lights, or stay out as long as it's comfortable for you then go inside to warm up. Around 11 o'clock, we’ll slip back into the harbor and conclude our hot tub and northern lights cruise. Ready to relax & search for the auroas?

TOUR GALLERY

Frequently asked questions about this

Luxury Norwegian Northern Lights Cruise

What food and drinks are available?

Coffee, tea, water, hot chocolate and cookies are included. A reindeer stew with local root vegetables and fresh bread will be served onboard. A soup that suits your dietary restrictions can be prepared if notified in advance. No other beverages or food are available for purchase onboard. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought onboard.

Will I get sea sick?

While seasickness varies from person to person, the boat's stability and the sheltered cruising area typically prevent discomfort for most travelers. In the rare event of seasickness, we suggest preparing with your preferred prevention methods. Our captain, a licensed medic, and experienced crew are available to assist, ensuring a pleasant journey for all guests.

What are the chances of seeing the northern lights?

Your chances of seeing the northern lights in Tromsø are very high as long as their are clear skies. 9 out of 10 times, we see the aurora borealis on this cruise. The weather changes quickly and often above the arctic circle, but even when there is cloud cover, we have seen the northern lights through a small opening between the clouds. Although the chances are normally very high, we can not guarantee that you will see them on the day of your cruise.

Is there a good app to forecast the northern lights?

We like this aurora forecast  to help you decide when to book a tour in Tromsø.

When can you see the northern lights?

It is possible to see the northern lights in Tromsø between September and April and they can occur whenever the sky is dark and their is strong solar wind.

Can someone help me take photos?

Yes, our crew can help with camera settings and will gladly take photos for you.

What to wear on a northern lights cruise?

On a northern lights cruise in Norway, you will want to wear layers of winter clothes suitable for below freezing temperatures. If you want to spend most of your time outside, we recommend wool under layers, ski pants, a waterproof down jacket, a scarf, neck gaiter or winter face cover, a warm hat that covers your ears well, windproof touch screen gloves, wool socks, and shoes that are easy to take on and off. You can also rent our thermal suits during the booking process.

What wildlife/animals will I see?

You never know what you might encounter in the sea, but occasionally we have seen dolphins on this cruise.

STILL DECIDING? We're available to answer your questions!

[email protected]

Call +47 907 07 512

Check out our YouTube channel for inspiration

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EXPLORE OUR OTHER TOURS IN TROMSØ

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6 of the best Northern Lights cruises

Here’s how to have a floating holiday under the technicolour waltz of the aurora borealis, article bookmarked.

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Ribbons of brilliance, dazzling displays and ethereal stargazing – the Northern Lights are a lifetime highlight for those lucky enough to witness the intriguing spectacle.

Famously, orchestrating a glimpse of the elusive celestial ballet requires that a lot of factors fall into place. Clear viewing conditions, a great vantage point and a lot of patience are a must to watch the lights dance at their most visible between September and March.

To maximise your chances of a rare Northern Lights sighting, you’ll need to head for locations with the latitude to host nature’s best performance, and chances of a successful sighting soar on the remote Arctic Ocean .

Forget shivering on city-side snowscapes you were ferried to by coach and float far from light pollution, gliding past giant ice cubes on luxury vessels beneath the dramatic backdrop of the aurora borealis.

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.

Read more on cruises :

• The best winter cruise holidays for winter sun, city breaks and the Northern Lights
• Best Caribbean cruises for a holiday on the water
• The best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

Best for: Aurora guarantee

The north cape express, hurtigruten.

Departs: Oslo, Norway

Arrives: Bergen, Norway

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.

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. The cherry on top of the cake? 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.

Departures until April 2024.

Best for: Illuminating science

Greenland and iceland, celebrity cruises.

Departs:  Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrives:  Boston, Massachusetts

For a surreal sea voyage across the Northern Hemisphere’s wild terrain,  Celebrity Cruises  provides a slice of volcanic Iceland with six ports, including Greenland and Nova Scotia . At Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Center, you’ll also learn the science behind the spectacle and its cultural significance on a cruise that could yield a sighting of the unpredictable aurora.

