cruise nation northern lights

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

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

RelaxFoto.de/Getty Images

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.

Related Articles

Protect Your Trip »

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

Getty Images

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.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

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

World's Best Places To Visit

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

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Amazon prime day luggage deals.

Amanda Norcross June 25, 2024

Sun Princess Review

Holly Johnson June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky might cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green look like something from outer space — and they are. Auroras appear when charged particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Cruise ships can take you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Remember that seeing this phenomenon doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights requires clear and dark skies, late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you invest all your cruise vacation hopes in this one experience.

Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.

Just off the auroral ring is the rest of Alaska. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis.

Cruise lines operating in Alaska — including Holland America , Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures — have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the display. Put your name on the list, and you'll receive a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door if there's aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly, as the lights might only appear for a few minutes. (They could also last considerably longer.)

Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights

If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights."

Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899. A whole industry has sprung up around the lights, including such extravagant shore excursions as an overnight in a tent with viewing windows at a Sami dog-sledding camp. Alta is also home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural landmark.

Tromso is another Norwegian destination known as a hub for aurora borealis viewing. In late January, there's a northern lights arts festival featuring top artists in various musical genres.

Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. However, the peak viewing season is from November to March (see below). Viking also visits but in the winter.

Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada appear on many expedition ships' itineraries during northern lights season, mostly early in the season in August and September. Lines with ships there include Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

When can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

Because of the late-setting and early rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, but solar activity does take place year-round.

If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises.

The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska. An advantage in Norway is that it's dark enough to see them for a longer period during fall and winter.

Do cruisetours in Alaska improve my chances of seeing the lights?

Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

While you might see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, venturing to Fairbanks and points farther north will increase your odds.

Fairbanks tourism folks like to brag that if you visit for at least three nights between Aug. 21 and April 21, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are more than 90%. (That assumes you are out actively looking during the late evening hours.)

Since your cruisetour might not visit for three nights, consider booking extra hotel nights before or after your cruise. Other things to do in this laid-back city (human population: about 100,000; moose population: 16,000) include riverboat tours, gold panning and yoga with reindeer.

You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon Territory, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours.

Related: What's the best way to view the northern lights? We tried to see them by air, land and sea

Should I go on a cruise just to see the northern lights?

Yes, but remember that the phenomenon is dependent on the weather (clear skies required) and hard to predict, despite scientists' best efforts.

Viking has wintertime cruises to Norway from London specifically designed to track the lights in the Norwegian Sea during the peak viewing season — throughout the cruise but especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta (where the sailings stop overnight). It's dark in these locales in winter, increasing your chances.

Hurtigruten is so invested in its northern lights experiences that it has hired famed northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss as its "chief aurora chaser." He will serve as an onboard expert, offering talks and workshops for passengers.

The line is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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..

• Copy Link copied

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.

Celebrity Blog

• Special Occasions
• Choosing a Cruise
• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
• East Coast & Bermuda
• Mexican Riviera
• South America & Antarctica
• Destinations

Northern Lights Cruise: How to See the Stunning Natural Phenomenon

Last updated: June 25th, 2021

• Find a Cruise

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.

Related Itineraries

Bahamas & Perfect Day

• 4 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• DEPARTING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
• Starting from $379 USD
• 3 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• Starting from $498 USD

Nassau Getaway

• Starting from $500 USD
• Starting from $849 USD

Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman

• 6 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $899 USD

Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

• 8 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $1480 USD

Related Articles

How to Get Around Bermuda

12 Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

When Is the Best Time to Visit California?

20 Must-Do Experiences in Alaska

An Insider’s Guide to Downtown Banff

Best Places to Explore Rome Off the Beaten Path

Free Vacation Planning Services

CALL US 888-751-7804

Sign Up for Special Offers

I would like to receive electronic Promotional messages from Celebrity Cruises Inc. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Please view our Privacy Policy .

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *
• Country * Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

STAY IN THE KNOW

Thank you for subscribing.

See you on board soon.

Northern Lights

Northern lights: your guide to experiencing the aurora borealis this year.

If you’d like to witness the naturally occurring phenomenon that it the Northern Lights, then read on to discover our top tips.

A cruise is a great way to experience the Northern Lights this year. When visiting Norway, not only will you get the chance to view the enchanting Northern Lights, but you will see Norway’s incredible unspoilt environment, its magnificent ancient glaciers, its picturesque snow-capped mountains and its traditional fishing villages, making the trip certainly one which you will never forget and cherish forever. Norway is famous for its Northern Lights. The spectacular light show is a once in a lifetime experience and will captivate you with its huge variety …

Northern Lights

One of the great attractions in the Arctic are the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.

Region: Arctic

Destinations: Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland

Northern Lights also known as the Aurora Borealis

One of the great attractions in the Arctic are the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are caused by eruptions on the sun and can only be seen when it is dark. “Aurora” is Latin for “dawn” and was the Roman goddess of the dawn. Every morning she would fly across the sky to announce the coming of her brother Sol, the sun. The Aurora Borealis is located in the Northern Hemisphere. The Aurora Australis is located in the Southern hemisphere and is known as the “Southern Lights”. 

What are the Northern Lights?

Shimmering, twisting, and glowing in the Arctic night air, the Northern Lights are a beautiful reminder of our ever-ongoing relationship with our Sun.  Solar winds bursting out from the Sun (in an event called a CME – Coronal Mass Ejection) carry charged particles through space for 2 to 5 days and into our upper atmosphere. Colliding and mixing with the Earth’s magnetosphere, these particles give us waves or bursts of colour depending on what kind of atmospheric particle they interact with (oxygen or nitrogen), and how high in the atmosphere they are when the collision occurs.

• Blue to violet – below 100 km
• Green – 100 – 240 km
• Red – over 240 km

What is a Magnetosphere?

