7 Best Cruises to See the Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most beautiful and mystifying phenomena in the world. These charged and flickering particles of light are visible throughout the world in the Northern Hemisphere.
While you can see the Northern Lights from land, one of the most popular ways to view them is by sea. If you want to go this route, this article lists the best Northern Lights cruises in the world.
1. Cunard: Norway and Northern Lights
Cunard is based out of Norway and offers two of the most popular Northern Lights cruises in the world. You can book their Norway and Northern Lights cruise in either September or November. Each cruise is a 10 night excursion into the fjords of Norway.
Ticket prices start at around $1,600 per person and include food, entertainment, boarding and room service. In addition to seeing the Northern Lights, you'll also get to explore some of Norway's most beautiful coastal towns, including Narvik, Alesund, Tromso and more!
2. Hurtigruten: The Coastal Express
Hurtigruten, another popular Norwegian cruise line, offers The Coastal Express for Northern Light adventure seekers. The Coastal Express is Hurtigruten's signature cruise and includes 7-12 days at sea where you'll explore dozens of towns while covering 2,500 nautical miles!
Hurtigruten offers four Coastal Express cruise options, depending on your preferences. Each one, however, offers an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights.
In fact, they even have a Northern Lights Promise where you get a free six to seven day cruise to try again if you don't see the Northern Lights on your initial cruise. This is only available during the peak auroral season, which is from September 20 to March 25.
3. Quark Expeditions: Under the Northern Lights
Based out of Iceland, Under the Northern Lights from Quark Expeditions is one of the most popular Northern Lights cruises in the world. This cruise is available from September to October and explores Iceland and East Greenland, two of the most beautiful and secluded parts of the world.
In addition to the Northern Lights, you'll also get to see some of the most unique wildlife in the Arctic area. This is also one of the more luxurious Northern Lights cruises, as it spans for 12 to 14 days and tickets start at $11,600.
4. Aurora Expeditions: Northern Lights Explorer
As the name implies, Northern Lights Explorer from Aurora Expeditions is all about the Aurora Borealis. This Norwegian cruise departs from the town of Tromso and takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Norway, including Anderdalen National Park, the Lofoten Islands and Jan Mayen, which is home to an active volcano!
In addition to these Norwegian sights and sounds, you'll also explore parts of Iceland and East Greenland. The Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights Explorer 18-day cruise is only offered once per year in September, and tickets start at around $20,000.
5. Viking: In Search of the Northern Lights
Viking is one of the more well-known cruise lines in the world. They're known for offering luxurious accommodations while taking you through the heart of Viking country, including parts of Amsterdam, Norway and the North Sea.
You'll get to see each of these areas when you book their In Search of the Northern Lights cruise. You'll also get to see more frequently visited sites, such as Westminster Abbey in London. The In Search of the Northern Lights cruise is available from January to March and tickets start at around $5,000.
6. Holland America: Arctic Journey and Northern Lights
Although they're called Holland America, the Arctic Journey and Northern Lights cruise from Holland America operates out of the Netherlands. If you book this iconic 14-day cruise, you'll leave Rotterdam in October 4 and arrive in Amsterdam on October 18th.
During your time at sea, you'll explore numerous parts of Norway and the Arctic Circle, including Alta, the "City of the Northern Lights." In addition to exploring the fjords of Norway and desolate parts of the North Sea, you'll also get to visit the Shetland Islands in the UK. This is one of the more affordable Northern Lights cruises, as tickets start at around $2,500.
7. UnCruise Adventures: Northern Lights and Winter Sports
If you want to see the Northern Lights in February and March while also taking part in some of Alaska's most popular winter sports, this is the cruise for you. The Northern Lights and Winter Sports Cruise from UnCruise Adventures offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and more.
This will all take place in Glacier Bay National Park, where you'll get to see some of the most famous glaciers in the world. Additionally, if and when the Northern Lights are visible, your captain will make an announcement over the intercom so that you can rush from your cabin and not miss out on the sighting!
Choose Your Northern Lights Cruise Wisely
As you can see, there are several great Northern Lights cruises to choose from. It's important to do your research, compare prices and choose the cruise that fits your schedule and budget while also allowing you to see everything you want to see!