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Chase the Northern Lights by Cruise Ship
12 Sep
Summary
- Cruises offer a prime opportunity to witness the elusive Northern Lights.
- Several cruise lines guarantee aurora sightings or offer a free second trip.
- Itineraries span Norway, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Iceland for viewing.
Chasing the elusive Northern Lights aboard a cruise ship significantly enhances your chances of a spectacular encounter. These celestial displays, known as the aurora borealis, are created by solar wind particles interacting with Earth's magnetosphere, emitting light. While rare, powerful events like intense pulsating auroras have been observed.
More regular aurora sightings typically occur between September and March. Cruise lines are so confident in this timeframe that some offer guarantees: Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages promise a free second cruise if an official sighting isn't achieved on voyages of 11 or 12 days or longer.
Several companies are dedicated to aurora chasing. Ponant offers dedicated Northern Lights Quest itineraries in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and Scandinavia. Aurora Expeditions features extended voyages in Norway, Greenland, and Iceland in 2027. Cunard and P&O Cruises also provide Northern Lights itineraries in Norway and surrounding regions.
Viking Cruises offers a 13-day 'In Search of the Northern Lights' itinerary through the Arctic Circle, visiting destinations like Tromso and Narvik. Holland America Line includes overnight stays in Tromso and Alta on its Norway cruises and also offers sailings in Alaska, with a land tour to Fairbanks, a prime viewing spot.
While Norway is a popular destination, the aurora can also be seen in the Canadian Arctic, Iceland, Greenland, and high-latitude Alaska. The Mississippi River also serves as a backdrop for unique cruises, with itineraries from New Orleans to Memphis, and further extensions to St. Paul or Nashville, focusing on American history and music.