The magnetosphere acts somewhat like a force-field that causes harmful radiation particles to bounce off or curve around the Earth, keeping us safe. Found in the Earth’s ionosphere (about 80 through to 400 km high), the magnetosphere causes the Sun’s particles to curve away from us out into space. However, the magnetosphere has funnels where it “emerges” from the Earth itself, and those funnels are the North and South magnetic poles. In these two locations the Sun’s particles don’t curve away; instead they are trapped by these funnels and end up hitting the oxygen and nitrogen particles in our atmosphere, giving us the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) and the Aurora Australia in the region of the South Pole.

The Aurora Borealis in Myths and History

Being an awe-inspiring sight, it’s only natural that the Northern Lights would play a large role in a wide variety of cultures.

• The very name “Aurora” comes from Roman mythology. Aurora was the goddess of the dawn. Every morning she would fly through the sky to announce the coming of the new sun and the day.
• The Inuit found around Labrador, Canada believed the Aurora were torches set by spirits to lead the way for new arrivals to the heavens.
• The Algonquin people told about Nanahbozho who, after finishing the creation of the Earth, travelled north and lit great fires to remind the people of Earth that they were still on his mind.
• As far back as 344 B.C. Aristotle was making notes about the Northern Lights, attempting to compare them to sources of light and fire found on Earth.
• The ancient Romans believed they were the entrances to great caves in the sky.
• Some historians believe that the Auroras were the origin of dragon myths for both Eastern and Western cultures.
• The Auroras get a mention in the Bible. Ezekiel (1:4) said “…a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire."
• The Menominee people (Wisconsin, U.S.A.) thought that the Northern Lights were from torches held by giants as they tried to spearfish during the night.
• The Mandan (North Dakota, U.S.A.) weren’t quite so cheerful, believing the Lights were from warriors of tribes in the north cooking their dead enemies.
• Back in Europe, people of Britain thought the Lights were from wars in the sky, the rarer red lights signifying that blood had been spilled.

When is the Best Time to see the Northern Lights?

Technically there is no downtime when it comes to Auroras – the Sun is constantly sending out new waves of particles. However, since the Sun doesn’t completely set in the far north during the summer months your best bet of getting a good night’s view of the Northern Lights is from August through to April. Midnight is considered the best time of the day to get the clearest view.

The Northern Lights in Norway

Norway is a phenomenal location to go to if you want to experience the Auroras. Thanks to the Polar Night parts of Norway don’t experience true daylight between November and February, getting at best a twilight glow every day before true night returns. This leaves you with nearly 24 hours a day to catch a glimpse of the Lights.The fairly long periods of darkness in November and December offer an ideal opportunity to admire the Northern Lights. Furthermore, the Northern Lights can only be seen when there is little light disturbance. 

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Lofoten © Jan Belgers-oceanwide Expeditions

The Northern Lights in Greenland

In Greenland legends hold that when you see the Northern Lights it means that the dead are playing football with the skull of a walrus . Like Norway, the best months to visit Greenland for the Aurora is from the September through April. During the summer months Greenland experiences Midnight Sun, the season when the sun never truly sets.

Northern Lights trips

Oceanwide Expeditions is happy to provide a number of differently-themed cruises that will take you to experience the wonder of the Northern Lights.

8 photos of the Northern Lights in the gallery »

Related cruises

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

A classic three island voyage: Ice, Inuit and Remoteness

PLA11-24 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights.

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

18 Aug - 31 Aug, 2024

Berths start from:

A classic three island voyage: Ice , Inuit and Remoteness

HDS12-24 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights.

m/v Hondius

25 Aug - 7 Sep, 2024

OTL11-24 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights.

m/v Ortelius

29 Aug - 11 Sep, 2024

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

Witness the Northern Lights at Scoresby Sund

PLA12-24 The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund cruise crosses the Arctic Circle into the home waters of multiple species of whale. The expedition will spot huge icebergs as it journeys into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. Along the way the Northern...

31 Aug - 8 Sep, 2024

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes and Free Kayaking

OTL12-24 The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund cruise crosses the Arctic Circle into the home waters of multiple species of whale. The expedition will spot huge icebergs as it journeys into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. Along the way the Northern...

11 Sep - 19 Sep, 2024

We have a total of 13 cruises

Best Cruise to Northern Lights NORWAY in 2024-2025 (Comparison Guide)

Considering a cruise to northern lights Norway in 2024-2025? In this guide, we share tips to help you choose the best cruise for your needs, and compare the most popular short and long northern lights cruises in Norway taking bookings.

With so many cruise options to choose from for your Norway aurora vacation, you may find it difficult to decide which one to book or research further. Don’t stress. In this article, we’ll help you narrow down your search. First, we explain what you should look for when choosing the best cruise for your needs. We then discuss a few of the most popular northern lights cruises you can book now, with an overview of their itinerary, inclusions, price and destinations.

Read on to learn more and find your perfect northern lights cruise…

How to Choose a Cruise to Northern Lights Norway

If your main motivation for taking one of these cruises is to see the Northern Lights, it is important to mention that as long as you choose the right time of year to travel to Norway to see the aurora (most importantly, not in summer) then no cruise will be better than the other for seeing the lights.

All of the cruises listed here will travel to regions where the aurora is visible, so as long as you step out at night and look to the sky, you will have just as much chance of seeing the lights as passengers on any other comparable cruise in the region.

Rather, we suggest you base your Northern Lights Norwegian cruise choice on:

• amenities the cruise offers (eg pool, gym, bars, kids activities)
• types of passengers it caters towards (eg singles, families)
• duration and price range (budget, luxury)
• departure point (eg UK, Norway, Finland)
• destinations and stopover points
• other inclusions such as flights, tours, land travel etc.

