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The 9 best northern lights alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Consider one of these trips for a chance to see this mesmerizing natural wonder.

The Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

Northern lights over Alaska landscape.

Getty Images

There's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

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When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

Holland America Line

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Man standing under the northern lights in Canada.

Thierry Guenez | Courtesy of Holland America Line

9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Princess Cruises ship in Skagway, Alaska.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

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Balcony of the Celebrity Suite on the Celebrity Summit.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

The Norwegian Bliss on the water at sunset with mountains in the background.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Exterior of Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

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7 of the Best Northern Lights Cruises

Set sail on these itineraries to try to spot the aurora borealis.

virgin northern lights cruise

If seeing the northern lights , also known as the aurora borealis, is on your travel list, you've probably already looked into the best places to see them : northern destinations like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland , and Scandinavia among them. But have you ever considered visiting those destinations by sea rather than land? Many cruise lines not only offer itineraries to those regions but also offer northern lights-specific sailings, too. Cruising is particularly appealing for northern lights seekers because the ships can access remote areas without light pollution, allowing guests to see the aurora in its full brilliance. So if you haven't yet seen the northern lights — or if you're looking to see them again — here are seven northern lights cruises to help you accomplish your goal.

Viking: In Search of the Northern Lights

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Over the course of 13 days, a luxurious Viking ocean ship transports guests from London to Amsterdam , then all the way up the coast of Norway and north of the Arctic Circle, before returning back south to the Norwegian city of Bergen. (Although some sailings operate in reverse.) The Norwegian fjords themselves are a sight to behold — and if they're paired with the northern lights, that's all the better! The sailings run from January to March when daylight is limited in the Arctic Circle, making for prime aurora opportunities. Rates start from $4,999 per person in 2023, and it should be noted that Viking is an adults-only cruise line.

Aurora Expeditions: Northern Lights Explorer

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 sailings start in the northern Norwegian city of Kirkenes before sailing south along the coast, heading back north to the remote archipelago of Jan Mayen (a polar bear hotspot), over to the scenic fjords of East Greenland, and around the northern half of Iceland. The longer itinerary continues with a visit to the Faroe Islands and disembarkation in Bergen, Norway. Aurora offers just one of these sailings per year in September. Rates start from $19,705.50 per person in 2023.

Hurtigruten: The Classic Roundtrip Voyage

Hurtigruten is something of an outlier in this group because it doesn't offer specific northern lights itineraries. But the routes of this coastal ferry company in Norway just happen to traverse the perfect latitudes to see the aurora. In fact, Hurtigruten is so confident you'll see the northern lights during the auroral season (Sept. 26 through March 31) that if they don't show up on a sailing of 11 days or more, the company will give you a free six- or seven-day cruise to try again. For the best odds of seeing the northern lights, we suggest the 12-day round-trip itinerary from Bergen up the coast of Norway and back. Rates start from $2,309 per person in 2023.

Quark Expeditions: Under the Northern Lights

Specializing in polar voyages, Quark Expeditions knows a thing or two about the northern lights, which is why the company offers aurora sailings each fall. These 14-day itineraries cruise from Iceland to Greenland and back from September into early October. As the majority of the voyage takes place above the Arctic Circle, the odds of seeing the northern lights are high, especially as solar activity tends to peak around the autumnal and vernal equinoxes in September and March, respectively. And if they don't show, well, you still get to explore Iceland's Westfjords and Greenland's eastern shores — and that's a worthwhile journey in itself. Rates start from $8,501 per person in 2023.

Oceanwide Expeditions: East Greenland Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis

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.

Cunard: Norway and Northern Lights

Each fall, one or two of the ships in Cunard's legendary fleet head north for Norway, where guests are treated to scenic cruising along the coast. The 12-day itineraries depart from Southampton, England, before traveling to Alesund, Tromsø, Narvik, and Haugesund, sailing through majestic fjords along the way. Since the ships sail this itinerary from October to November, the skies will be dark enough to see the northern lights, should they decide to appear. In 2023, the voyage will be undertaken by Queen Victoria , while next season, the Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming Queen Anne will take the reins. Rates start from $1,689 per person in 2023.

P&O: Norway

The most affordable option on this list, British cruise line P&O operates 12-day sailings to Norway year-round, but during the auroral season, there's a strong chance you'll see the northern lights while onboard. Guests embark in Southampton, England, before sailing north to Norway, traveling as far north as Tromsø, well north of the Arctic Circle. We recommend splurging on a room with windows for the best northern lights viewing options. However, those in interior cabins can always run up on deck — which you should do anyway to witness the full grandeur of the atmospheric phenomenon. Rates start from $1,385 per person in 2023.

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  • London (Tilbury) to Bergen
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In Search of the Northern Lights

  • From $4,999
  • 5 Guided Tours
  • 3 Countries
  • Dates & Pricing
  • London (Tilbury) to Bergen Bergen to London (Tilbury)

In Search of the Northern Lights Map

Map of In Search of the Northern Lights itinerary

Feel the spirit of the north

virgin northern lights cruise

Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Sailing far north during Norway’s winter, witness snow-covered landscapes dotted with rugged mountains and steep fjords, and seek out the brilliant aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and pilot a dog sled or snowmobile to further immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage.

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Viking Inclusive Value

We include features & services worth over $200 per guest per day.

Map of In Search of the Northern Lights itinerary

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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Pre: London

From $1,299 | 2 Nights

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Pre: Pristine Iceland

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

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Pre: Best of London

From $2,999 | 3 Nights

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Post: Bergen

From $499 | 2 Nights

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From $849 | 2 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

  • - The Hanseatic League
  • - The Vikings
  • - Vikings on the Move
  • - Oceans in Context
  • - History of Navigation
  • - The Bayeux Tapestry

virgin northern lights cruise

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As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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5 Cruises Where You Can See the Northern Lights

To see the aurora, travelers need to be far north, away from light pollution, and have unobstructed views of the sky. here are some cruises that can help you find the nightly solar show..

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northern lights reflect on the water

The most common Northern Lights color is green, but it can also present as red, purple, white, and pink.

Photo by Shutterstock

The psychedelic light show that paints the night sky with multicolored neon streams, scientifically known as the aurora borealis, is an experience worth chasing for many. For the best chance of seeing the swirling spectacle, travelers should head to the northernmost climes on a cloudless night between late August and mid-April.

While it’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will be visible, one way to help stack the deck in your favor is to be on a cruise ship that can move in search of the lights, typically in the Arctic.

Beyond seeing Mother Nature’s kaleidoscopic display, passengers on these cruises will have the chance to spend their days adventuring in the polar regions, perhaps cross-country skiing, dog sledding across the tundra, riding a Zodiac near the face of a calving glacier, or meeting with Sami reindeer herders. In other words, if the lights fail to appear, you won’t be at a loss.

These are some of the cruises where you have a solid chance of seeing the Northern Lights .

Where do Northern Lights cruises go?

The auroral oval, a band that hugs the northernmost latitudes where auroral activity has the highest concentration, covers most of Alaska and Iceland, southern Greenland, and the northernmost parts of Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

However, most Northern Lights cruises visit just Norway, Iceland, and Greenland because those countries have open waterway that aren’t frozen over.

Alaska’s cruise season only runs from May through September. While it is possible to see the Northern Lights display toward the beginning and end of the cruise season, it’s unlikely and no ships specifically target Alaska’s aurora season. Additionally, most Alaska cruises are concentrated around the collection of islands in the state’s southeast region, which is a little too far south for good auroral displays.

