Table Of Content
In this guide, we will unravel the mysteries of the aurora and explore the ins and outs of Alaska’s northern lights cruises. So, print out one of our cruise planners, grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s set sail on this celestial adventure. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, have enchanted humanity for millennia. Their ethereal dance across the night sky tells a tale as old as time, combining science, legends, and raw natural beauty. Hike some of the trails to catch a glimpse of the northern lights in Alaska. During the winter, clear dark skies and aurora activity make Juneau an ideal spot to witness the stunning northern lights display.
Where to See Northern Lights: 8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing - Reader's Digest
Where to See Northern Lights: 8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing.
Posted: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Specialized Northern Lights Cruises vs. Regular Cruises
If you don't have two or three weeks to take off work to go northern lights watching, consider Oceanwide Expeditions' eight-day aurora borealis sailings from Iceland to Greenland and back. The adventure begins in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland, before heading for Greenland's breathtaking Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. If you do have a little more time, you can opt for the 13-day Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis itinerary, which embarks in the Svalbard archipelago before sailing to Greenland and down to Iceland. Both take place in the late summer into early fall, as darkness returns to the skies in the Arctic. Rates for the eight-day itinerary start from $4,600 per person for the 2023 sailings.
Princess Cruises
The best place to start your aurora borealis journey is by booking your stay at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. On cruisetours like these, you’ll traverse to towns like Seward, Anchorage, Denali, and tiny Talkeetna. Of course, sightings of the Northern Lights on your cruisetour depend entirely on natural circumstances, relying on weather, darkness, and a bit of magic. Get up close to beautiful, picturesque landscapes on an Iceland and Ireland cruise from Southampton, England, which offers 14 nights of pure bliss on Celebrity Silhouette. Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those magical experiences on nearly every traveler’s bucket list due to the surreal way light moves in waves of green color across the nighttime sky. Non-photographers are welcome to enjoy the show and have their photo taken.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Aurora Borealis is the kind of scientific phenomenon that most people seem to either know everything about or nothing at all. I must admit – until I became interested in global cruising, I don’t think I’d ever heard of this natural wonder with the weirdest of names. Both she and Mark are great ambassadors for the Dream and for AK. Cruise from Greenland to Iceland aboard 108-guest Plancius to experience ancient history and dazzling glaciers, and search for polar bears in aurora-lit southeast Greenland. The Borealis is composed of solar particles shooting into the magnetic field of the earth and appear more than 60 miles above the earth's surface. Natives have believed the lights have a mystical force or even marked the appearance of spirits who have passed on.
We have never met anyone as well-suited for her job as Christine. She brought new meaning to the word "enthusiastic," and she was incredibly well-prepared. She communicated clearly and at the right time so that we were always prepared for next steps and so that we would have an opportunity to share our needs or preferences with her. All the guides were knowledgeable and personable--excellent in every respect--but two who stand out in our memories were KayDee in the Alaska Wildlands and Kerstein at the Kantishna Roadhouse. KayDee was remarkable for her flexibility and especially her willingness and ability to fit hikes to the widely varying needs of different individuals. Hiking with Kerstein was like attending a college class in the wilderness, and one taught by a charismatic and exciting teacher.
Night Iceland and Ireland Cruise to See the Northern Lights
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. Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Fairbanks, wait for the northern lights to appear in a warm, inviting space. Cozy up to the fire, sip on cocoa and coffee, and step outside when mother nature puts on a show. Although the center is a short distance from town, it is far enough away so that you won’t have to worry about light pollution interrupting your view as you stand gazing under the vast, starlit sky. This family-owned, fly-in luxury wilderness lodge is 200 miles north of Fairbanks and 60 miles above the Arctic Circle.
experience alaska
But the catch is that the Svalbard cruising season primarily occurs in the northern hemisphere’s summer, under the midnight sun, a time when the sun never sets in the Arctic. As such, it is not possible to view the northern lights during this time. Thus, the best time to view the northern lights here is at the end of the summer cruising season in late August and September. Many travelers have expressed interest in trips that include both the northern lights and polar bears.
Family Activities In Knoxville – Outdoor, Indoor, Educational, Sports, Water, And Seasonal Fun
Many ships offer heated outdoor areas, loungers, and even blankets for comfort. Onboard experts, aurora alert systems, and photography workshops can further enhance the experience. Choosing the right cruise, preparing adequately, and embracing all the adventures en route ensures not just a glimpse of this celestial marvel but a comprehensive, enriching travel experience.
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. Venture on a cosmic voyage with a Stargazing specialist and uncover the secrets of the skies above. Considering the cruise line is named after the atmospheric phenomenon, it should come as no surprise that it offers a northern lights itinerary. At 19 to 22 days long, depending on the departure, there is plenty of time to hope for a northern lights appearance — or two, or three, or more. The longer itinerary continues with a visit to the Faroe Islands and disembarkation in Bergen, Norway.
Review: An Alaska Cruise Tour With Princess Cruises - TravelAge West
Review: An Alaska Cruise Tour With Princess Cruises.
Posted: Mon, 26 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
These exciting seven-night itineraries stop in stunning Alaskan ports, such as Ketchikan and Juneau, and spend a day sailing close to the majestic Dawes Glacier, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. From mid-November through March, you can check into a lodge or look for the lights each night as you try a different activity, like ice fishing or dogsledding. And if you’re on an aurora quest from mid-August to mid-September, (Fall) there’s still time to enjoy summer activities, like visiting Denali National Park or taking a glacier cruise. The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic.
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.
Alaska also boasts a stunning variety of wildlife—think seals, sea otters, eagles, mink, porpoises, and mountain goats, to name a few. Search for brown bears in Red Bluff Bay against a backdrop of towering red mountains and waterfalls or along the shores of Chichagof Island. Observe a sea lion haulout (when they gather on the banks to rest) and puffin rookery in the Marble Islands, or go whale watching in Fredericks Sound, Stephens Passage, or Chatham. No matter your itinerary, UnCruise helps guests witness incredible creatures in their natural habitats, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Alaska’s magnetic pull is undeniable, drawing adventurous travelers eager to explore its vast wilderness and rugged landscapes. More than 25 years ago, it was also the launching pad for UnCruise Adventures, which started with a single yacht in Alaska.
Expert guides double as concierges, tailoring a plan the day before based on your interests and preferences—and you’re free to join in on as many or as few activities as you please. Onboard dining is a highlight, with meals crafted from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Guests enjoy unlimited access to a variety of meals throughout the day, including early-riser breakfasts, lunches, dinners with multiple entrée options, and snacks in between. The beverage selection is also unlimited, featuring fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails, ensuring guests can savor their favorite drinks or try something new without any additional charges.