While we have marked some cruises in this article as ‘best’ in certain categories, this is still just our opinion based on the most popular cruises available. However, the reality is that the ‘best’ cruise is whichever fulfils your criteria. All cruises will offer a good opportunity for you to see the northern lights, but remember, regardless of which cruise you book, it is still up to you to make the effort to get out at night and look for them.

Short Northern Lights Cruises | Norway

Best 1-night cruise to northern lights norway, the arctic dream.

• Departure Point: Kirkenes, Norway
• Tour Provider:  Havila Voyages  https://www.havilavoyages.com/
• More Information:   https://www.havilavoyages.com/voyages/the-arctic-dream-kirkenes-tromso
• Duration:  2 Days / 1 Night
• Price:  Starting at USD $340

Experience Norway like you have never seen it before, as you journey along the outskirts of the majestic Arctic Circle, in search of the elusive Northern lights.

This short overnight cruise departs from Kirkenes and arrives at Tromsø the following day. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to view the Norwegian landscape as you make your way past Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg, Havøysund, Hammerfest, Øksfjord, and Skjervøy. After the sun has set over the Arctic, you can look up to the night skies and hunt for the breathtaking auroras.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Prior to departing from the Kirkenes port, you will have the opportunity to go on an excursion to the nearby Snowhotel, to view a hotel that is made entirely of snow and ice. There is also plenty of other excursions including snowmobile riding and a trip to the Russian border that are available before departure. Once the ship leaves the port, you will head north towards Vardø, before following the coastline of Norway to the west past Båtsfjord, and eventually Berlevåg.

Day 2 – As the sun begins to set the ship will sail into the port at Hammerfest. There are a number of available excursions while in Hammerfest, including a late-night snowmobile trip to Mehamn, or even a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral. Once the ship departs from Hammerfest, the cruise will continue on past Øksfjord and Skjervøy before finally arriving in Tromsø on the final evening.

What’s Included

• Room and board
• Spacious sleeping cabins

Why It’s Popular

While there are many great ways to travel between Kirkenes and Tromsø, the best way to see the true beauty of the Norwegian coastlines is aboard a cruise ship. Over the course of 2 days at sea, you will have the opportunity to view some of the most pristine, untamed wilderness that Norway has to offer. Enjoy the beauty of Norway, as you hunt for the elusive auroras.

Best 2-Night Cruise to Northern Lights Norway

Short winter cruise.

• Departure Point: Tromsø, Norway
• Tour Provider:  Authentic Scandinavia  https://www.authentic-scandinavia.com
• More Information:   https://www.authentic-scandinavia.com/tours/short-winter-cruise
• Duration:  3 Days / 2 Nights
• Price:  Starting at USD $700

Enjoy what makes Norway truly unique, as you make your way along the untamed Norwegian coastlines from the city of Tromsø all the way over to Kirkenes.

This three-day adventure through the frigid seas along the Arctic coastlines of Norway provides one of the most unique opportunities to view the northern lights. Like so many courageous explorers of days gone by, you will meander along the frigid coastlines of Norway, breathing in the crisp cold sea air as you create memories that will last a lifetime. Spend a night in Tromsø before taking a 2-day cruise to Kirkenes, with a number of optional excursions along the way.

Day 1/2 – After you arrive in Tromsø, spend the first two days exploring the city, experiencing the urban Norwegian lifestyle. Your cruise will not leave until the evening of Day 2, giving you ample time to visit local attractions such as the Polar Museum, Arctic Cathedral, or even go reindeer sledding through the Norwegian countryside. There will be a number of optional excursions that you can choose from, including a ride through the Norwegian countryside via dogsled, or snowmobiles.

Day 3 – Throughout the course of the night, you will have plenty of opportunities to hunt for the elusive auroras over the Arctic skyline. Sleep in the following morning, as the ship will not reach Honningsvåg until around lunchtime. There will be a number of different excursions available, including a trip up to the North Cape Plateau, which provide some of the most amazing views of the Arctic expanse.

Day 4 – After another late night of aurora hunting, the ship will continue rounding the Varanger peninsula, passing Båtsfjord, Vardø, and then Vadsø. This particular location is of historical importance, because both Lincoln Ellsworth as well as Roald Amundsen began their excursions towards the North Pole from here. Eventually, the ship will arrive at Kirkenes, where you can book yourself an optional stay at the infamous Snowhotel.

• One-night hotel accommodation in Tromsø
• Two-night cruise to Kirkenes
• Two breakfasts on board
• Two dinners on board
• 24/7 emergency phone service
• additional services for Gold members

There are many different ways to view the splendor that is Norway, but nothing is quite as memorable as a cruise through the frigid Arctic waters of the North. Experience all that the Arctic Circle has to offer, as you stare up at the night sky looking for the northern lights.

Best 1-Week Cruise to Northern Lights Norway

6-day norwegian voyage | kirkenes to bergen.

• Departure Point:  Kirkenes, Norway
• Tour Provider:  Hurtigruten https://global.hurtigruten.com/
• More Information:   https://global.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/classic-voyage-south-kirkenes-bergen/
• Duration:  6 Days / 5 Nights
• Price:  Starting at USD $1,150

Enjoy more of what Norway and the Arctic has to offer, on this exciting 6-day, 5-night adventure cruise from London to Norway and back.

View some of the best scenery that Norway has to offer when you set sail on this week-long voyage. Your trip will start in Kirkenes, and take you all the way down to Bergen. Along the way you will be treated with views of the Lofoten Islands, and the Helgeland Coastlines. As you sail along, keep your eyes open for a number of different Arctic birds and a wide assortment of whales.