Spend 12 nights onboard the decadent Celebrity Eclipse from $2,163pp (£1,706). Cruise in style on the ship complete with a European shopping piazza, yoga studio and a martini bar that boasts a whole portfolio of vodkas.

Departing 16 August 2024.

Best for: Cruising and perusing

Arctic circle cruise, royal caribbean.

Departs: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Arrives: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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.

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.

Departing 30 May 2024.

Best for: Sustainable sailing

Norway round voyage, havila voyages.

Departs: Bergen, Norway

This coastal express cruise by Havila Voyages visits 34 Norweigan ports across 12 days including travel wish list staples such as the Lofoten archipelago and the sensatinal North Cape landscape and there are few places better to watch the lights dance.

Lucky travellers will be able to watch the sky illuminate in secondary colours through the glass ceiling of the ship’s observation lounge as they sail sustainably by battery for up to four hours of silence – a Northern Lights promise also applies to this magical £2,096pp voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes.

Departing 30 December 2023.

Best for: Exhaustive expeditions

Journey across the northwest passage, seabourn.

Departs: Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrives: Anchorage, Alaska

Onboard  Seabourn’s  Venture ship, a 23-day journey across the Northwest Passage floats from Iceland to Greenland, Canada and Alaska and the kaleidoscope of colourful houses typical of Scandinavian towns extends above to the night skies. There’s even a constellation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which offer views of penguins and killer whales by day and the light’s wonders by night.

The cruise costs from £24,299 for a veranda suite; not cheap, but the Northwest Passage experience through the glacier-carved Canadian Arctic and 23 opportunities to tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list is arguably priceless.

Departing 6 August 2025.

Best for: Intimate adventures

East greenland explorer fly & cruise, secret atlas.

Arrives: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

To explore Greenland’s breathtaking Scoresby Sund fjord, the colossal ice columns of Viking Bay and the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, Secret Atlas has an impressive  East Greenland cruise . Groups of just 12 intrepid travellers can board MV Vikingfjord to reach Greenland’s mammoth fjord, from €9,900 (£8,579) for eight days of lectures, zodiac shore landings with polar bear protection guides, and full-board dining.

An on-deck sauna, comfortable cabins and an open-plan observation lounge primed for photographing the Northern Lights complete the intimate adventure. Float to the northern wilderness in September, when there is little light pollution and the best chance of being mesmerised by the vivid aurora.

Departing 5 September 2024.

Read more on the best cruises for 2024

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Northern Lights cruises

Journey into the arctic circle.

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.

Few towns are located in as magnificent surroundings as Narvik. 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.

Rebuilt after a fire in 1904, Alesund is uniquely art nouveau in style (something of a rarity in Norway). It’s spread across a series of islands, best seen from the city’s famous Fjellstua viewpoint.

Multicultural Tromsø is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Home to over 100 nationalities, the city offers a wealth of eateries serving some of the best native cuisine in the Arctic.

Charming and postcard pretty, Stavanger is an idyllic coastal town, famous for its perfectly preserved wooden buildings (some dating back to the 18th century) and miles of pristine white sand.

Be inspired

There are so many treasures awaiting discovery in this magical region. 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.

Starry, starry night

To marvel at the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover how it feels to experience this natural wonder with Cunard.

A Lofoten island escape

Found well within the Arctic Circle, these Norwegian islands are home to soaring mountain peaks, charming fishing villages and exciting Viking history.

Waves of wellbeing

As the sea-inspired Mareel Wellness & Beauty holistic spa is welcomed on Cunard cruises, we explore how the ocean can bring health benefits to mind, body and soul.

More destinations to explore

Norway and Norwegian fjords

Northern Europe

Northern Lights cruises: your questions answered

No. The Northern Lights are caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth's magnetic field, and isn't affected by our normal weather systems. However the lights can be obscured by clouds and can be drowned out by strong moonlight, so choosing a clear night at the right part of the lunar cycle gives you the best chance. The rest is luck!