Aurora Expeditions’ “Northern Lights Explorer” cruise

  • Cost : From $18,076 per person
  • Departure port : Kirkenes, Norway
  • End port : Bergen, Norway

It’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will appear—it’s all dependent on the strength of geomagnetic storms on the sun and how clear the sky is where you are. However, given that this sailing lasts 22 days and ping-pongs around remote Arctic sites in Iceland, Greenland, and Norway, your odds are pretty good of seeing the night sky ignited by ribbons of color at least a few times. The sailing starts in Kirkenes, on the northern coast of Norway, and spends the first six days hugging the coastline, sailing past fishing villages and granite peaks, and making stops in the Lofoten Islands and other small towns. Then it’s on to the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen, just north of Iceland, which is also an excellent place for spotting whales and dolphins, before sliding over to the glacier-covered eastern coast of Greenland for four days of Zodiac excursions and hiking along the tundra. One of the highlights is visiting the Inuit village Ittoqqortoormiit, the region’s most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement, with its gregarious locals and scores of Greenlandic sled dogs.

From there, you’ll visit the Westfjords region of Iceland (the northwestern peninsula), with its colorful small towns, turbulent waterfalls, and fjords rich in bird-viewing opportunities. The final days before disembarkation in Bergen, Norway, will be spent in the Faroe Islands. There you’ll find traditional red-painted timber homes with grass roofs, lots of sheep and Faroese ponies, Viking history, and imposing sea cliffs.

Because it’s often chilly in this part of the world (especially at night), each passenger is given a waterproof polar expedition jacket upon arrival. The sailings will take place on the expedition vessel Greg Mortimer , which can hold 132 passengers in 79 cabins (most have private balconies for auroral viewing). The sailing runs from September 1 to 22, 2023.

Cunard’s “Norway and Northern Lights” cruise

  • Cost : From $2,099 per person
  • Departure port : Southampton, England
  • End port : Southampton, England

While Cunard’s 2,081-passenger Queen Victoria offers oodles of nightly performances, hopefully, on these sailings, the most dazzling show is one Mother Nature puts on.

After departing Southampton, the first stop is in Ålesund, Norway, to spend a day exploring its art nouveau architecture. After another day at sea, guests will reach Tromsø, a city 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle with famously consistent Northern Lights displays. Guests can stop by the Arctic Cathedral (which resembles a geometric glacier), visit the Polaria Arctic Center, or perhaps take a cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen.

The next day is in Narvik, a fishing village that can be traced back to the Stone Age but has only held township status since the early 20th century. There travelers can choose to ride the Ofoten Railway for a day trip to Sweden, hike to Frostisen Glacier, or ski at the Narvikfjellet ski resort. The final port town on the itinerary is Haugesund, where the 2,000-foot-tall Langfoss waterfall and hikes to the Instagram-famous Pulpit Rock are popular attractions.

Typically on these sailings, Cunard brings speakers, astronomers, and night sky photographers on board to add extra color to the sky-transforming glory of the Northern Lights. There are also plenty of spots on the 965-foot, 12-deck ship to find quiet areas to see the show. In 2023, Cunard will offer departures on October 27 and November 12. There will also be a March 16 departure in 2024.

Hurtigruten’s “Northern Lights Expedition Cruise From Dover”

  • Cost : From $5,080 per person
  • Departure port : Dover, England
  • End port : Dover, England

Hurtigruten is so sure that guests will see psychedelic coronas of light in the night sky that the Norwegian cruise line offers a “Northern Lights Promise.” If you sail one of the Northern Lights chasing itineraries with Hurtigruten between September 26 and March 31 on a voyage of 11 days or more and don’t see an auroral display, it will give you a six-day southbound or seven-day northbound Original Coastal Express Class Voyage for free. Beyond the Northern Lights Expedition Cruise from Dover, the other auroral sailings (with the Northern Lights Promise) include the 12-day Roundtrip Voyage (the full scenic route that stops at all 34 ports twice, on the northbound and southbound route) and the 11-day Voyage of Discovery (which stops at most of the 34 ports twice).

For Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights expedition cruise, after departing Dover in England, the 530-passenger MS Maud sails toward Norway, with the first stop being Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier. From there, the vessel visits old fishing communities (some dating back to pre-Viking times) and sails near the base of staggering peaks for Zodiac rides and hikes (this is an expedition cruise after all), as it continues north into the Arctic Circle and up to Alta. There, guests can take an excursion to visit a Sámi village and learn about the Indigenous and semi-nomadic reindeer herders. Then it’s back down to Tromsø, where guests can visit the Polar Museum, go snowshoeing, or try the world’s northernmost brewery, Mack Bryggeri. The next big stops are in Bergen, with its picturesque, UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, and Egersund, with its ancient ruins, before returning to Dover.

Each sailing has a professional photographer on board to help guests capture the lights display on their own camera. (And each room has an alarm, so guests know when the auroras are visible.)

Quark Expeditions’ “Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland” cruise

  • Cost : Starts at $10,256 per person
  • Departure port : Reykjavík, Iceland
  • End port : Reykjavík, Iceland

Northern Lights cruising isn’t what you would consider to be a mainstream cruise itinerary—there aren’t lots of options—but even within the limited field, Quark’s aurora-viewing sailing stands out for its unique destinations. In Iceland, guests spend time in Reykjavík before motoring along the Westfjords, the rugged peninsula that makes up the northwest corner of the island nation. There guests spend their days scanning the dizzying cliff sides for puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, and their nights scanning the sky for signs of the aurora. The ship then crosses the Arctic Circle as it heads to Greenland, where it spends eight days patrolling the remote northeast coast. This wild tundra is home to reindeer, arctic hares, and 40 percent of the world’s musk ox population.

It’s also the site of Scoresbysund, the most extensive fjord system in the world, and the glaciers here are the birthplace of many of the icebergs you see in the Arctic. Because it’s an expedition sailing, guests typically get off the boat two or three times per day for excursions, be that for Zodiac rides between bobbing bits of icebergs, hiking among reindeer, kayaking in the fjords, or perhaps even doing a polar plunge.

Guests also have the option to extend their trip with a few days in Reykjavík, where Northern Lights displays are common in the winter. Quark is running this itinerary twice in September 2023.

Viking’s “In Search of the Northern Lights” cruise

  • Cost : From $4,999 per person
  • Departure port : London, England
  • End port : Bergen, Noway

For those looking to check multiple countries off their list and see the Northern Lights, Viking’s 13-day sailing with stops in England, the Netherlands, and Norway may be a good option.

After departing London, guests spend a day in Amsterdam, where they can stroll along the canals, admiring the architecture and indulging in alfresco coffee and stroopwafel breaks. Then, after crossing the North Sea, the ship cruises the scenic Norwegian Inside Passage, a protected shipping lane that runs from the southern tip of Norway to Russia (though Viking guests will only go as far north as Tromsø).

The first stop where the Northern Lights could make an appearance is in Narvik, a small port city within the Arctic Circle where cruisers can participate in a Sami Northern Lights Ceremony, go snowshoeing in the mountains, or ride the cable car at Narvikfjellet. Then it’s on to Tromsø, Norway’s northernmost city, for two days of Arctic adventures, before sailing to Atla, a town known for its bluebird days (ideal for Northern Lights viewing later) and ancient rock carvings for two days.

In other cities, Viking offers late-night excursions that take passengers deeper into the countryside to darker spots with clearer skies to help increase the likelihood of spotting the elusive aurora. The following two days are at sea, taking in the beauty of the Norwegian coast as the vessel makes for its disembarkation city, Bergen.

If the lights appear during the night, the crew will play an announcement over the in-cabin TVs (meaning guests need to leave their TVs on all night to hear it). During sightings, staff circulates trays of hot beverages, like cocoa and toddies, to help guests stay warm on deck. Viking is running the itinerary multiple times from January through March in 2023 and 2024.

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Aurora Expeditions™

An aurora is a natural light display that can appear as brilliant green, yellow, red, blue and purple light patterns, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the night sky.

The Aurora Borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space. When these particles approach Earth a few nights later, they distort our magnetic field. The excited, ionised atoms that enter our atmosphere through the poles emit light which, when emitted on a large scale, causes the phenomenon of the Southern and Northern Lights.