Day 1  – Begin your week-long voyage at the edge of the Norwegian border in the ancient Arctic town of Kirkenes. Here, you can visit the Vardøhus Fortress, which was built back in 1737, before setting sail towards the south. The ship will make several stops along the Norwegian coastline giving you ample time to view the many sights and sounds that the Arctic has to offer.

Day 2  – During the night, the ship will stop at both Kjøllefjord and Mehamn, before coming to a rest on the second day at Honningsvåg. By midafternoon you will be able to spend your days in Hammerfest, which is the world northernmost settlement in the world.

Day 3  – Spend day 3 exploring the Lofoten archipelago, which is one of the most scenic portions of the week-long journey. While there, take time to visit the ancient Trondenes Church which is the northernmost medieval church built entirely of stone.

Day 4  – At the wee hours of the morning, the ship will sail into Ørnes before crossing the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Of course, as you cross the Arctic Circle, you must commemorate the occasion by tasting a spoonful of cod liver oil.

Day 5  – From there, you will visit Trondheim and have plenty of time to explore Molde. Stroll as well as Kristiansund before making your way to the ancient Nidaros Cathedral. Before boarding the ship for your last leg of the journey, take some time to take a photo as you walk over the Nid River via the Gamle Bybro bridge.

Day 6  – As the sun begins to rise over the Arctic wilderness, the ship will come to a stop at Ålesund as well as Torvik giving you time to capture a glimpse of the Jostedal Glacier before finally arriving at Florø.

What’s Included

• 6 Day Voyage
• Cabin Category of Choice
• Breakfast Lunch and Dinner Included
• English-Speaking Team Aboard
• Lectures and Presentations
• Photography Training
• Daily Gatherings and Welcome Events
• Excursion Programs
• On Deck Presentations
• Captains Dinner

Why journey to the north, when you can start far above the Arctic Circle and journey from Kirkenes down to Bergen? Experience all that Norway has to offer, as you travel through the awe-inspiring vistas and islandscapes located along the western shores of this enchanting nation, hunting for the elusive auroras.

Long Northern Lights Cruises | Norway

Norway and northern lights.

• Departure Point:  South Hampton, United Kingdom
• Tour Provider:  Cunard  https://www.cunard.com/
• More Information:   https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/find-a-cruise/H426/H426
• Duration:  13 Days / 12 Nights
• Price:  Starting at USD $2,289

Create lasting memories as you make your way across the North Sea, and up the Norwegian coast. You’ll have nearly 13 days aboard the Queen Anne, to experience all that the Arctic has to offer.

Nothing is more amazing than spending 12 wonderful nights aboard the Queen Anne as you sail through the North Sea hunting for the elusive Northern lights. As the ship makes its way through the fjords that where meticulously carved out by multiple centuries of glacial melt, you will be given ample opportunity to stare up at the night sky waiting for the ghostly lights to make their appearance.

Day 1  – You will start your 13-day trip at the port of Southhampton in England, which is the same port that the RMS Titanic sailed from. Before boarding the Queen Anne, take time to see the many sites in and around the historic port.

Days 2/3  – Over the next 2 days, you will sail from Southhampton to Alesund. Take the time to enjoy the many luxuries found aboard the ship as you relax by the pool and are pampered aboard the ship’s spa.

Days 4/5  – You will have an entire day to spend in Alesund once the Queen Anne reaches the Norwegian coastline. The ship will depart from the port in the evening, and spend the next day out to see as you pass by Romsdalsfjord and make your way to Tromso.

Days 6/7  – On the morning of day 6, you will arrive in Tromsø, where you will have 2 full days to take in the many sights and sounds of the bustling Arctic city. Enjoy many different excursions including dog and reindeer sledding as well as sightseeing and snowmobiling. As the night sets, keep your eyes focused on the night skies, as you wait for the appearance of the elusive aurora borealis.

Days 8/9  – From Tromso, the ship will sail to Narvik where you will have an additional 2 days to explore the ancient Arctic city and the majestic countryside that surrounds the city. There is a lot to see and do around Narvik that will keep you busy for the next 2 days.

Day 10/11  – You will spend day 10 out to sea as you set sail from Narvik to Stavanger. On day 11, you’ll arrive early in the morning and will have the day to take in and experience all that the city has to offer, before departing in the late afternoon for your trip back to Southhampton.

Day 12/13  – Spend your last few days aboard the Queen Anne as it makes its way back across the frigid North Sea to the port of Southhampton, as you relax and reminisce about your 2-week adventure in Norway.

• Room and Board
• Meals in the Main Dining Hall
• Evening Performances
• Activities for Kids
• Afternoon Tea
• Gala Events
• Numerous Port Activities

With so many amazing destinations, you will have 13 wonderful days exploring the Arctic wilderness, and hunting for the elusive northern lights. Cruise your way up into the Arctic Circle, and take the time to disembark at a number of different exciting destinations, and get up close and personal with the Norwegian countryside. Experience the history and culture that this great nation has to offer.

FOLLOW THE LIGHTS

• Departure Point:  UK and Saariselkä, Finland
• Tour Provider:  Hurtigruten  https://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/
• More Information:   https://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/destinations/norway/follow-the-lights-helsinki-oslo-24-25/
• Duration:  15 Days / 14 Nights
• Price:  Starting at USD $6,100

There’s nothing more memorable than spending 15 days exploring the culture and history of Norway by dogsled, reindeer, train, and cruise liner.

Make your way along the majestic Finnish coastline, as you pass by more than 100 fjords and thousands of mountain peaks. Experience the local Sami culture and the way that life has been lived in the Arctic wilderness for centuries. Visit the Finnish countryside as you are pulled along by a team of huskies, or even reindeer. View the elusive aurora borealis the way it was meant to be seen, deep within the Arctic Circle.

