Lindblad Expeditions Icelands Wild West Coast To East Greenland
Of all the cruises operating in Arctic waters, Lindblads Iceland and Greenland voyage may be more aptly referred to as an expedition, and its passengers as true adventurers. Of this cruises 13 days, no less than 8 represent great opportunities to view the northern lights whether from Icelands western side, Greenlands eastern coastline, or the Denmark Strait that separates them.
The National Geographic Endurance has but 69 cabins and a maximum passenger capacity of 126, which seems better suited for a university research team than a cruise manifest. Despite the modest size of the polar-rated vessel, this cruise does not skimp on the pampering and provides in abundance all the amenities one would expect from a two-week excursion.
While the nights will be spent scanning the Arctic sky for northern lights, days will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime adventures which include:
- visiting the largest national park in the world Greenlands Northeast Greenland National Park
- navigating Scoresby Sound, the longest and largest fjord system in the world
- sailing past majestic glaciers, massive icebergs, and seemingly endless ice sheets
- seeing iconic Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat, including polar bears and whales
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You Can Cruise Alaska Anytime Between April And October
The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable and challenging , so youll always be at the mercy of Mother Nature. Winter is a strict no-go, so the cruise season typically runs from the end of April to the beginning of October . Not only is this six-month window the safest time for cruise ships to sail, but it also means avoiding the freezing months of January and February when the earth has tilted and theres hardly any sunlight. For those lucky enough not to be restricted by school term times, one of the best times to travel is in May and early June not least for the wildflowers blooming along the Inside Passage, the migrating wildlife, and the chance to see icebergs and snowdrifts just before the breakup turns it into a melting and slushy mess. Equally standout are the peak summer months for glorious light-filled days when the sun simply refuses to set, temperatures that range from 60°F to 80°F , and rainfall that wont ruin your sightseeing . This is also when cruise-goers make the most of ship facilities such as outdoor pools, sun decks, and swim-up bars.
Northern Lights Cruises: A Guide To Chasing The Aurora Borealis At Sea
Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky may cause you to gasp, because, take it from me, its that cool. The colorful ribbons of green and other hues 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. And cruise ships can get you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Natures special light show are improved.
Just remember that seeing these lights doesnt involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Seeing the northern lights in their prime requires clear and dark skies, sometimes late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep all that in mind before you place all your cruise vacation hopes on this one experience.
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Hurtigruten Roundtrip Cruise Of The Norwegian Coast
This cruise line specializes in Norwegian excursions and operates ships year-round. As Norway is considered by many to be the capital of northern lights viewing, Hurtigruten offers several cruises highlighting the opportunity to experience the aurora borealis.
This Norwegian cruise line is so committed to ensuring that its passengers see the northern lights and confident it can deliver on this commitment, it even offers a guarantee either the northern lights appear during the cruise , or Hurtigruten will provide a 6 or 7-day cruise free of charge.
With over half of its 34 Norwegian ports of call located north of the Arctic Circle , the odds would seem to be in favor of Hurtigruten not needing to pay out on its northern lights guarantee.
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What Are The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs in the night sky when solar winds flow and hit gas molecules which light up, with a green tint forming a waving diaphanous light that can last for hours. Normally, its green but other colours spanning from blues to purples to reds are possible. It is an astonishing and awe-inspiring sight that can be seen as far south as Mexico but it is most often spotted in high latitude regions such as the Arctic and Antarctica close to either the North or South Poles. The Northern Lights are also known as the Aurora Borealis while the equivalent phenomena in the south is called the Aurora Australis .
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Under The Glow Of The Northern Lights With Saga
Cruise to Norway with Saga when the night sky hosts a mesmerising display of lights and enjoy an extended stay in Alta, where this natural phenomena can often be seen at its best.
Youll also visit Bergen, with its UNESCO-listed Bryggen, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Narvik and Kristiansund on board Sagas boutique, luxury ship Spirit of Adventure, and enjoy talks from Musical Director, pianist and composer, Dr Simon Fricker, performances from the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and talks from explorer and adventurer, Sue Stockdale.
Journey To The Earths Last Frontier On Alaska Cruises
Many Alaskan cruises include outdoor excursions to scenic destinations representing the best of Alaskas rugged landscape with majestic mountain ranges, glaciers, vast wilderness, and the Northern Lights.
The top spot on Alaskan cruises is Fairbanks, the best location in the world for tourists to catch this surreal phenomenon. Located in the geomagnetic North Pole known as Auroral Oval, many successful sightings of the Aurora Borealis have occurred in Fairbanks over the years. Theres even an igloo-like hotel in the area known as the Borealis Basecamp with a wide ceiling for a clear view of the Northern Lights while you snuggle in bed at night gazing at the starry Arctic skies.
Famously known as a gold-mining town, Fairbanks boasts modern amenities and is a great place to go for a dog-sledding winter tour or experience Alaskan culture and heritage with a day trip to historical gold mines during the Great Gold Rush in the 1900s.
Nature lovers would be thrilled to go on a trip to the Denali National Park. With over six million acres of pristine land surrounded by the tallest mountain ranges in North America and vast wilderness, you can spot Alaskas big five and most unique wildlife in the world grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves. You can also go river rafting in this pristine area 20,310 feet above sea level.
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Iceland Norway & The Faroe Islands With Hurtigruten
Whales in Iceland
Norway isnt the only spot to see the Northern Lights all of northern Scandinavia enjoy the lightshow in the autumn and winter months. Hurtigruten offer a spectacular showcase of Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Norway on their autumn cruise, starting in Longyearbyen keeping an eye out for polar bears before exploring Icelands Whale Capital and its world-class bird watching opportunities.
It all ends in Bergen, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and journeying in late autumn means theres a good chance that the Northern Lights will appear. Enjoy included flights, a range of included activities and expert onboard lectures from the Expedition Team.