There is no best place to witness an aurora which, in our opinion, only adds to the mystery and appeal surrounding them. It is most frequently visible in high-latitude regions in the Arctic and Antarctica, but most accessible between 10° and 20° of the North Pole in a band called the ‘auroral zone’. It’s important to understand that this oval-shaped halo can shift slightly, and there are many factors at play that affect how bright the lights appear or if it’s possible to see them at all.

To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, be prepared to venture into the heart of the Arctic, to destinations such as Greenland, Iceland, Northern Canada and Northern Norway. While aurora activity happens year-round, the best time to witness the Northern Lights is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer.

Northern Lights Cruises & Expeditions

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Northern Lights Cruises

Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights or aurora borealis on a small ship expedition cruise that takes you deep into the Arctic , to iconic destinations such as Greenland , Iceland and Norway .

In true expedition style, we encourage exploration and adventure on our Northern Lights tours. Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights cruises offer flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you amongst the action to see and do as much as possible. Our Northern Lights adventures will take you across the seas, seeking out the Northern Lights in multiple countries and landscapes. To increase your chances of seeing the lights we move to different locations around the Arctic Circle, ensuring all bases are covered.

  • Expeditions

Destination Highlights

Aurora borealis, Northern Lights, Lofoten islands, Norway

Northern Lights Explorer

USD $ 19,345.50

Why Join a Northern Lights Cruise with Aurora Expeditions?

First, what is this strange natural phenomenon? An aurora is a natural light display that can appear as brilliant green, yellow, red, blue and purple light patterns, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the night sky. The aurora borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space. When these particles approach Earth a few nights later, they distort our magnetic field. The excited, ionised atoms that enter our atmosphere through the poles emit light which, when emitted on a large scale, causes the phenomenon of the Southern and Northern Lights. Northern Lights experiences are best with a dark sky as the aurora is not strong enough to outshine the sunlight.

There is no best place to witness an aurora which, in our opinion, only adds to the mystery and appeal surrounding them. This is why Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights tours don’t focus on one spot or location. The Northern Lights are most frequently visible in high-latitude regions in the Arctic, but most accessible between 10° and 20° of the North Pole in a band called the ‘auroral zone’. It’s important to understand that this oval-shaped halo can shift slightly, and there are many factors at play, like weather conditions and clear nights, that affect how bright the lights appear or if it’s possible to see them at all so our Northern Lights tour reflects this.

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.

Unique Northern Lights Experiences

Our Northern Lights cruise sticks to the aurora zone in the Arctic Circle, but seeing the lights dance is only one part of your Northern Lights adventure. Exploring the polar regions provides you with opportunities like no other.

By night you will seek out the Northern Lights, but by day we will try to get you off the ship 2-3 times per day (depending on the weather and conditions) so you can get the most out of your time in the Arctic. Walking and bird-watching are popular activities as they offer a chance to witness the unique wildlife in the destinations you visit. 

Take a polar plunge in the icy waters of the Arctic Circle, or stay above the water on a Zodiac cruise through the fields of icebergs. Zodiac cruises allow you to get closer to some of the wildlife and landscapes you’ll see throughout your Northern Lights tour. If you have the necessary experience you should also consider adding sea kayaking to your Northern Lights itinerary.

Enrichment is an important component of our expeditions – we hope that you will leave changed and become lifelong ambassadors for the natural world and the wild, important destinations we visit. Your world-class Expedition Team will be on hand to answer your questions about the aurora borealis and how it comes to appear in the night sky, Arctic wildlife , geological formations and the history of the places we visit.

Northern Lights Cruise Regions

virgin northern lights cruise

Greenland Northern Lights

While Greenland is one of the best countries in the world for witnessing the Northern Lights, getting there can be challenging and often what holds people back. The good news is that, once you’re there, you can see the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in the country – even in the heart of its capital city, Nuuk! This is because Greenland’s population is tiny and scattered across small, remote communities, so it has minimal light pollution. Not many Northern Lights tours go to Greenland but Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights cruises explore using a small expedition ship which makes it easy to visit the prime locations in Greenland to see the Northern Lights.

Some other superb options for aurora viewing in Greenland are Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Kulusuk and Tasiilaq.

Zodiac cruising in Svalbard

Svalbard Northern Lights

Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Arctic for a chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. However, few venture to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole, which offers exceptional conditions to see the Northern Lights, not to mention dramatic fjords, rugged mountain ranges and a huge variety of unique wildlife, including majestic polar bears.

Northern Lights display over a frozen lake in northern Canada

Northern Lights Canada

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. Consider visiting a remote traditional Inuit community for an unparalleled night of dazzling aurora displays.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

Northern Lights Iceland

Aside from volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, one of the main reasons people have Iceland on their travel bucket list is because they dream of seeing the Northern Lights on display. Iceland is a sparsely populated country, so you don’t have to go far to get away from light pollution.

With longer hours with dark skies and clear night skies, the Westfjords and North Iceland are the best regions to head to if you want to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. There are many fantastic remote locations in South Iceland where you can witness the aurora, including the popular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. 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 Lights display in the Lofted Islands in Norway

Northern Lights Norway

Norway is often the first country that comes to mind when people think of the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are a prominent feature of the night sky throughout the country and have even influenced folklore and indigenous culture. Because Norway is so long, the seasons change at different times, with summer lasting longer in the south and winter lasting longer in the north. As a rule of thumb, the further north you go, the longer your window is for seeing them.

The ‘auroral zone’ starts in Northern Norway just above the Lofoten Islands and extends up the coast to the North Cape (Nordkapp) and beyond. You will observe the same light display from anywhere in this region, but from a different angle. Some of our favourite places in Northern Norway to witness the Northern Lights include Tromsø, Kirkenes, the Lofoten Islands, Bodø and the North Cape.

Northern Lights Cruise Activities

See The Northern Lights with Aurora Expeditions and our Expedition Team will take you on excursions unique to the High Arctic, fully included in the cost of your expedition. For those interested in a little extra excitement, there are optional activities designed to get you closer to the action. Our Northern Lights expeditions provide a mix of comfort and adventure; for those willing to explore the Arctic the memories will last a lifetime.

Bird Watching

Photography

Polar plunge

Trips ashore

Whale and mammal spotting

Zodiac cruises

Lecture on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations

Add-on Activities

Sea kayaking in the Arctic

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling…

*Optional add-on activities are available on select voyages. They are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply. 

Northern Lights Cruises FAQs

Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions offer a unique and enchanting experience, providing travellers with the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. These expeditions take place in regions near the Arctic Circle, such as Norway or Iceland, where the Northern Lights are frequently visible. Our cruises are strategically timed to coincide with periods of high auroral activity. Passengers will embark on comfortable expedition vessels, equipped with expert guides, to explore remote and dark-sky locations. This extraordinary adventure combines celestial spectacle with Arctic landscapes, creating an unforgettable and magical journey.

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. The expedition vessels are strategically positioned in areas with minimal light pollution, maximizing the chances of observing the vibrant colours and dancing lights of the Northern Lights against the Arctic night sky. Passengers will enjoy the magical display from the comfort of the ship, creating a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Popular regions for Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions include Arctic destinations like Norway, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic. These Arctic regions, located near the magnetic poles, offer optimal conditions for observing the Northern Lights. Aurora Expeditions carefully plans itineraries to position their vessels in prime locations, away from light pollution, providing passengers with the best chances of witnessing the spectacular light display.

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.

Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions offer a range of captivating activities . Passengers can enjoy nightly Aurora photography sessions, guided by expert photographers, to capture the ethereal displays. Onboard, expect to learn all about our surroundings from our expert expedition team. Additionally, cultural interactions with local communities will enhance your Arctic experience. The vessels are equipped with observation decks, ensuring optimal Northern Lights viewing. To unwind, onboard amenities include wellness facilities, dining featuring local cuisine and presentations from naturalists. These diverse activities create a holistic and enriching journey for travellers seeking the magic of the Northern Lights.