Day 1/2  – You will start your journey in the most livable city in the world, Helsinki. Take in the historic architecture, contemporary living, and vibrant nature that this beautiful city has to offer. Spend your first afternoon exploring the cafés, restaurants, and other attractions dotted throughout the city. You will have 2 full days in Helsinki, which is more than enough time to visit the historic center quarter, where you will find the Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square, as well as the Tempeliaukio Church.

Day 3  – From Helsinki, make your way into the Finnish Lapland, aboard a train that will meander its way up through the snowcapped forests, as it makes its way to the home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi. Spend the afternoon visiting the capital of the Finnish Lapland and as the sun begins to set, keep your eyes on the skies above as you await the appearance of the enchanting northern lights.

Day 4  – On day 4, meet up with a team of huskies as you make your way into the Finnish countryside with the help of a Sami guide. The trip will be exhilarating, and after spending the day riding in a husky-drawn cart, take time to warm up with a beverage at the popular Lappish Kota.

Day 5  – You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the many wonders of Santa Claus Village. Spend your morning meeting the man himself, before continuing on the journey to the village of Saariselkä. On the way, you will get the opportunity to stop at the Sodankylä Old Church. Spend your fifth night in your very own Glass Igloo staring up at the skies hunting for the elusive auroras from the comfort of your own bed.

Day 6  – By day 6, the trip will reach the Sami capital of Inari, where you will be able to get up close and personal with reindeer. Take the time to visit the popular SIIDA museum which houses one of the largest collections of Sami exhibitions in the world. Spend your night at the iconic Snowhotel and join a northern light safari into the Finnish countryside.

Day 7  – From there, you will board the Coastal Express in the town of Kirkenes, at the historic port of Vardø. If you are feeling up to it, and weather permitting, of course, take the opportunity to take a dip into the icy cold Arctic Ocean before boarding the ship.

Day 8  – The Coastal Express will stop at Mehamn, giving you the option to go on a snowmobile excursion deep into the Arctic wilderness. This is a perfect opportunity to hunt for the elusive northern lights in an adrenaline-packed adventure across the snow-covered landscape.

Day 9  – Discover the history and beauty of Harstad or stay on the ship as it passes through the Risøyrenna channel. From there, you will visit the Lofoten Islands, a location known for its steep mountains and natural beauty.

Day 10  – On day 10 you will cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast, where you will have the opportunity to commemorate the trip, with a spoonful of cod liver oil. From there, the ship will sail along the coastline where you will have the opportunity to see the Torghatten mountain.

Day 11  – The majestic and historic city of Trondheim is a must-have stop on this 15-day trip. Explore the wooden city and the Nidaros Cathedral which dates back to the days of King Olav II. From there, you can head over to the Kristiansten Fort, where you will have an awe-inspiring view of the third-largest city in Norway.

Day 12  – Over the course of the night, the Coastal Express will stop at the ports of Ålesund, Torvik and Måløy, before making its final call at the docks in Bergen. You will have plenty of opportunities to view the picturesque Nordfjord and the majestic Jostedal Glacier. From there, a private coach will take you on a city tour of Bergen, before dropping you off at the hotel for the evening.

Day 13  – From Bergen, client aboard the famous Norway in a Nutshell railway that will take you all the way to Oslo. You’ll have the opportunity to view waterfalls and the Nærøyfjord. The train will slowly climb the mountain up to Myrdal before making its way to Oslo.

Day 14  – After enjoying a wonderful breakfast in the hotel, spend your final day touring the historic city of Oslo aboard a coach. See the largest sculpture Park in the world, Vigeland Sculpture Park, as well as many other amazing attractions. There will be a final farewell dinner included in the trip.

Day 15  – For 2 weeks, you will have had the opportunity to view all of the majestic splendor that Finland and Norway have to offer. You will have countless opportunities to view the northern lights and take countless photographs to remember this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

• Full-Service Flights
• 4 Star Accommodations
• 8 Nights Hotel Accommodations
• One Night in an Aurora Cabin
• 5 Nights in a Cabin of Your Choice
• Daily Breakfast
• City Tours of Bergen and Oslo
• Norway in a Nutshell
• English Speaking Tour Manager
• First-Class Touring Coach
• Reindeer Safari
• Husky Safari
• Museum Visits
• Welcome drink in Saariselkä
• Entrance to Troldhaugen

Experience all that Norway has to offer as you travel up through the countryside, and then back down along the coast. Make your way through quaint ports and ancient communities that dot the stretch between the Finnish Lapland and Bergen, and take time to enjoy exhilarating reindeer and husky safaris.

ARCTIC NORWAY AND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

• Departure Point:  Portsmouth, United Kingdom
• Tour Provider:  Saga  https://travel.saga.co.uk/
• More Information:   https://travel.saga.co.uk/cruises/ocean/where-we-go/norway-cruises/norway-and-the-northern-lights.aspx
• Duration:  16 Days / 15 Nights
• Price:  Starting at USD $6,050

You will have 15 wonderful nights to sit under the stars, hunting for the majestic blues and greens as they wave through the night skies. This extra-long cruise through the Arctic Circle, will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Nothing is better than an all-inclusive cruise along the Norwegian coastline. When you sign up for the Arctic Norway and the Northern Lights cruise, you’ll have 15 wonderful nights to experience the elusive lights well inside the Arctic Circle. Spend time in Tromso as well as Alta, and head out into the Norwegian countryside with experienced guides as you hunt for the auroras.

Day 1  – Begin your 16-day journey and Portsmouth, as you board the Spirit of Discovery. The ship will depart in the evening, so you will have plenty of time to explore the area around Portsmouth.

Day 2/3/4  – From Portsmouth, you will sail through the North Sea, eventually reaching the Norwegian town of Ålesund. On your way, you can watch for orca whales or relax and enjoy many great amenities aboard the spirit of discovery. Once you reach Ålesund, spend day 4 wandering the streets and visiting the many great attractions including the largest aquarium in Europe.