Regular departures from Longyearbyen. Find out more with Hurtigruten
Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights Explorer Cruise
- Cost: From $18,076 per person
Its never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will appearits 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 22 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 its 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 regions most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement, with its gregarious locals and scores of Greenlandic sled dogs.
Because its often chilly in this part of the world , 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 . The sailing runs from September 1 to 22, 2023.
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How To Increase Your Chances Of Seeing The Lights
Theres no guarantee, of course: Clouds may cover them, or they may simply not show up in your location. Fortunately, there are a couple ways to greatly improve your chances of seeing the aurora:
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 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 didnt bring one to begin with, you might find yourself battling the cold.
Beanies, hats, hoods, gloves, and hand warmers are all good ideas, too.
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Alaska Cruisetours To See The Northern Lights
Alaska cruisetours are the ideal way to explore the states 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 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 is ideal because it features two nights in both Denali and Fairbanks. Youll stay in a cozy lodge and keep an eye out for Alaskas Big Five: caribou, moose, bears, grey wolves, and Dall sheep.
Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour
The 12-Night Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour is perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, and offers even more time in Alaskas breathtaking national parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords.
The Great Frontier Expedition & Grand Heartland Adventure
Viking Ocean Cruises In Search Of The Northern Lights
Perhaps there is no more fitting cruise line on which to experience the northern lights in Scandinavia than one named after the Norse people of the Middle Ages whose legacy extends throughout Northern Europe and beyond.
Viking Ocean Cruises operates a cruise program aptly named In Search of the Northern Lights that embarks from London, England, and sails across the North Sea to Norway. There are six ports of call that await passengers, including four that lie north of the Arctic Circle.
Among the stops along the Norwegian coastline are Bodø, Tromsø, Alta, and Narviks seaport towns, all of which satisfy the prerequisite conditions for viewing the northern lights. In particular, Tromsø is well-known among aurora borealis aficionados for its clear skies and relatively mild winter climate.
The same can be said for Alta, which lies even further to the north. With its location within the Altafjord, Alta not only provides an ideal opportunity to experience the northern lights, but it is also a visually stunning and memorable destination in and of itself.
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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 youre hoping to see the Northern Lights during your travels.
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Youre 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 its 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.
Northern Lights From Cruise Ship
Hi all! Iâm trying to plan a trip for my aunts 50th. Her #1 dream in life is to see the northern lights. Iâm thinking a cruise ship would be the easiest option for our family. We can go anytime from Dec-April. Any suggestions? I donât even know where to start looking!
Well, the cruises donât run during that season â only May â Sept. The best bet is to fly up here. ð
Fairbanks is a good option.
Ahh bummer!
Well if we came to Denali, what is the best month for northern lights and are there places to stay in the park?
Well, the best months for the lights are during the winter. While you can come to Denali, the real tourist season is from mid-May thru mid-September. I have seen the lights in very late August/early September, but they are more prolific during the winter months. They are sort of in a slump and are rather unpredictable. We would be happy to help you plan a trip, but canât guarantee the Aurora. ð
Yes, there are places to stay near the park as well as deep with in the park â just depends on what you are looking for.
Edited: 11 years ago
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Aurora Borealis Viewing Lodges
Your Aurora Borealis viewing night begins right at your Fairbanks accommodation, so you dont need to plan how to get to us and you will save additional taxi costs.
Join us for an evening tour at one of these prime viewing lodges. Located outside Fairbanks and away from the city lights, wide-open areas ensure a perfect view of Alaskas winter sky.
Our guests can marvel at the beauty of the Alaskan northern lights from the coziness of these comfortable lodges. Or step outside and find the best conditions to take your dream pictures of the aurora borealis.
* ATTENTION * The Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon and can not be guaranteed. There is no refund if the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights do not appear.
Northern Lights Viewing Tips
Each fall as the midnight sun wanes and the night skies get darker, theres one question that we hear the most: how do I see the northern lights in Alaska?
We hear you loud and clear. Witnessing these bright colors dance across the sky is one of the most magical experiences ever. It makes you stand up straight, your mouth fall open and maybe just maybe, your eyes tear up.
The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from Aug. 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season. So yes, there are some very lucky cruise passengers who will see the northern lights in the Inside Passage late in the summer and fall, but dont bank on it. Southeast Alaska is a temperate rain forest, so precipitation and cloudy skies are more common. Typically, the farther north you go, the better chance you have.
If youre in Anchorage, yes, there are weather-dependent tours that will let you know ahead of time the probability of seeing the northern lights that night. Book one, and let the experts tell you if its worth losing sleep.
If youre farther north in Talkeetna or Denali, Alaskas Interior, your chances improve. And if youre in Fairbanks or the Arctic, you have the best shot at witnessing the aurora. The region lies underneath the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone where northern lights activity is concentrated.
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Scientists Are Getting Better At Predicting Northern Lights
It was not long ago that experiencing the northern lights in person was a hit-or-miss proposition where a successful excursion was more the result of happenstance than employing anything remotely resembling the scientific method.
Today, however, scientists have made great strides in:
- Understanding the causes of the northern lights
- Predicting when and where they will occur
- Predicting the intensity of those occurrences
For instance, the Space Weather Prediction Center, managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, provides 30-minute aurora forecasts for both the northern and southern hemispheres, along with percentage probabilities of viewability and predicted intensity.
Based largely on measuring waves of solar energy as they track toward the earths magnetic poles, the scientific community has effectively taken the guesswork out of venturing to the auroral oval to catch a glimpse of the northern lights .
As with so many things in the modern world, when it comes to predicting the visibility of northern lights in the auroral oval, the best advice is to keep a smartphone handy because a real-time northern lights forecast is just a few clicks away.