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.

In January-March the nights are longer and there tend to be fewer snow clouds blocking the view, but in autumn the weather is milder, and has had some fantastic light displays in recent years. November and December can be good for sightings too, but we suggest wrapping up extra warm!

A general rule is that the further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Norway is perhaps the most popular country for a Northern Lights cruise, though Iceland is also a good choice. Cunard offers cruises within the Arctic Circle visiting the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is a known place to view the aurora borealis.

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. Cruises to Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic, should give you a decent chance.

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Home > Destinations > Luxury Northern Lights Cruises

Luxury Northern Lights Cruises

Embark on the experience of a lifetime with a luxury Northern Lights cruise. Sailing the beautiful, snow-topped landscape of magical Norway on the hunt for the mystical Aurora Borealis. 

Whether you believe the Northern Lights are souls of the dead dancing in the sky, like the Sámi people, or Nordic gods celebrating in Valhalla, this amazing phenomenon is definitely one to tick off your bucket list!

The Northern Lights are a naturally occurring spectacle of brilliantly coloured waves of light that appear high above you in the night sky. Although they may look like the reflection of the Valkyrie’s armour clashing in battle, the colourful glow is caused by electrically charged particles, high in energy from the Sun, entering the Earth’s atmosphere. The high-impact entrance creates a transfer of energy that agitates the molecules, causing them to release light. 

It is widely agreed that the Aurora Borealis are best viewed as close to the Arctic Circle as possible, under a pitch-black sky. Voyage to countries within the Northern Lights Oval to enjoy the show of light with front row seats and unobstructed views. 

A cruise to the Northern Lights offers unmatched opportunities to spot the natural wonder of the world. Out at sea, far away from the bright lights of any urban city, promises complete darkness. The perfect backdrop for a viewing of the breathtaking Aurora Borealis. Sail over a vast expanse of Arctic waters and fjords to access exclusive viewpoints with uninterrupted visibility. 

Stellar Moments…During The Day!

While the Northern Lights are the main attraction of this amazing experience, there’s so much to see and do. Watch the glittering snowscape unfold on a reindeer ride, climb the stone steps of the Sherpa Staircase or ride a cable car up Mount Storsteinen. Whatever the weather, indoors or outdoors, there is an adventure for everyone!

Discover the history of Stavanger and its medieval architecture or let folk music move you at a Midnight Concert in Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral. Sled through the beautiful Nordic winter landscape with huskies before retreating to the warmth of your Ice Dome for a truly magical overnight stay. Explore the awe-inspiring glaciers at Hardangervidda National Park, the setting for the ice planet of Hoth in Star Wars Episode V.

Top tip: Your chance of seeing the Northern Lights increases as activity on the sun grows, reaching a climax also known as sunspot or solar maximum, before falling again. This occurs over an 11-year cycle, and the good news is that we are currently heading towards another pinnacle!

Our experts say

I had a wonderful time on a Northern Lights cruise, and was lucky enough to see dazzling Aurora Borealis for myself! The colours in the skies in the Arctic Circle were stunning. I also visited a Husky farm, and learnt all about how they train them to race. Dawn Wootton – Customer Care Team

Best Time To Visit the Northern Lights

Between September – April can be the best time to ensure sightings of the wonder. While summer holidays have an obvious appeal, the journey to this winter wonderland is more than worth wrapping up for! Winter months bring more likelihood of seeing the lights as the days are shorter. 

Book Luxury Northern Lights Cruises

Our luxury travel experts at the Cruise Village are here for any help you may require researching or booking Luxury Northern Lights Cruises. We’d love to hear from you. You can speak to us from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays on 0800 810 8481 . Or find your preferred sailing below and send us an enquiry online! We look forward to helping you plan the perfect Luxury Northern Lights Cruise!

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Norway Luxury Cruises

It’s big, it’s bold, and by golly, it’s beautiful. a cruise in norway’s fabled fjords and shores is the stuff of magic..