Day 5  – From there, you will make your way up to Trøndheim the ancient wooden city, where you can visit the grave of Saint Olav who is the patron Saint of Norway, and the king who founded the city itself.

Day 6/7/8  – Eventually, you will reach Tromso, which is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic”. Countless polar expeditions began here, and all of them can be experienced at the Polar Museum. Since the city is located at 69° north, it is well within the auroral belt, ensuring some of the finest opportunities for Aurora hunting in the world.

Day 9  – The ship will take you up to the northernmost point of mainland Europe, to a deep-water harbor which is considered to be the gateway to the North Cape. Due to destruction in the area during World War II, the oldest building in town is a church built during the 19th century.

Day 10  – You cannot visit Norway without also spending some time and Alta. Here, surrounded by mountains carved by centuries of glacial melt you will have ample opportunity to view the northern lights and to immerse yourself into the local Sami culture.

Day 11/12/13  – From the northernmost part of the country, it is time to start heading back south, and the next destination on the list is the historic city of Bergen, where you will have an entire day to explore the cobbled lanes and ancient wooden houses.

Day 14  – Before finishing your trip to Norway, the Spirit of Discovery will make one last stop at the village of Flåm, which is known for its frozen waterfalls, snow-covered valleys, and picturesque mountainsides.

Day 15/16/17  – The final days of your vacation in Norway, will be spent aboard the Spirit of Discovery as it makes its way back to Portsmouth, after enjoying a final breakfast aboard the ship.

• Travel Insurance
• All-Inclusive
• Balcony Cabins
• Gym, Sauna, and Exercise Classes
• 24 Hour Room Service
• Shuttle Buses
• Popular Excursions

Venture deep into the Arctic Circle on this all-inclusive cruise to Norway. Admire all that Ålesund has to offer, and explore the Viking heritage of Trøndheim. Spend a night in Tromso, deep within the auroral belt in order to increase your chances of viewing the elusive Northern lights. You will have plenty of opportunities to view orca whales as wildlife experts will be joining the cruise and giving presentations whenever there is an opportunity to spot dolphins, whales, seabirds, or other important marine wildlife.

Final Thoughts

This concludes our list of the ‘Best Cruise to Northern Lights NORWAY’ that are taking bookings for the upcoming season. This is not an exhaustive list, but does cover the most popular cruises available.

All cruises offer a good chance of seeing the northern lights, but of course, the longer the cruise the better chance you will have, simply because you are spending more time in the auroral zone. The main difference between the cruises comes down to the duration, onboard facilities and other inclusions such as land activities.

We suggest you base your decision on choosing a cruise on those other factors, particularly budget and duration. Aside from duration, most of these northern lights Norwegian cruises offer basically the same chance of seeing the lights; all you need to do is make sure you step out on deck in the evenings to look for them.

We hope this has given you a good head-start on planning your northern lights Norwegian cruise. For more guides and ideas, we suggest you take a look at our articles on the best tours to see the aurora borealis and best time of year to travel as well. Afterall, you wouldn’t want to ruin your cruise by travelling at wrong time of year for the aurora.

Happy travels!

This article was first published 10 August 2022, and updated on 15 January 2024.

Related posts:

• Most Popular Tours to NORWAY Northern Lights (2024-2025)
• Where are the Best Cruises to Northern Lights in EUROPE? [2024-2025]
• Your Guide to Northern Lights Hotels NORWAY
• Best Northern Lights Vacation Packages to Book in 2024-2025

Related Posts

Best Time of the Year to See Northern Lights (Monthly Planner)

Trying to work out the best time of the year to see Northern Lights? In this month-by-month guide to the Aurora we share the best…

Best Place and Time to See Northern Lights 2020-2035

Want to know exactly where and when to see Northern Lights? Discover the best place and time to see Northern Lights across the globe, inc…

World’s Most Popular Tours to Northern Lights

If you want to do your Northern Lights vacation in utmost style and luxury, look no further. In this article, we bring together five of…

8 Stunning Ice & Igloo Hotels | Northern Lights Accommodation

For a truly memorable Arctic experience, you can’t go past a stay in an ice hotel or igloo hotel. Here is a full list of…

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska | Holland America Line

Find out the best time to see the northern lights on your Alaska cruise and what Alaska locations offer the best viewing.

Viewing the Alaska northern lights takes the right timing, the right location and the right conditions. The supernal shimmer of emerald and violet begins with a few streaks and then breaks out into a graceful ballet. Spectators gaze at the sky in awe or snap photos well into the middle of the night. Some claim they can even hear auroral sounds! The northern lights or Aurora Borealis is a top-listed experience on many travelers’ bucket lists. But like most things in nature, they might not show, even if you visit Alaska at the best time.  

Here’s all you need to know to pick the best time to see northern lights in Alaska.  

What Are Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis are one and the same — most people call them Northern Lights, while the scientific name is Aurora Borealis. The northern lights happen when charged particles from the sun enter the atmosphere and collide with gas atoms in Earth's atmosphere. They occur all year long but are only visible when the sky is dark and clear.  

How Often Do Northern Lights Happen?

The northern lights, or  aurora borealis, aren’t predictable, but they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles. The sun alternates between a high activity cycle and low activity cycle every eleven years or so. We just headed into a high activity cycle, Solar Cycle 25. Watch the Kp-index, an aurora activity indicator to find out when conditions are ideal  

What Is The Best Time To See Northern Lights In Alaska?

The sky may be nature’s theater, but there’s no set time for this show. Like other natural occurrences, the Aurora Borealis come out to play when they feel like it. That said, being in the right place at the right time of year increases the odds.

Alaska’s northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go,  Alaska cruises  in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.

