A Cruiser’s Guide to the Northern Lights

Why is cruising the best way to see the Northern Lights?

There’s something extra magical about watching the shimmering show of the Northern Lights from the deck of a cruise ship. In fact, chasing the aurora borealis on a cruise holiday has some serious perks over land-based travel.

One of the best things about cruising the Northern Lights is that you’re always on the move. After all, clear skies are key to a vivid aurora sighting, so on overcast nights, your ship can bypass cloudier skies and set sail to areas with more favourable polar forecasts. Plus, being out at sea helps avoid artificial light on land, which can dull the colours and vibrancy of the Northern Lights.

Additionally, some of the best polar light viewing spots are very remote and difficult to reach by road, especially in winter. A Northern Lights cruise offers a stress-free and scenic way to visit distant Arctic ports that other modes of transport simply cannot access.

And, of course, there are all the usual perks of a cruise holiday. Combining transport, accommodation, dining and sightseeing into one seamless experience, a Northern Lights cruise makes holiday planning easy. Plus, many ships offer aurora wake-up calls, ensuring you won’t miss a sighting while you sleep!

What is the best destination for a Northern Lights cruise?

You can view the aurora borealis from several destinations that cross the Arctic Circle, including Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Sweden and Finland. However, Norway stands out as the best destination for travellers wanting to embark on a Northern Lights cruise.

An Arctic playground, Norway’s northern coastline stretches deep into the Arctic Circle, affording a wide array of prime Northern Lights viewing spots. In particular, ports like Tromso, Alta and Honningsvag are renowned for their high aurora activity and frequent displays. Look for cruise itineraries that include overnight stays in these destinations, to maximise your chances of catching the polar lights in all their mystical glory.

Plus, Norway has so much to offer beyond just aurora chasing, ensuring memorable holiday moments at every turn. By day, stop in charming coastal towns to immerse in Sami culture, taste Arctic cuisine and enjoy winter experiences, like dog sledding and reindeer safaris. Beyond the Arctic Circle, you can soak in misty mountain vistas in Bergen, trace Viking history in Haugesund, sail deep blue fjords in Stavanger and sample fresh seafood delicacies in Alesund. No matter your Northern Lights itinerary, Norway is well-equipped to host cruise travellers.

When is the best time to go on a Northern Lights cruise?

Did you know that the Northern Lights are a phenomenon that occurs year-round? However, the aurora borealis is only visible to the human eye when the skies are dark enough, which means planning your cruise for the right season is key.

The Northern Lights cruise season typically runs from mid-September to early April, although the absolute best times to travel are between late September to early November and again from early February to late March. During these months, northern Norway experiences dark, clear nights – perfect for aurora chasing. Plus, there’s still plenty of sunlight during the day to enjoy outdoor activities and appreciate Norway’s dramatic scenery.

Better yet, your chances of catching the Northern Lights will be at an all-time high over the next few years. This is because 2025 marks a solar maximum, a time when auroral displays are at their most active and vibrant, an effect that will linger until at least 2026. While the aurora borealis is known for its elusiveness, the next few years may just be your best shot at catching the lights before the next solar maximum, which won’t occur for another 11 years.