We use all of our expertise when it comes to maximizing your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during a cruise, such as creating an itinerary that navigates to prime Aurora viewing locations like Norway, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic, and opting for departures during the Northern Lights season, typically from late September to early April, when the polar night skies are darkest. We also have expert-led programs within the expedition, such as lectures or photography sessions, to enhance your understanding and capturing capabilities.

Yes, Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights cruises and expeditions are designed to accommodate participants of all ages and experience levels. The itineraries are crafted to provide a comfortable and enriching experience, whether you are a seasoned traveller or exploring the polar regions for the first time. Expedition staff and guides offer support and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone. Activities and excursions cater to various interests, allowing participants to customize their experience. From informative lectures to adventurous shore landings, there’s something for everyone, making these expeditions inclusive and suitable for individuals, families and groups with diverse backgrounds and preferences.

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Northern lights voyages.

Far Out Focus - Hans Petter Sørensen

Experience the Winter Wonders of Northern Norway and Finnish Lapland on our Northern Lights voyages at sea. Sail through the centre of the Aurora Oval Zone onboard the MV Quest giving you the optimal chance to witness the spectacular Northern Lights show first-hand.

Discover the Nordics from a different perspective as the open waters reflect the greatest light show on earth. Capture breathtaking photographs with crisp-white, winter backdrops and huddle up to your loved ones as Aurora Borealis greets you from the sky above.

Explore the Northern Norwegian coastline welcomed by humpback whales, enjoy a husky-sled ride, learn about the Sami indigenous people, and tick an Arctic cruise voyage off your bucket-list.

Is this what you are looking for? Contact us today and our destination experts will help you choose one of our Northern Lights voyages. From 5 to 15 days, full of authentic activities and guided by our expert guides, you will have a magnitude of chances to witness the Northern Lights.

Destination

Tour standard.

MS Quest

Lofoten Islands and Northern Lights Expedition

6 days - Cruise from Tromsø to Lofoten on MV Quest

  • New for 2024

Havila

Chase the Northern Lights Express

11 days - Escorted Small Group tour to Norway and Finland with southbound Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Experience the Northern Lights

Experience the Northern Lights

15 days - Escorted Small Group tour to Norway and Finland with northbound Norwegian Coastal Voyage

virgin northern lights cruise

Chase the Northern Lights

14 days - Escorted Small Group tour to Norway and Finland with southbound Norwegian Coastal Voyage

Ronny Olsen

Havila Astronomy Sailing

12 days - Classic Norwegian Coastal Voyage with an Astronomy expert

Northern Lights Cruises

Guest aboard small ship wearing red beanie looks up at the sky at the bright green ribbons of light, aka northern lights.

If you’re seeking to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, on a small ship expedition cruise or active lodge, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated the best northern lights cruises that not only offer you a chance to view the spectacle, but also so much more. Since the aurora borealis cannot ever be guaranteed, you’re sure to score with the wildlife viewing, adventure activities and local culture on these guided, small group trips.

Find the top northern lights cruises listed on this page, or read our advice about timing it right to see them on even more trips.

ON THIS PAGE – Northern Lights Cruises : Why Take Northern Lights Cruise? Timing Your Cruise Greenland Northern Lights Cruises Iceland Northern Lights Cruises Polar Bears & Northern Lights Alaska Northern Lights Cruises Southern Lights Antarctica Cruises View the Top Trips & Start Planning

TITLE PHOTO BY: Anthony Smith from Arctic Sights & Northern Lights

Why Take a Northern Lights Cruise?

Small ship cruises are the ultimate gateway to wilderness. Being on a ship allows you remote anchorages with dark skies that mirror a midnight-blue sea. The captain and his chosen route can be flexible to take advantage of clear-sky weather opportunities and other microclimates common to Arctic regions and fjords. And you get a full-package experience if the skies just don’t cooperate.

Another bonus is that ships are mobile, and able to reach the northernmost latitudes of the Earth. The aurora borealis phenomenon typically occurs between 60 and 75 degrees latitude, which covers the northern parts of Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia; all of Iceland; and the southern part of Greenland. But the auroral oval constantly shifts, so small ships can sometimes vary their route to take advantage of optimum conditions.

Timing Your Northern Lights Cruise

The only drawback to northern lights cruises are that they are not as commonly found deep in the winter months when you are most likely to encounter northern lights. But nine out ten travelers wouldn’t want to be in the northern latitudes of the Earth during that very dark, cold time.

So if you want the full-package experience, an aurora borealis cruise offers the best of the region’s weather, wildlife and culture, with the bonus of seeking to see the night sky light up. Learn about timing it right to see the aurora borealis in the regions we sail below.

virgin northern lights cruise

Our Experts Were Here

You have questions. We have answers.

Seeing Greenland Northern Lights

The majority of our focused northern lights cruises are in Greenland. Here, the aurora borealis can be seen from the end of August to the beginning of April. Aboard Greenland expedition cruises , northern lights themed itineraries usually operate in August, September and October. These routes typically focus their exploration on East Greenland, namely in Scoresby Sund.

If you’re seeking Greenland northern lights, look to several focused trips in this region for your best bets to spot them. A bonus on some: with Reykjavík as an embarkation port, you can explore Iceland pre- or post-cruise for more opportunities.

The later your departure date in the year, the more chance you will have to see the aurora borealis. But you simply never know. AdventureSmith’s specialists witnessed the northern lights (pictured above) during an August North Pole expedition that stopped in Scoresby Sund.

But of course, the northern lights in Greenland can also be seen in many other places like Kangerlussuaq, Disko Bay and Nuuk (all in West Greenland). The top Greenland Northern lights cruises are listed below, but view all our Greenland cruises to see more available itineraries that offer you a chance if timed right.

FIND A NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE

See the top trips to catch the aurora.

Iceland Cruises with Northern Lights

The entire island of Iceland is located in the prime latitude for viewing the aurora borealis. But interestingly, many of our Iceland-only cruises don’t focus on the northern lights. That has a lot to do with the timing of cruises operating here, primarily in the middle-summer months. Instead, look for Iceland Northern lights found primarily on cruise itineraries that also sail north into Greenland. Your greatest likelihood to spot the sky lighting up in Iceland is by booking as early or late into the sailing season as you can. Look to cruises here in April, September or October to have the best chance. View & filter all Iceland cruises by date.

Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tours in Svalbard & Canada

Many travelers have expressed interest in trips that include both the northern lights and polar bears. It is possible to be lucky enough to see both aurora borealis and polar bears in one trip to the Arctic, but never guaranteed. For a higher likelihood of this happening we would recommend taking a Svalbard cruise when there are more hours of darkness.

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. View & filter all Svalbard cruises by date.

Another great idea to combine both polar bears and the northern lights on an Arctic tour is the  Tundra Lodge Adventure  on the shores of Canada’s Hudson Bay. This lodge-based basecamp for viewing polar bears is offered later than cruises, into October and November, just when the nights become longer and allow for opportunities to see the aurora borealis as well.

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Let our Arctic experts make planning a breeze.

Northern Lights Alaska Cruise Options

Because the northern lights can be seen as low as 40 degrees latitude and Southeast Alaska is positioned between 55 and 60 degrees, you are well positioned to have a chance. Albeit a small one, we’ve had many passengers experience this phenomenon on a non-themed northern lights Alaska cruise. They just happened to time it right to be lucky!

Read our reviews below to see our travelers spotting the northern lights on late-season departures of the Inside Passage with Olympic National Park & 2 Days in Glacier Bay , Glacier Bay & Island Adventure Cruise , Denali Backcountry Explorer and Alaska Wildland Collection trips.

