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

Table Of Content

• Northern Lights Cruise: How to See the Stunning Natural Phenomenon
• For Travel Agents
• Aurora Pointe
• These Alaska Destinations Give You the Best Chance of Glimpsing the Northern Lights
• Alaska Wildlife Guide: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tours
• Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge Aurora and Dogsled Expeditions

Make the most of your journey by exploring these other attractions and activities that Alaska has to offer. Another noteworthy spot in Fairbanks is the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Geophysical Institute operates a public observatory on campus, allowing visitors to learn about the science behind the Northern Lights. Here, you can attend lectures, view exhibits, and even participate in hands-on activities related to aurora research. You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours. As mentioned, the lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m.

Northern Lights Cruise: How to See the Stunning Natural Phenomenon

Cruise lines operating in Alaska, such as 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 phenomenon. Put your name on the list, and you'll get a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door should there be aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly — the lights may only appear for a few minutes, or they could last considerably longer. 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.

For Travel Agents

Located above the Arctic Circle, visiting Utqiagvik is an opportunity to learn about the culture of the indigenous Iñupiaq, who make up a majority of Utqiagvik and operate the Iñupiaq Heritage Center in the town. While one area in particular does take top honors for spectacular viewing, it’s possible to witness auroras from nearly anywhere in Alaska when the sky is clear. Here’s the scoop on where to go this season to see the Northern Lights throughout Alaska’s five distinct regions. Hurtigruten is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. 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.

Aurora Pointe

You can spot absolutely stunning aurora borealis displays in September or October, as well as March or April. The best time to look for the shimmering lights is between midnight and 2 am. Although the full viewing season spans from March to September, you’ll have the greatest chance of witnessing the Borealis’ emergence in September, when skies are so much darker than during the summer cruise season. Incidentally, this is also the time when you’ll find cost savings on your cruise since most families tend to vacation while school is out. If seeing the northern lights is a greater priority for you than taking a traditional summer cruise to Alaska, look into riding on the Alaska State Ferry.

All trips are pri­vate, so bring your fam­i­ly or group and spend a night on the look­out for the auro­ra or make it part of a mul­ti-day jour­ney. This fam­i­ly-owned, fly-in lux­u­ry wilder­ness lodge is 200 miles north of Fair­banks and 60 miles above the Arc­tic Cir­cle. Stays are all-inclu­sive and exclu­sive — they only accept one group at a time. Go dogsled­ding, snow­shoe­ing, or scan the skies for the north­ern lights. The lodge’s huge pic­ture win­dows make it easy to keep a look­out for the auro­ra from a warm, com­fort­able interior. Dedicate at least 3 nights to looking for the lights, so that you, too, will have a 90% chance of seeing them.

These Alaska Destinations Give You the Best Chance of Glimpsing the Northern Lights

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024 - Forbes

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024.

Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While each cruise line may have its unique Alaska cruise itinerary, there are common routes that most Northern Lights cruises in Alaska follow. While there are several ways to chase the Northern Lights, a cruise offers distinct benefits. As we sail through this guide, remember that the Northern Lights are a blend of predictability and serendipity.

Choosing the Right Alaska Cruise for Northern Lights Viewing

SolarHam gives a reliable three-day geomagnetic forecast that's often used by aurora hunters, while the Aurora Forecast app shows travelers the position of the auroral oval around the Arctic Circle. It also indicates the probability of seeing the northern lights where you are (green, not so much; red, and they're probably happening right above you). Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Alaska?

By choosing a cruise that offers activities you’re passionate about, you can make the most of your time onboard and create lasting memories. When considering , think about what is important to you during your cruise. Some ships offer dedicated observation decks or lounges specifically designed for Northern Lights viewing. Others may have spas, theaters, or specialty restaurants that can add to your overall enjoyment of the trip. Take into account your personal preferences and prioritize the that will make your cruise most enjoyable. The size of the cruise ship can also impact your Northern Lights experience.

Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge Aurora and Dogsled Expeditions

In fact, Fairbanks is often voted as one of the top ten places in the world to witness the brilliant green waves of light. Some make the most of the expedition and travel to the small town of Manley Hot Springs to witness this amazing wonder from the view of a steamy spring-fed hot tub. 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. 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.

The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More - Travel + Leisure

The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More.

Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

And 1st Alaska Tours runs nightly trips to Chena Hot Springs 60 miles north and to Murphy Dome, one of the highest peaks in the Fairbanks area, which has a 360-degree view of the horizon. Displays of the northern lights tend to intensify around the equinox months of September and March because Earth's tilt in relation to the sun means that the magnetic field of Earth and the solar wind are in sync. Plus, there's a higher likelihood of clear skies in Alaska during spring, so the best time to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights is in March. The northern lights occur because of solar activity, so during the early part of the solar cycle, known as solar minimum, there is a smaller chance of experiencing a full-on auroral storm. As we move toward solar maximum, which returns in 2025, the odds of seeing the northern lights will increase. The winter months in Alaska, specifically from September to April, offer the best opportunities to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

This is because the magnetic fields of Earth’s North and South Poles are consistently weak enough for the sun’s charged particles to enter our atmosphere at high speed. Fairbanks is the best place to see northern lights in Alaska for visitors. 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. 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.

Research the best times to visit each port and consult with experts to ensure you make the most of your journey. Finally, let’s conclude our exploration of Alaskan cruises with Northern Lights viewing. In the next section, we’ll explore the onboard activities and amenities that make Alaskan cruises with Northern Lights viewing even more memorable. In the next section, we’ll provide you with some valuable tips to increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during your Alaskan cruise. In the next section, we’ll explore the best time of year to enhance your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights in all their glory on an Alaskan cruise.

By day, try your hand at either cross-country skiing or ice fishing through pre-drilled ice holes. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of your chosen travel insurance policy to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides comprehensive coverage for your Alaska cruise. An Alaska cruise is not just about the Northern Lights; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, encounter magnificent wildlife, and discover the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable destination.

The state is vast, with dramatic panoramas and expansive dark skies that showcase the Northern Lights during aurora season—officially August 21 to April 21. Join Alas­ka Wildlife Guide in explor­ing one of Alaska’s most desired attrac­tions, Chena Hot Springs Resort. From vis­it­ing the most north­ern Ice Muse­um, soak­ing in the all-nat­ur­al hot springs to view­ing the breath­tak­ing North­ern Lights dance across the sky, this tour will be a high­light of your Alaskan experience.

Step away from the city lights and into a cozy yurt where you can view the aerial performance from the comfort of your own space. Or, head outside, set up your camera and capture postcard-worthy photos to share with your loved ones. Select ships also offer an onboard viewing experience with the indoor planetarium located in the Princess Theater.