These finnicky ballerinas prefer the hours between midnight and 4:00 a.m. and favor crystal-clear skies. They also love to come out near the equinox as that’s when there are more disturbances in earth’s magnetic field, so choosing an itinerary close to the Autumnal Equinox may help your chances.

If you’d rather  cruise to Alaska  in summer, don’t expect to see the northern lights, but do soak up that midnight sunshine.  

What Is The Best Place To See Northern Lights In Alaska?

Alaska is by far the best place to see the northern lights in the U.S., though they have been reported as far south as Honolulu. That said, some towns in Alaska are better for Aurora Borealis viewing than others.

To give yourself the best possible chance of a northern lights encounter, take an  Alaska cruise tour  and visit these locations:  

Fairbanks, A Northern Lights Favorite

Fairbanks  is the best place to see northern lights in Alaska for visitors. When it comes to northern lights, Fairbanks knows what’s up. It consistently tops the list of places in Alaska and the world to catch the dazzling display and it’s not because the dancing green lights just happen to favor this gold rush boomtown. Fairbanks is located inside the Auroral Oval, the geomagnetic North Pole. The city is full of modern conveniences and there are many Fairbanks northern lights tours. There is also an Alaska igloo hotel 25 miles from Fairbanks, known as the Borealis Basecamp.  

Denali National Park

Denali National Park  is another good option in early spring or fall, as it’s far enough north and free from light pollution. If the stars align and the conditions are ripe for the show, try to find a clear viewing path, free of buildings and forest and face north, as that’s where activity starts.  

Northern Lights In Anchorage

Anchorage  also witnesses tantalizing displays, just not as frequently as Fairbanks and Denali as it’s farther south. But there’s plenty of moose to look at when you’re not watching the sky. If you’re in Anchorage and the conditions are ideal, head to a higher elevation. Glen Alps, Point Woronzof, and the Knit River Valley offer decent vantage points—some face north with no pesky mountain peaks in the way.

Hunting the Aurora Borealis is an adventure. If you see them (lucky duck), it’s a faux pas to wave, whistle, or call out—according to legend, that drives them away. Just sit back, relax and take in the extraordinary dance.

VIEW ALL ALASKA CRUISE TIPS, TRAVEL ARTICLE & VIDEOS

• GET EMAIL ALERTS
•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Northern lights california forecast: will you be able to see aurora borealis.

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Parts of the country, including Northern California, saw the Northern Lights on Friday night because of a severe solar storm.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) said it observed at least five coronal mass ejections, which Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn describes as when sunspots build up so much energy that they explode into space and release charged particles.

| RELATED | See stunning viewer videos and photos of auroras across Northern California

Those ejections are what could trigger the colorful auroras in the sky.

Verdoorn said the aurora may be visible for some in Northern California on Saturday night.

Much of the state likely won't be able to see the lights. However, those along the border with Oregon have the best chances of being able to see the aurora in the sky.

How serious is the solar storm affecting the northern lights?

SWPC said the solar flares are strong enough for the center to issue a "Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch," the first since January 2005. Geomagnetic storms are rated from 1 through 5.

Verdoorn said the sun has been active lately with several sunspots on its surface. Sunspots are areas of magnetic activity on the surface of the sun, which can build up energy to a point those coronal mass ejections occur.

While this is not unusual, when the explosions are pointed toward the Earth, the chance to see aurora increases.

The last "extreme," or G5-rated solar storm was Halloween 2003, SWPC said. That solar flare activity caused outages in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa.

Why are parts of California possibly able to see the northern lights?

Sunspot cluster 3664, which is 16 times the diameter of our entire planet, is what's behind the five coronal mass ejections triggering the geomagnetic storm watch. Those ejections are what is making the aurora appear in lower latitudes of the country, including potentially the northernmost part of California.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app .

• Watch the latest ABC7 newscast here Full Story
• ABC7 Bay Area 24/7 live stream Watch Now
• Track wildfires across CA with this interactive map Full Story

Northern Lights dazzle over Bay Area, California skies amid solar storm

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A solar storm offered up some stunning nighttime images across the Bay Area and California this weekend.

One of the strongest solar storms to hit Earth in two decades is behind the light show.

By Sunday, weather experts said the visibility would only dip as low as Lake Tahoe, but at the earlier peak on Friday, it was visible as far south as Florida and across the Northern Hemisphere.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Northern Lights may be visible in parts of California overnight due to strong solar storm

How Californians saw the Northern Lights

An image showing the Northern Lights was taken along the side of a vineyard in Yountville Friday by Margie Verdan.

"I was just so jazzed. I was just so amazed by how beautiful the showcase of colors were," said Verdan.

Margie couldn't see the Northern Lights with her eyes, but she put her iPhone in night mode, hit the shutter, and took the picture. She then saw incredible images.

"So even when you're looking at the phone you don't know? So it's almost like this surprise that you get," said ABC7 News reporter J.R. Stone to Verdan.

"Yes it's like it's there, but you can't see it. It was just in my backyard, other people had to fly to Ireland and Norway or Alaska just to see those beautiful colors and I saw it," said Verdan.

And while many could only see the Northern Lights in their pictures, some like Kitty Nikolai who were far from city lights in Paradise, California, could see them.

"But starting around 10:30 we could literally see it with the naked eye, so you could see the curtains kind of shimmering but the photos were absolutely fantastic. We got the purple, and the pinks, and the greens," said Nikolai.

"I thought I saw a pink hue in the sky. You know sometimes how you question yourself and think it's because you want to see it. I closed my eyes and opened them again and said I see pink. You could see a hue, put it that way. It wasn't vivid like the color in the picture that I sent to you the almost fuchsia color it was more when you looked at the sky you know," said Sue Faina who took many pictures of the Northern Lights in Clayton, California.