To see Alaska northern lights yourself on an Inside Passage small ship cruise , book your cruise as early or late in the cruising season as possible: typically March or late September or October for the best chances. Currently, our Prince William Sound cruise itineraries in a higher latitude are not operating late enough in the season to have as good of a chance for viewing northern lights.

Since Alaska small ship cruises are among our top-selling worldwide, our offerings are continually being updated, so be sure to check back for occasional Alaska winter cruise options. Our travelers have enjoyed nights on deck watching for shooting stars and northern lights, with hot tubs on board many of the ships to ramp up the experience. View & filter all Alaska cruises by date.

SEE THE ALASKA NORTHERN LIGHTS

Search for trips with departures in September & October for your best chance.

Aurora Australis – Southern Lights Antarctica Cruises

Even more rarely seen than the northern lights are the southern lights, best seen every 11 years in Antarctica. The southern lights are the most active and visible here during the months of March to September. Since the expedition cruise season winds down in March, it’s rare to find a trip with a focus on seeing the southern lights. But the conditions are lining up for southern lights cruises in 2025, and a special departure of the  Polar Circle Cruise  on March 21, 2025. The captain is lengthening the itinerary to 16 days to take advantage of an optimal chance to view the southern lights as well as many Southern Hemisphere stars and celestial objects, including the Southern Cross and Magellanic clouds. Plus enjoy talks by a professor of astronomy and physics as well as a NASA scientist who are coming aboard. View & filter all Antarctica cruises by date.

The Best Northern Lights Cruises for 2024 & Beyond

Find the top northern lights cruises in 2024 and 2025 here on this page, narrowing down by your travel dates or price range. Or  contact us  for a personalized recommendation and a free quote today.

Call now 1-877-620-2875 to talk to a Specialist

Spend 9-12 days experiencing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, at a maximum intensity on this special voyage to the Scoresby Sund, East Greenland, the longest fjord in the world, aboard 170-guest Hondius or 108-guest Plancius.

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Hear It from Our Northern Lights Cruise Travelers

Every aspect of this trip was outstanding. The expedition team, the staff aboard, all wonderful. A great adventure for an eighty one year old! Thanks for the opportunity.

We absolutely loved this trip. The planning, communication, and coordination were seamless, and the many people with whom we interacted--from guides to waitstaff, cooks, and drivers--were knowledge, flexible, helpful, and pleasant. They all appeared to enjoy their jobs and to take pleasure in helping us appreciate Alaska's flora, fauna, and stunning natural environment as much as they do.

Can’t say enough nice things. Captain Mike set the tone of the trip and the staff implemented it. There wasn’t a sense of having to move on. If something was interesting, we got immersed in it.

Every aspect of this trip was outstanding. The expedition team, the staff aboard, all wonderful. I will recommend this trip 100%. Well trained staff, options to stay about or have an "adventure", excellent food, service, knowledge. Enjoyed every second! [I met] some very interesting, well traveled folk, all of whom felt this trips components were outstanding. A great adventure for an eighty one year old! Saw it mentioned in travel section of The Week Magazine. Figured both the glaciers and I were melting and that we better meet soon! Thanks for the opportunity.

Accommodations Review

Comfortable, private, ship staff extraordinary. Having my own stateroom was bliss!

Crew & Guides Review

Anja was one of the most professional leaders I have ever met. She dealt skillfully with both staff and clients...really outstanding!

Traveler Advice

Not as cold as I thought, bring casual clothes for boat...enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Featured in this Traveler Review

  • Arctic Sights & Northern Lights

The lodges varied significantly in terms of locations and special features, but each provided a special environment for experiencing Alaska. The Wilderness Lodge, lacking running water or electricity in the rooms, was challenging in some respects. Getting up at 2:00 am and walking through cold dark woods to common toilet facilities wasn't particularly pleasant, but the lodge's remote location and rustic ambiance compensated. Moreover, two members of our group who had been looking unsuccessfully for the northern lights, accident found them one night on their way to the toilet. Thus a negative became a positive.

Meals Review

The lodges in the Alaska Wildland part of the trip stand out in regard to meals. Chefs at each lodge were both happy to accommodate our "pescatarian" preferences and available to discuss menus and recipes. Indeed, the chef at the Wilderness Lodge spent a good deal of time sharing some recipes we particularly enjoyed. The quality of food at these Wildlands lodges far exceeded our expectations.

Our trip leader in the Wildlands Collections was Christine. 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. She seemed able to meet every need. Truly a wonderfully skilled and smart individual. 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. She made even the most drab looking plant or dull rock interesting.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Excellent. Tiffany is a marvel of organization and communication. We were never confused or surprised by any of the connections in our complicated trip.

1. Use AdventureSmith. 2. Fly from Kantishna to the park headquarters. 3. Take advantage of every opportunity provided to enjoy the outdoors with guides.

  • Alaska Wildland Collection
  • Denali Backcountry Explorer
  • Kenai Backcountry Lodge
  • Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge
  • Kenai Riverside Lodge
  • Kantishna Roadhouse

Can’t say enough nice things. Captain Mike set the tone of the trip and the staff implemented it. You guys expect a lot from the crew, 7 days, long days, and back at it again with new passengers. The crew NEVER showed a sign of stress or impatience. Half the fun was bantering with the crew. 

Petersburg was a great stop. Just seeing people’s lives in a remote small town was fun. Residents were incredibly friendly and helpful. Norwegian dancers were adorable!!! Bubble net feeding and Northern Lights were a bonus. What I appreciated was that Capt. Mike stayed put. There wasn’t a sense of having to move on.  If something was interesting, we got immersed in it. Mark and Maggy were knowledgeable and fun!  The whole crew was fun. Enjoyed learning about the Tlingit culture. I heard some whining from others.....Kake is not an easy place to visit....but I thought it was necessary. I did a lot of research about the history of Alaska prior to the trip and am ashamed at what the lower 48 did to the native culture. It was a hard reality.

For the most part, it’s a pretty bright group of passengers. Well read. Well educated. Even though I’m told I have a great sense of humor and know I am a bit of a nut, I am an introvert and it’s draining to be around people. I was happy to kayak off on my own and LOVED being able to go up on the bridge.  It was quiet! 

Boat cabins are tiny but beds were very comfy. We were in Sophia. A petty annoyance was only one closet door opened all the way.  The others hit the beds that were too heavy to budge! Drawers didn’t open but a few inches. Annoying, not catastrophic!

Daniel is to be commended. Excellent choices and preparations. Loved the baked goods and desserts. If the early muffins or croissants were warmed up a bit or room temperature, that would make them perfect! Loved all the fresh fruits!

Mark M. was wonderful. So knowledgeable and ENTHUSIASTIC! It was contagious. Great sense of humor and very personable. Was always available. Maggy is a gem. She is so much more than just a naturalist. She could make cleaning fish sound exciting. I never saw her (or the other crew members) without a smile. Her whole face lights up. Her pithy invitations to meals with really bad puns were great. Both she and Mark are great ambassadors for the Dream and for AK. Ranger Julia was delightful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Ms. Alice is a born storyteller. 

All the materials were timely and thorough. We made our own travel plans but the shuttle was ready to go when we arrived In Juneau. The welcome packet was spot-on!

Wear layers. Weather is all over the place!! Pack in soft luggage that can slide under the beds. Bring enough books. Don’t rely on cell phone cameras! It doesn’t even begin to capture the magic of the Northern Lights much less the marvel of bubblenet feeding. First thing we did when we got to Sitka was buy a camera! I prefer to see and remember things thru my eyes not a lens, but when you see a miracle, you may need proof. I loved the show Maggy and Mark put together and REALLY loved that the photos were shared by guests and crew. Michael got a shot of the Northern Lights against the bow of the boat that is breathtaking. Maybe tell folks you will do that so they don’t waste time hiding behind a lens. 

