Can You See The Northern Lights From A Cruise Ship? The Best Cruises for Viewing the Northern Lights
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Some make the most of the expedition and travel to the small town of Manley Hot Springs to witness this amazing wonder from the view of a steamy spring-fed hot tub. You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours. As mentioned, the lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m.
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The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are the iconic lights that whimsically paint Alaska’s skies seafoam green, fluorescent yellow and bright notes of fuchsia. While they appear transcendental, they are actually caused by collisions between gases in the earth’s atmosphere and those in the sun’s atmosphere. The solar winds that circle the globe create unique arrangements that can appear as rippling currents or dancing rays. A survey by the Discovery Channel noted that seeing Aurora Borealis made it to more “bucket lists” than any other travel adventure. And it truly is an adventure – because its appearance from one sighting to the next is never the same. I like to think that chasing the Borealis similar to the adrenaline rush of storm-chasers who follow tornadoes – except, you’re chasing a natural beauty, rather than a destructive force.
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Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly — the lights may only appear for a few minutes, or they could last considerably longer. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you. If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory. If you prefer to get off-the-beaten-track and travel with smaller groups, a wide array of small ship cruise companies offer more intimate cruises catering to adventure and luxury travelers.
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That said, even if you don’t see the Northern Lights during your cruise, there’s plenty to fall in love with in these exciting destinations, from incredible dog-sledding competitions to hiking along stunning fjords. I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world. As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure! Holland America also provides 9–14-day Alaska tours that include the cost of a cruise and a land-based tour to the likes of Fairbanks, including the Denali National Park. Set sail on an Alaskan cruise and let the magic of the Northern Lights illuminate your journey, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. These onboard activities and amenities enhance the overall Northern Lights experience, making your Alaskan cruise a truly memorable journey.
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Some popular options include the Aurora Forecast, Space Weather Live, and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. While the Northern Lights can be seen from late September to early April in Alaska, the equinox months – September and March – often have higher geomagnetic activity, which can lead to more vivid auroras. The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is not just a beautiful display but also a complex natural phenomenon steeped in science and lore.
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During the summer months, especially July and August, temperatures in Southeast Alaska usually fall between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while Southcentral Alaska and the Interior see higher heights into the 70’s and 80’s. Most major cruise lines also offer the opportunity for pre or post-cruise land packages that will take you by bus or train to destinations in Southcentral and Interior Alaska. If you have the time, these cruise packages give you the best of both worlds for exploring Alaska's coastal communities and some of the top sights in Alaska's heartland, including Denali National Park. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive multi-day Alaska cruise package or simply a day cruise to see wildlife and glaciers, there are many options to choose from.
The arctic viewing season for northern lights cruises is from late September to late March/early April, though the best months are December through March, when there are the longest hours of darkness and many clear night skies. Generally, skies are clearest near the spring and fall equinoxes in later September and March. Some late September/early October Alaska cruises can include northern lights sightings as well. Alaska’s northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April.
The months of December to March are especially popular for viewing the Northern Lights, as the nights are longer, increasing your chances of witnessing this celestial spectacle. 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. If you are truly on the hunt for the aurora, spend at least three nights in the Arctic or Interior regions of Alaska and get outside each night during prime viewing hours. Keep an eye on the University of Fairbanks Geophysical Institute’s Aurora Forecast and Explore Fairbanks’ Aurora Tracker for the most specific data on your chances for seeing the northern lights on a particular night.
Uncruise’s 12-night “Inside Passage” itinerary departs April 15 with rates starting at $6,300 per person, and Alaska Dream Cruises’ seven-night “Last Frontier Adventure” has starting rates from $3,995 per person. We sailed roundtrip from Juneau, and while I’ve visited the capital city during the busy summer months, I found the restaurants, bars, and shops much less crowded, reliably filled with locals for the most part. On the water, we rarely passed any other ships or boats, aside from fishermen out for their catches. Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky may cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool.
Scheduling a family cruise to see the enchanting northern lights requires meticulous planning and good luck. So, let’s have a peek at the best time to cruise Alaska for Northern Lights and tips for seeing them in all their splendor. When planning your Alaskan cruise, consider the ports of call that align with your desired Northern Lights viewing experience. Research the best times to visit each destination and consult with your cruise operator for expert guidance on optimal viewing spots and excursion options. Ultimately, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska depends on your personal preferences and willingness to handle cold weather.
When choosing an Alaska cruise route for Northern Lights viewing, it’s essential to research the itineraries and consult with cruise operators to ensure that Northern Lights sightings are a part of the planned experience. While cruise routes can provide incredible opportunities, remember that seeing the Northern Lights is ultimately a matter of luck and nature’s whims. Spanning 13.2 million acres, this national park is the largest protected reserve in the United States. Travelers can bed down at the 14-person Ultima Thule Lodge for a wild adventure filled with glacier trekking, rafting, fishing in Tebay Lake, and (of course) waiting for the northern lights to flicker across the sky. Its popularity among northern lights seekers has a lot to do with its accessibility.
"Cruise ships are able to be out at sea where it is dark for optimal viewing," she says, and when in port, they can create opportunities for guests to access optimal viewing sites outside of cities and their lights. Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising. Other adventurous activities, such as hiking trails, open up in the summer months. Hatcher Pass typically opens up in July, depending on the specific Hatcher Pass weather conditions. Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line.
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