Taking in just about everything this country has to offer, Silversea’s all-inclusive luxury will see you having a schnapps in Oslo one day, cruising along North Cape the next and spotting Polar Bears the next. Our intimate ships provide the perfect excuse to visit (almost) every nook of the vast coastline – so get ready for some pampering from Arendal all the way to the Arctic. Not to mention perhaps the freshest air on the planet, still waters, graceful wildlife and lots of cosmopolitan cool … Why not have it all on our superb selection of Norway luxury cruises. Read more about Northern Europe .

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Why Silversea?

Intimate Ships

Silversea’s luxury cruises in Norway cater to both expedition and classic travellers. So whether you want to go Polar Bear spotting in the Arctic aboard the fantastic Silver Cloud, go on a fjord cruise aboard Silver Wind or enjoy the long summer nights aboard Silver Spirit, you can rest easy knowing that our smaller ships are some of the best in the business.

Luxury Oceanview Suites

Nothing says a Norway cruise better than waking up with a view of the unspoilt North Sea coastline! Imagine enjoying breakfast with the pretty shores of Kristiansand in the background, or enjoying a nightcap in the midnight sun – all from the privacy of your very own room. Every Silversea suite offers guests a panoramic sea view, with almost all of them offering a private veranda. Now how’s that for real luxury?

Personalised Service

“As part of the Silversea family, we are encouraged to think outside of the box so we can bring a special touch to your voyage", says Jithin Pailose, one of our Senior Butlers. Because our personalised service is really something to write home about: around the world and around the clock, every suite comes with a dedicated butler to take care of every detail of your voyage. And that’s only the beginning! Let us help you have the holiday of a lifetime.

All-Inclusive Cruises

From Zodiac trips for wildlife spotting in the Arctic to a choice of six complimentary restaurants aboard, we think our all-inclusive luxury cruises are some of the most exclusive on offer! And with a destination focus aboard every Norway luxury cruise, we guarantee that you’ll be enjoying special events both shoreside and onboard, along with local gourmet dishes and bespoke cocktails. And yes, we promise it’s all included.

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Highlights of Barcelona

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example. One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example. One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example.

One of Europe’s most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Example.

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THE 10 BEST Resorts near Salon MTS, Moscow

Resorts near salon mts, property types, distance from, neighborhoods, traveler rating, hotel class.

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ELEKTROSTAL HOTEL - Reviews

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Elektrostal Hotel & Travel Guide

Travelocity's Russia hotels database doesn't list any place to sleep in Elektrostal.

When you and your family plan to book Travelocity-listed hotels near this region of Russia, Moscow could be an ideal alternative. It can be located 35 miles (54 kilometers) from Elektrostal. Moscow hotels and apartments include he The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow and Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow .

Once you and your family have got to know Elektrostal, why not explore a little more of the area? The Central Russia district has myriad things to offer visitors. Discover Central Russia's old towns and don't forget to see the region's forests, rivers, canals and mountains. In this corner of Russia adventurous travelers might partake in ice skating and four-wheel driving.

35 miles (59 kilometers) to the west of Elektrostal you will find Garden Ring, where you can spend a little time at the Arena CSKA. Khoroshevskiy rooms include the Kutuzovsky prospekt II and Hotel Bega . If you're looking for an alternative, you can visit Garden Ring, 35 miles (53 kilometers) west of Elektrostal. While you are in Garden Ring, take the time to explore the State Literary Museum. The Hotel Savoy Moscow and Hotel Metropol Moscow are great places to retire for the night.

While in town, don't miss out on enjoying thrills and spills in the company of fellow supporters at an engaging game. Luzhniki Stadium can be found 35 miles (58 kilometers) to the west of Elektrostal. Book a Travelocity-listed hotel right in the thick of the sporting action at the Moscow Suites Noviy Arbat or the LikeHome Apartments Arbat .

Before you and your traveling partner journey to Elektrostal, make sure you browse Travelocity's Elektrostal city guide where you can hear local secrets about the numerous attractions on offer.