"We reached there around 1:15 am and at least for the first half an hour we could very clearly see them with our eyes. It just takes a few seconds for your eyes to adjust to the darkness," said Stanford scholar Sushant Mahajan.

Mahajan took several images from an area near the Lick Observatory in Mount Hamilton early Saturday morning.

"In the afternoon it was upgraded to a G5 and we got a G5 which is why like it was visible in all 50 states, even Hawaii," said Mahajan.

G5 was the highest-level solar storm of the weekend. Saturday night was a G3 and Sunday night was a G3 or possibly G4 depending on what expert you talked with. All of these images though were taken Friday night and early Saturday morning.

"You had to have it on night mode. My husband Scott, he has the iPhone X. He doesn't have night mode so he couldn't see it at all visually or on his phone," said Faina.

"So when the newbies would come in and say, 'Oh I can't see anything.' Somebody would always run over to them and help them with their phones. I was helping several people," said Nikolai.

"Excitement, gratitude, I was awe being able to see it," said Verdan.

Families trek to Chabot Observatory to see Northern Lights

Families from all over the Bay Area drove to Chabot Observatory Friday night.

Belmont resident Amy Kung brought her family in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights.

"There's a lot of hype, we're so excited I always wanted to take the kids to see it and we have the opportunity close in our backyard then why not?" Kung said.

Every Friday and Saturday, Chabot astronomers provided free telescope viewing.

Chabot has three, massive and historic telescopes where people can peek into the wonder of the universe.

Santa Clara University Associate Professor of Physics Philip Kresten said you don't need a telescope to see these rare lights.

"For the eclipse, you had to have certain special things available to you, for the Northern Lights if they're in the sky you can see them form anywhere," Kresten said.

Kresten said the Northern Lights, which are officially called the aurora borealis, are spectacular when you can see them, and the reason this event is so exciting is because it doesn't happen very often.

"There are a lot of things that happen in your life where you miss it and you go oh, I'll see it tomorrow - I'll do it tomorrow - this is not one of those things," Kresten said.

San Francisco resident Elisa Yao first saw the shimmering display on a trip to Abisko, Sweden when it was negative 20 degrees outside.

"It was totally worth it and I almost cried and it looked like green snakes in the sky," Yao said.

Related Topics

Incredible timelapse video captures Northern Lights over California during solar storm

Top stories.

Bay Area congressional candidate addresses father's alleged corruption

Meet the ranger, dog credited in rescue of missing Santa Cruz hiker

• 2 hours ago

Oakland may have to declare fiscal emergency

WATCH SUNDAY: 2024 SF Pride parade on ABC7

Smuggled fentanyl may pose danger to airplane passengers

SF smoke shop target of repeat break-ins; loses insurance coverage

Watch ABC News' coverage of the CNN Presidential Debate

EXCLUSIVE: 1st-hand account of donor paying to help Thao's campaign

NASA: Stargazers will see the 'closest thing to a planet parade' Saturday morning

Astronomers and stargazers around the U.S. could get a peek at a planetary parade this weekend , NASA says.

On Saturday, before sunrise, people will get to see Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune and Saturn, align in the sky, Preston Dyches, a public engagement specialist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, previously told USA TODAY. Dyches has a background in astronomy and hosts NASA's " What's Up ," a monthly video series that describes what's happening in the night sky.

Scientists probe a space mystery: Why do people age faster during space travel?

Were you disappointed by a previous parade? This one is different.

On June 3, folks were promised a dazzling parade, but both Dyches and Andrew Fazekas, the communications manager for Astronomers Without Borders, agreed it wouldn't be the best time to actually enjoy it and advised people to be patient and wait until later in the month.

For starters, June 3 fell on a Monday, and rising before the sun on the first workday of the week may not be on every 9-to-5ers to-do list. And early in the month, the sun's light would've washed out the planets that would have aligned closest to it. said Dyches.

But this week's parade is on a Saturday morning, with Uranus, Mercury and Jupiter high enough in the sky that the sun won't outshine them.

People may also be able to view the parade on Friday, according to Fazekas, but the moon's position will be different on both days. And the "closest thing to a planet parade" is on Saturday, stated Dyches.

What is a planetary parade?

Basically, it's when the planets form a straight line and look like they're marching across the night sky and form a space parade.

It's also known as a large planetary alignment, states Delaware Online , a part of the USA TODAY Network.

What will you be able to see?

According to a program called SkySafari Pro, you will be able to see the following during the planetary parade on June 29:

• Jupiter, which will be closest to the horizon.

Where will you be able to see the planetary parade?

People will need to do the following to get a view of the planetary parade, according to Fazekas:

• Get up early, before sunrise.
• Find a spot with a clear view that faces the east or southeastern sky.
• Have your binoculars or telescope ready to view planets that aren't visible to the naked eye.

What equipment do you need to view a planetary parade?

You will still need binoculars and telescopes to see some of the planets, said Fazekas.

"Neptune is a planet that you need strong binoculars or a small telescope to be able to see," said Fazekas. "And it's not easy to find either."

Folks who go out to stargaze on June 28, will be able to see Neptune right next to the moon. On June 29, it will be farther away from the moon, and be above it instead.

Apps, like Skyview on the Apple app store, can turn people's phones into a tool that helps them identify celestial bodies in the night sky.

Excitement from solar eclipse, northern lights creating planet parade hype

While the stars aligning might be an interesting sight for backyard astronomers, Fazekas advises people shouldn't expect something spectacular, like the solar eclipse or the northern lights .

When the planetary parade on June 3 was announced, Fazekas was worried the people's expectations were set too high by those two very viral celestial events

"What worries me is that we set people up for disappointment," said Fazekas "And then they won't want to do it again."

Fazekas has never seen so many people interested in sky-watching, and he doesn't want the excitement to end.