Which Cruise Line is Best for the Northern Lights?
Want to experience the majesty of the Northern Lights in a way you'll never forget? Book a cruise! Cruising to see this natural wonder is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You'll enjoy the luxury onboard while relaxing and gazing at the sky at night. Want to know which cruise line is best for the Northern Lights? Keep reading; we'll review four of our favorites, and provide some tips for booking your trip.
Top 4 Cruises to See The Northern Lights
1. Saga’s Spirit of Discovery
The Saga’s Spirit of Discovery Northern Lights Cruise is a 16-night stay on the cruise liner, which includes stays in Tromso, located in the Aurora belt. This cruise starts from Portsmouth, England, and explores the stunning coast of Norway and the surrounding areas.
The Spirit of Discovery has styling cues from some of the top London hotels with luxurious and beautiful interior features. This means you will be at the height of comfort while you explore the North Sea.
With prices starting at $7,732, this all-inclusive package offers everything you will want on a cruise. This includes access to premium liquor and spirits from the multiple bars on the ship.
The cruise also offers six different excursions. These expeditions will take you to some of the most beautiful places that Norway has to offer. The ship also has multiple activities, such as guest talks, live music, craft classes and theatre productions.
2. P&O Cruises: Norway
The Northern Lights cruises offered by P&O Cruises are aboard their Aurora cruise liner, which sets sail from Southampton, England. This is also an adults-only cruise, which means it may not be the best for families.
Besides seeing the Northern Lights, you will experience all that Norway has to offer. This includes exploring the fjords and coastal towns, trying classic Norwegian cuisine, explore mountain farms and experience the culture in Northern Norway.
Prices start at around $900 per person for one of these cruises. This includes a seven-night stay on the cruise liner, access to four pools, a movie theatre and many more amenities to explore while on board.
3. Aurora Expeditions: Traversing the Northern Passage
This cruise may not be for everyone as it starts at $38,636 per person, but it's a 29-day adventure that takes you into the heart of the Arctic. Traversing the Northern Passage by Aurora Expeditions will give you and 153 brave adventurers the chance to experience some of the most beautiful places you will ever see on our planet.
The ship has many amenities for you to explore while aboard, such as heated pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, a gym and observation decks. You can make new friends along the way by playing some of the multiple board games you can find in the lounges.
These cruises often start from Toronto, where you will be flown to Nuuk in Greenland to board the ship, the Sylvia Earle, named after the famed marine biologist and explorer.
4. Hurtigruten The Coastal Express
Take a scenic route along Norway’s coastlines on Hurtigruten’s The Coastal Express. This exciting cruise takes you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Norway, like the beautiful Geirangerfjorden. You also get to visit remote islands and coastal villages.
Spend 12 days aboard the liner with all meals included starting from $2,423 per person.
What is the Best Time for a Northern Lights Cruise?
As the Northern Lights season runs between late September and early April, the best time to book is during these months in the winter season. This period also offers the best opportunities to see the lights as the sky is much darker at night and there are fewer daylight hours.
What to Pack For a Northern Lights Cruise
Packing for a cruise through the Arctic is important. It will be very cold, so the type of clothing you bring is important to protect yourself from the elements. This sadly means no tropical shirts and dresses while on deck. Instead, you need to pack and wear a windbreaker jacket and pants that are insulated. You also may want to wear gloves and a warn hat.
If the cruise has any off-the-ship activities such as walking, hiking or exploring a cold area, you must keep your feet dry and warm. Otherwise, you risk frostbite. This means you need to wear insulated socks and hiking boots that are rated for cold weather.