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Britain to send record military aid to Kyiv to help Ukraine keep the lights on

Rishi Sunak pledges £500 million in extra equipment including air defence missiles to thwart Russia’s bombardment of power stations

Britain is sending a record package of military aid to Ukraine so the country can keep the lights on this year, Rishi Sunak has announced.

The Prime Minister unveiled £500 million in extra equipment, including air defence missiles, to thwart Russia’s bombardment of power stations.

He also pledged to donate hundreds of armoured vehicles , 60 boats – including raiding craft – and four million rounds of small-arms ammunition to help Kyiv through a “difficult summer”.

Mr Sunak made the announcement ahead of a visit to Germany and Poland, where he will urge European allies to increase military support for Ukraine . He will speak with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, and Donald Tusk , the Polish president, and meet British troops stationed in both countries.

Before travelling to Poland on Tuesday, he warned that Vladimir Putin “will not stop at the Polish border” if he wins the war, meaning the security of the whole continent is at stake.

Downing Street said the package was the single biggest donated in terms of both individual pieces of equipment and the breadth of weaponry covering land, sea and air.

The provision of four million rounds of small arms ammunition will almost double the UK’s contribution since the start of the war, over two years ago, from six million to 10 million bullets. 

It includes more than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, with the Prime Minister also pledging to supply more long-range Storm Shadow missiles , which Ukraine has used to devastating effect against Moscow’s military.

Russia has deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure including power stations with rocket attacks, in an attempt to bring the Ukrainian population to its knees.

Earlier this month, it used a missile barrage to destroy the Trypilska thermal power plant , which supplied much of the power to Kyiv.

Mr Sunak said on Monday night: “Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border.

“Ukraine’s armed forces continue to fight bravely, but they need our support and they need it now. Today’s package will help ensure Ukraine has what they need to take the fight to Russia.

“The United Kingdom will always play its part at the forefront of European security , defending our national interest and standing by our Nato allies.”

Alongside the missiles, the aid package will also contain British-made attack drones and more than 400 military vehicles including 160 husky protected patrol cars.

Britain is donating 60 boats to help the Ukrainian armed forces on the water including offshore raiding craft and dive boats, as well as maritime guns.

‘Barbaric assault’

Mr Sunak’s spokesman said all the equipment had been specifically requested by Kyiv, which “faces a difficult summer as Russia continues to ramp up its barbaric assault”.

“They have asked and we have answered. New weaponry will be procured and delivered as quickly as possible,” he said.

“The UK continues to play a central role in European defence and security in the face of growing global threats and an expansionist Russia.”

It comes on top of £2.5 billion of military aid that the Prime Minister unveiled in January during a trip to Kyiv for talks with Volodymyr Zelensky , the president of Ukraine.

Downing Street said that the extra £500 million had been paid for by the Treasury and was not being taken from the Ministry of Defence’s budget.

Ukraine has been struggling to fight off Russian attacks, which have been growing in intensity despite the huge losses faced by Moscow’s forces.

It was handed a big boost on Sunday when the US House of Representatives finally signed off on a £50 billion package of US military assistance.

But in a blow to Kyiv, foreign and defence ministers from European Union countries failed to sign off on the delivery of Patriot air defence systems.

Mr Scholz has faced criticism both inside and outside of Germany, including from President Zelensky, over his refusal to sanction the delivery of air-launched Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

‘Kick Putin out’

Grant Shapps said the UK’s “record package” would give Ukraine “more of the kit they need to kick Putin out and restore peace and stability in Europe”.

“We will never let the world forget the existential battle Ukraine is fighting, and with our enduring support, they will win,” the Defence Secretary said.

The Prime Minister will use his talks with Mr Tusk to make an offer to deploy an RAF Typhoon Squadron to Poland next year to carry out Nato air policing.

Mr Sunak is also expected to use his meetings with both the Polish prime minister and Mr Scholz to push for improved post-Brexit trade ties.

• Rishi Sunak,
• Russia-Ukraine war,
• Ministry of Defence,
• Vladimir Putin,
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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