Make sure folks clearly understand how off-the techno grid the trip is. To me it was delightful but a bit unnerving that work and family could not get thru if there was an emergency. Be clear and make sure folks have a second line of defense if there is an unexpected event at home. Also, if music is important, load up an iPod.

Buy Farley Mowat’s Grey Seas Under And Never Cry Wolf. And Four Years Before the Mast.....cant recall the author.  Was republished in the last few years. Grey Seas and Mast are non fiction and gripping. There is a book about Teddy Roosevelt and his trip down the Amazon that inspired me to learn more. Get some good books or movies about your other destinations!

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Expedition Cruise

NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISE

Complete guide to seeing the aurora borealis.

No matter if you've seen the Northern Lights on numerous occasions, the bright, vivid colour displays never fail to leave you in awe of our beautiful world.

The only word to describe the Lights is magical and it takes a hardened soul not to be moved by the sight of them. The sight of lights and their bright reflections bouncing of the Arctic snow, is one you'll never forget.

Even though many of the mysteries surround the Northern Lights have been discovered, there are still some that elude us. For example, why are the lights more active the equinoxes.

Still do this day, scientists cannot predict when a light show will occur and, whilst this adds to the drama, it can sometimes be frustrating for visitors who have come a long way to view the lights.

Taking a cruise to see the Northern Lights is a great option as cruise ships are able to move away from light sources, allowing you to experience the Lights in near total darkness.

Most cruise liners are so confident that you'll see the Northern Lights that they'll offer you a money back guarantee or a free next trip attempt. Cruise ships can also cover great distances along the coast and hunt out the spots that are best.

Below we have provided you with all the information you'll need to find the right Northern Lights cruise to suit you.

Northern Lights: A Brief History

Northern Lights cruise history

There is deep and varied folklore surrounding the Northern Lights which gives a great insight into not only the Lights, but the early Arctic settlers themselves.

Amazingly, the Lights are often viewed by people as bad omens, particularly in areas where they rarely appear. The Lights supposedly appeared over London during the Blitz in 1939. They also appeared in the USA on the same night that Pearl Harbour was attacked in 1941.

Whilst this is almost certainly a myth, the Lights are not viewed as bad omens in areas where they are common. In Finland, the Lights are called  revontulet  which literally translates as  Fox Fire . The story goes that a fox's tail brushed against the snow, creating sparks in the night sky. However, coastal dwellers in the Arctic attributed the Lights as reflections off the scales of the abundant fish in the sea. 

North American tribes believe that the Lights are torches lit by the dead whilst Vikings mention dancing maidens. The Inuit people believe that the Lights represent the ghosts of hunted animals.

This all being said, astronomers have known for a long period of time how the Northern Lights are created. The phenomenon is caused by electrically charged   particles on the solar wind interacting with those in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The extent of the display depends on activity levels on the sun's surface, measured over an 11-year cycle. Over recent years, this activity has been high, leading to exceptional light displays. Green and yellow is the most common colour to see, whilst red and blues are highly sought after.

Although the science behind the Northern Lights has been explained, this does not dampen the awe-inspiring feeling one recipe when looking up at them in all their glory.

Best Time To See The Northern Lights

Northern Lights cruise best time

The Northern Lights can be seen from late August through to mid April.

This being said, the most likely time to them is from late September to late March when the nights are darkest. 

Although the Northern Lights shine for much of the year, the Summer period is generally to bright to see them. 

If you cannot travel in Winter then your best bet would be to visit Arctic region during the Summer shoulder months around September or March.

Cruises departing in September are popular frequently get excellent displays whilst also getting great weather for other activities such as wildlife watching, kayaking and dog sledding. 

During December and early January there is 24 hours of total darkness.

Although this is great for Northern Light displays, there are very few extra activities on offer during this period which means that cruises and tours are few and far between.

To see the Northern Lights you’ll need a clear night sky. The Aurora is 80 percent of clear nights, giving you the best chance to see them.

October and November tend to be the cloudiest of months in the Arctic and are therefore not as popular with light hunters.

The most popular months tend to be January through to March when there is thick snow for day time activities, clear nights and nice sunsets.

Best Time Of Night To See The Lights

Once you have picked your time and spot, it’s simply waiting game. The Aurora appears most commonly between 10pm-2am, however, there is no guarantee and people have seen fantastic light shows at 4am!

Don’t give up, keep your eyes on the sky and remember to wear layers and keep warm. Also make sure to check the moon cycle. A full moon will blow out the lights whilst a new moon will give you a far greater chance of seeing them. Many tours and cruises are scheduled around this.

virgin northern lights cruise

Regions To See The Northern Lights

The Arctic is a large region and there are many places you can see the Northern Lights. However, travelling by ship does narrow your options considerably. 

Northern Lights cruise norway

Norway is by far and away the most popular destination for Northern lights cruises.

Most Northern Light cruises sail along the Norway coastline in the shoulder months of deep winter when there is still some daylight hours.

The coastline of Norway sees frequent Aurora displays and and the climate and seas are fairly benign, making it the perfect cruising destination.

Along the way you'll visit highlights like  the Lofoten Wall, the Seven Sisters mountains, and Torghatten.

Northern Lights cruise iceland

There are a number of cruises in the shoulder months of Winter that offer the chance to see the Northern Lights in Iceland . 

Many of these are in conjunction with a Norway cruise, however there are several options that just explore Iceland only. 

Because of the incredibly diverse landscape, many photographers choose Iceland as their number one option. 

The rugged mountains and towering waterfalls make the perfect backdrop to the Aurora Borealis. 

Northern Lights cruise greenland

Because Greenland is so unpopulated, the Northern light displays are incredible. 

However, because much of the country is covered in ice, getting there in the dead of winter on-board a cruise is impossible. 

Around September there a few select cruises that depart for Greenland, often in conjunction with Iceland.

These cruises give you the chance to see the Northern lights, but also some amazing wildlife such as polar bears and musk ox!

Northern Lights cruise svalbard

There are a handful of expedition cruises that explore Svalbard in September.

Although your not guaranteed to see the Lights in September, you’ll be guaranteed to see some incredible landscapes and wildlife aboard these cruises, including polar bears, seals, walrus, Arctic foxes and much more.

The Northern Lights are vivid in Svalbard and if you get a clear night, you'll get some fantastic results. 

once again, these cruises often visit Iceland or Greenland as part of the itinerary .

Canadian Arctic

Northern Lights cruise canadian arctic

Although cruises to the Canadian Arctic are quite rare, even during Summer, there are several cruises in September.

These cruise navigate through the infamous Northern Passage - one of the greatest cruises on earth!

Not only will you have a good shot at seeing the Northern Lights in one of the darkest regions in the world, you'll spot pretty much every major species of Arctic wildlife including musk ox, polar bears, narwhal and beluga. 

Faroe Islands

Northern Lights cruise faroe islands

A principality of Denmark, the Faroe Island are located between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean.

The volcanic archipelago of islands are incredibly dark and you'll have a really good shot at seeing bright Aurora displays here. 

Most cruises that depart from the UK will pass through the Faroe Islands on their way to Iceland, Norway, or Svalbard. 

virgin northern lights cruise

Northern Lights Itinerary Options

Below is a list of the top Northern Lights cruise options. Each option has pros and cons and you'll need to decide which one suits you most. 

Make sure to consider other elements besides the lights, this include activity options, price, likelihood of seeing the lights and wildlife viewing. 

1. Coastal Norway

Northern Lights cruise itinerary - coastal norway

This is by far and away the most popular Northern Lights cruise option. 

Both Hurtigruten and P&0 sail the coast of Norway all year, including winter. Hurtigruten are so confident that you will see the lights that they offer a free 7 day cruise if you do not.

This offer is only applicable during certain period obviously, and the brightness of the lights cannot be predicted. 

