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Additionally, the mild climate of this region makes it more comfortable for outdoor viewing during the winter months. For those seeking a perfect blend of luxury and adventure, Princess Cruises offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. With their state-of-the-art ships and world-class amenities, Princess Cruises ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey through the Alaskan waters. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff go above and beyond to make your Aurora Borealis viewing experience truly remarkable. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska, Princess Cruises offers a range of itineraries to cater to your interests and preferences.
Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea
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.
What Is The Best Time To See Northern Lights In Alaska?
An easy rule of thumb is the further north you go, the better your odds are. It's important to pick a location with low light pollution as well, so try to stay away from big city centers. Bright moonlight can diminish the contrast of the aurora against the night sky, making them less vivid.
Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?
The Seltjarnarnes peninsula is a prime viewing area as there is minimal light pollution. There are also plenty of places near Reykjavík you can head to if you’re short on time, including Thingvellir National Park. Northern Canada is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada, in remote places with minimal light pollution. Nunavut in the heart of Canada’s High Arctic is a prime aurora borealis viewing country, with its close proximity to the North Pole and vast expanses of tundra.
Quark Expeditions: Under the Northern Lights
However, the season is defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity. While many travelers think they have to head to Canada or Scandinavia to see the northern lights, you can actually spot this phenomenon without leaving the United States. Northern Alaska is ideal for Americans wanting a chance to see the aurora borealis. It may be cold in winter (temperatures can drop to 30 degrees below zero), but the inland Alaskan Arctic — where skies tend to be clearer — is one of the best places in the world to see this famous light show.
Northern Lights Cruise Regions
That said, some towns in Alaska are better for Aurora Borealis viewing than others. Here’s all you need to know to pick the best time to see northern lights in Alaska. While seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed, cruises to Alaska and Iceland make for unforgettable vacations. Whether you’re traversing the wild terrain of the Last Frontier or spending your days exploring cities like Bergen and Alesund, we have an ideal itinerary for you.
The 6 Best Cruises for Northern Lights Viewing - AFAR Media
The 6 Best Cruises for Northern Lights Viewing.
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you want a chance to see them on a cruise, you should aim for a longer cruise at the end of the season in late August or early September, but please keep in mind that it’s not always a guarantee. There is always aurora activity somewhere on Earth, but it could be centered around the North Pole (the actual pole, not the city) or somewhere else where it’s not easily visible. Join Alaska Wildlife Guide in exploring one of Alaska’s most desired attractions, Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024 - Forbes
Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024.
Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Chena Hot Springs Aurora Tour from Fairbanks
But like most things in nature, they might not show, even if you visit Alaska at the best time. 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.
Aurora + Hot Springs
Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. Passengers can opt-in for overnight wake-up calls, so they can get some sleep without worrying about missing a Northern Lights sighting. Here are a few examples of 2022 and 2023 itineraries that offer northern lights-themed cruises. Seeing the northern lights on a cruise isn’t guaranteed (although at least one cruise line, Hurtigruten, does issue a guarantee for certain cruises. See below). But you will increase your odds of seeing the northern lights by being in the right place in the Arctic Circle at the right time.
Yet, the core mission remains unchanged—to provide transformative experiences and memorable adventures for guests. And this year is a peak chance to embark on an extraordinary journey with UnCruise with the Northern Lights promising to be more impressive than ever. "Cruising is a nice way to see a lot of places, but in particular the Northern Lights," says Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, owner of Live Well, Travel Often, a boutique travel agency.
The optimal time to witness the Northern Lights during Aurora Expeditions’ cruises and expeditions is typically during the winter months when the polar night prevails. This period, from late September to early April, offers extended darkness and clearer skies, enhancing the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. The absence of sunlight allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating light displays against the Arctic or sub-Arctic landscapes. Aurora Expeditions carefully schedules these voyages to coincide with peak Northern Lights activity, ensuring passengers have the best chances of experiencing this celestial spectacle in its full splendour.
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. Chase the lights on a private tour with Wild Alaska Journeys and you’ll be in the capable hands of local guides who know where to look and understand the science behind them. 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.
While aurora borealis activity happens year-round, the best time for a Northern Lights adventure is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer and the skies darker. The season in the Northern Hemisphere is generally from September through April. Remember that seeing these lights doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights in their prime requires clear and dark skies, sometimes late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you place all your cruise vacation hopes on this one experience. 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.
Northern Lights experiences are best with a dark sky as the aurora is not strong enough to outshine the sunlight. Fairbanks sits just below the main auroral band, offering dark skies, minimal light pollution, and clear views of the night sky - all of which make the area a sweet spot for northern lights viewing. Yes, you can witness the Northern Lights from a cruise ship during dedicated Northern Lights cruises with Aurora Expeditions. These cruises navigate to prime viewing locations near the Arctic Circle, offering passengers a unique vantage point to experience the dazzling spectacle of the Aurora Borealis.
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