Hurtigruten and P&O sail directly beneath the Auroral Zone in northern Norway, known for its consistent level of light displays during Winter. 

Journey along 2,500 nautical miles and make 90 excursions (not included in P&O) during your 12 packed days. Along the way you stop at 35 ports (only 4 ports on P&O), witness 100 fjords and a 1,000 mountains!

Hurtigruten's most popular option is the 12 day round trip from Bergen, whilst P&O operate a 12 night round trip from Southampton, UK. Hurtigruten's itineraries include far more excursions, whilst P&O will often charge extra. However, the P&O ships offer far more in the way of creature comforts, entertainment, and facilities. 

Hurtigruten Cruise

Prices from: $1,300 (£989)

Duration: 12 days

P&O Cruise

Prices from: $1,650 (£1,250)

2. East Greenland

Northern Lights cruise itinerary - greenland

Northern Light cruises that solely visit Greenland are rare. Only one or two sail each year in mid-September. A few more options open up if you want to include Iceland or Svalbard.

The Plancius expedition ship sails to East Greenland on an Aurora tour in September, as does the Ocean Nova. 

Although not guaranteed, sightings of the lights during this cruise are common. 

The isolation of the country makes it ideal for light displays. Although September can be cloudy, you'll probably get some lovely clear nights in which to witness the bright lights dancing across the sky. 

Because its an expedition cruise, you'll also have a number of guides with you that can give you loads of advise when it comes to photography and wildlife viewing. 

Greenland Cruise

Prices from: $3,900 (£2,900)

Duration: 8 days

Including  Iceland

Prices from: $5,900 (£4,400)

Including  Svalbard

3. Iceland, Greenland and Spitsbergen

Northern Lights cruise itinerary - iceland

If you can't decide where you want to go, why not just visit them all!

This particular cruise only sets sail once during September and lasts over two weeks. The Sea Spirit is most commonly used and is an excellent expedition vessel.

You'll witness epic landscapes, pristine environments and amazing wildlife as you visit the three jewels of the Arctic.

Explore vast sways of Northeast Greenland National Park, discover Scorsebysund's beautiful fjord system and get close to some stunning icebergs.

Along the journey you'll have the opportunity to kayak, hike and take photography tours. Because the trip is in September you are not guaranteed to see the lights, but you would be unlucky not to!

Prices from: $7,900 (£5,900)

Duration: 15 days

4. Out Of The Northwest Passage

Northern Lights cruise itinerary - northwest passage

One of the world’s last true frontiers, the Northwest Passage is the ultimate expedition cruise!

The Canadian Arctic is actually one of the best spots on earth to see the Aurora Borealis and during September, you'll have a great shot.

You will need to bear in mind that this is a long and expensive cruise and the sole aim is not to see the Northern Lights, but to have a proper adventure.

You'll sail along West Greenland before heading into the archipelago of islands that make up much of the Canadian Arctic.

Here you'll visit ancient Thule settlements and witness wildlife on a truly awesome scale. Baffin Island alone is one of the few places on earth where you can see polar bears, brown bears and black bears all in one place!

Prices from: $9,500 (£7,200)

Duration: 17 days

5. Scotland, Faroe Islands and Iceland 

Northern Lights cruise itinerary - faroe islands

Although it may sound odd, the UK (in particular Scotland) offers a chance to see the Northern Lights also.

There are a number of itineraries that travel around Scotland, the Faroe Islands,  and the Outer Hebrides during September and October.

These itineraries are frequently combined with Iceland, making them ideal for seeing the Northern Lights.  

Both Scotland and the faroe Islands are packed with history and if you like visiting ancient remains then this is a great option for you.

Even if you don't include Iceland, you'll et chances to see the lights in Faroe Island and Outer Hebrides. Although perhaps not as bright as Icelandic or Norwegian displays, they're still mesmerising.

This cruise is also one of the cheaper options, especially without Iceland added to the itinerary. If you're on a budget and don't have that much time, this is a solid choice.   

With Iceland

Prices from: $1,500 (£1,100)

Without  Iceland

Prices from: $990 (£750)

Duration: 10 days

6. Sail Boat Itineraries

Northern Lights cruise itinerary - sailing

Because the ice freezes up in early Winter, large cruise ships are unable to navigate the ever-decreasing inlets and channels.

Small sail boats on the other hand can. Because of this, there are a number of itineraries offered around Iceland and Svalbard offered in October.

Bear in mind though that you will feel the motion of the sea far more on a sail boat compared to a cruise ship. 

Both the Noorderlicht and the Rembrandt Van Rijn sail during October and offer passengers an excellent chance to see the Aurora Borealis displays in non light-polluted environments. 

This type of cruising has an incredible adventure feel to it as you navigate iceberg-strewn inlets with your two-mast sailing vessel. 

Prices from: $1,200 (£900)

Duration: 4-5 days

Prices from: $2,600 (£2,000)

How To Photograph The Northern Lights

Northern Lights cruise photography

The technique surrounding shooting the Northern Lights is not as complicated or difficult as many people believe.

The real skill lies in perseverance and finding the perfect location to shoot.

A good DSLR will help you, particularly a full frame sensor DSLR which will give you a crisper image at a higher ISO.

However, it’s the lens that’s really important. You’ll need a low aperture wide-angle lens to shoot the Northern Lights. 

This means anything from 14mm-24mm with an aperture of no more than 2.8 for best results. You’ll also need a sturdy tripod.

Depending on hoe dark the night is and how bright the Lights are, you’ll have to play around with the settings a little. However, starting at wide open 2.8 with he lens zoomed out max, you should set your ISO to 1600 and and shoot an exposure of around 10-15 seconds.

The darker it is, the higher the ISO will need to be, or simply make the exposure longer. Remember though, the shorter exposure you can get the better as the Lights are constantly moving and you want to avoid image “smearing”.

Make sure to look at your histogram as this will show you after each shot how well you have exposed the image. It’s often difficult to fine the balance between exposing the Lights correctly whilst keeping details in the dark foreground.

If you want to get fancy, then you can shoot one exposure for the Aurora display and another exposure for the foreground and blend the two together in post. Just make sure your tripod doesn’t move!

Northern Lights Cruise Packing List

Northern Lightscruise packing list

Because you'll be sailing within the Arctic Circle, the cruise will be in cold conditions. 

If you already live in Scandinavia then you'll no doubt have the right clothing necessary for your cruise. 

For cruise passengers from warmer climates, you may well need to purchase some extra clothing and gear. 

Although the ship itself will be warm, you will be standing on deck for much of the cold nights witnessing the Aurora Borealis. 

Below are a list of items to consider. 

Items To Consider

Clothing: It will be cold in the Winter. Makes sure you have base layers, fleece, jacket and parka with you. 

Footwear: The footwear you bring with you also needs to be carefully considered as you will be hiking, relaxing and going out. 

Bags and Daypacks: Because you'll be going ashore for hikes and dog sledding, having a good day pack to store your carry-on items is a good idea.

Gloves: Your hands will freeze first. Make sure you bring a good pair of Winter gloves. We also recommend a liner pair go gloves for extra warmth.

Headgear: Having a good beanie is key as your head loses much heat during the cold nights. 

Important Accessories: From water bottles and earplugs, to kindles and camera equipment, you'll need to consider what you need carefully. 

Northern Lights Cruise: Highlights

Northern Lights cruise highlights

Obviously the main point of an Aurora Borealis cruise is to see the magical lights themselves. Most Norway cruises guarantee this, while expedition cruises to Svalbard and Iceland in September are more touch and go. 

Dog Sledding

Northern Lights cruise highlights -dog sled

A number of Northern lights cruise itineraries include a chance to dog sled! This activity is mainly limited to Norway, but can also be done in Svalbard. Tromso in Norway is the most popular point for this activity. 

Wildlife Watching

Northern Lights cruise highlights -wildlife

Whales are spotted on most Aurora cruises. Which species will come down to luck really. For wildlife lovers, we suggest taking an expedition cruise to Svalbard or Greenland. Both locations give you a good chance of spotting polar bears!

Lofoten Wall

Northern Lights cruise highlights -lofoten wall

When sailing you will see what appears to be an enormous wall rising out of the sea! It is in fact a series of mountains on the Lofoten Islands that appear as a wall from a distance. A fantastic site and place to explore. 

Seven Sisters

Northern Lights cruise highlights -seven sisters

Cruise into port at Sandenessjøen and take a hike up one of the Seven Sisters mountains. Local legends believes these stunning mountains are female trolls turned to stone.

Snowshoe Hikes

Northern Lights cruise highlights -snowshoe

Snowshoe hiking is another popular activity when it comes to Northern Lights cruises. Hurtigruten offer a snowshoe hike snowshoe hike from Tromso to see the lights from land. 

Cruise Insurance

In our article – Arctic Travel Insurance – we have provide all the information you need to find your perfect insurance policy. Alternatively, you can get a quote straight away with our rcommended specialist below.

Northern Lights Cruise Video

Below is a short video by Visit Norway demonstrating the delights of a Hurtigruten Cruise.

Other Recommended Arctic Cruises

Greenland cruise

Northwest Passage

Russian Arctic cruise

Russian Arctic

Canadian Arctic cruise

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Hi! Do you have any aurora borealis trips around Oct 19-26 departing from Scotland or Iceland? For two people. Thanks!

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6 of the best Northern Lights cruises

Here’s how to have a floating holiday under the technicolour waltz of the aurora borealis, article bookmarked.

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The atmospheric phenomenon dances at its brightest offshore

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Ribbons of brilliance, dazzling displays and ethereal stargazing – the Northern Lights are a lifetime highlight for those lucky enough to witness the intriguing spectacle.

Famously, orchestrating a glimpse of the elusive celestial ballet requires that a lot of factors fall into place. Clear viewing conditions, a great vantage point and a lot of patience are a must to watch the lights dance at their most visible between September and March.

To maximise your chances of a rare Northern Lights sighting, you’ll need to head for locations with the latitude to host nature’s best performance, and chances of a successful sighting soar on the remote Arctic Ocean .

Forget shivering on city-side snowscapes you were ferried to by coach and float far from light pollution, gliding past giant ice cubes on luxury vessels beneath the dramatic backdrop of the aurora borealis.

With cruises bound for Norway , Iceland , Canada and Greenland chasing the cosmic whisps of purple and green, here’s our guide to the sailings primed for illuminated skies.

Read more on cruises :

  • The best winter cruise holidays for winter sun, city breaks and the Northern Lights
  • Best Caribbean cruises for a holiday on the water
  • The best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

Best for: Aurora guarantee

The north cape express, hurtigruten.

Hurtigruten promises an additional Norway voyage free of charge if the Northern Lights don’t put on a show

Departs: Oslo, Norway

Arrives: Bergen, Norway

Hunting the aurora borealis with  Hurtigruten  entails a journey from capital  Oslo  to North Cape, on the Arctic Norwegian coast, in the hopes of watching the ultimate light performance. Think frost-tipped mountains, icy fjords and some serious snow with stops at Tromsø, aurora hotspot, Alta, and Honningsvåg, Norway’s northernmost city, along the way.

A voyage on the 14-day The North Cape Express itinerary costs from £1,827pp, with multi-course dining, flights, port transfers and on-board activities – such as photography workshops – on MS Trollfjord included in the price. The cherry on top of the cake? Hurtigruten promises an additional six- or seven-day Norway voyage free of charge if the Northern Lights don’t put on a show while you sail.

Departures until April 2024.

Best for: Illuminating science

Greenland and iceland, celebrity cruises.

At Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Center, you’ll learn the science behind the spectacle

Departs:  Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrives:  Boston, Massachusetts

For a surreal sea voyage across the Northern Hemisphere’s wild terrain,  Celebrity Cruises  provides a slice of volcanic Iceland with six ports, including Greenland and Nova Scotia . At Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Center, you’ll also learn the science behind the spectacle and its cultural significance on a cruise that could yield a sighting of the unpredictable aurora.

Spend 12 nights onboard the decadent Celebrity Eclipse from $2,163pp (£1,706). Cruise in style on the ship complete with a European shopping piazza, yoga studio and a martini bar that boasts a whole portfolio of vodkas.

Departing 16 August 2024.

Best for: Cruising and perusing

Arctic circle cruise, royal caribbean.

Stops at seven cities with Royal Caribbean offer aurora adventures on and off deck

Departs: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Arrives: Amsterdam, Netherlands

To peruse eight port cities during a round trip of the Arctic Circle’s Norweigan aurora belt, Royal Caribbean’s 12-night Arctic Circle Cruise to Tromsø, Flam and Kristiansand provides the ideal glide through remote dark skies.

It’s £1,478pp for an interior cabin including daring dining from sushi rolls to plates of steak and glasses of fine wine. Entertainment-wise, musical performances, rock climbing walls and mini golf fill days anticipating nature’s displays after dark.

Departing 30 May 2024.

Best for: Sustainable sailing

Norway round voyage, havila voyages.

Havila ships use batteries for four hours of silent sailing in search of the Northern Lights

Departs: Bergen, Norway

This coastal express cruise by Havila Voyages visits 34 Norweigan ports across 12 days including travel wish list staples such as the Lofoten archipelago and the sensatinal North Cape landscape and there are few places better to watch the lights dance.

Lucky travellers will be able to watch the sky illuminate in secondary colours through the glass ceiling of the ship’s observation lounge as they sail sustainably by battery for up to four hours of silence – a Northern Lights promise also applies to this magical £2,096pp voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes.

Departing 30 December 2023.

Best for: Exhaustive expeditions

Journey across the northwest passage, seabourn.

This 23-day journey floats from Iceland to Greenland, Canada and Alaska

Departs: Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrives: Anchorage, Alaska

Onboard  Seabourn’s  Venture ship, a 23-day journey across the Northwest Passage floats from Iceland to Greenland, Canada and Alaska and the kaleidoscope of colourful houses typical of Scandinavian towns extends above to the night skies. There’s even a constellation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which offer views of penguins and killer whales by day and the light’s wonders by night.

The cruise costs from £24,299 for a veranda suite; not cheap, but the Northwest Passage experience through the glacier-carved Canadian Arctic and 23 opportunities to tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list is arguably priceless.

Departing 6 August 2025.

Best for: Intimate adventures

East greenland explorer fly & cruise, secret atlas.

The MV Vikingfjord hosts only 12 intrepid travellers to Greenland’s mammoth fjord

Arrives: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

To explore Greenland’s breathtaking Scoresby Sund fjord, the colossal ice columns of Viking Bay and the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, Secret Atlas has an impressive  East Greenland cruise . Groups of just 12 intrepid travellers can board MV Vikingfjord to reach Greenland’s mammoth fjord, from €9,900 (£8,579) for eight days of lectures, zodiac shore landings with polar bear protection guides, and full-board dining.

An on-deck sauna, comfortable cabins and an open-plan observation lounge primed for photographing the Northern Lights complete the intimate adventure. Float to the northern wilderness in September, when there is little light pollution and the best chance of being mesmerised by the vivid aurora.

Departing 5 September 2024.

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Matador Original Series

virgin northern lights cruise

11 Cruises Where You Can See Eclipses, the Northern Lights, and the Milky Way

T he key to seeing any celestial phenomenon is pretty obvious: You must be in the right place at the right time. While the exact location and time changes with every astronomical event, the right place is undeniably somewhere far away from any light pollution. These days, unless you make your way to a dark sky park , finding a spot on land that’s far away enough from civilization isn’t easy, so why not take to the seas? In the middle of the ocean, chances of street lights ruining your stargazing experience are very thin, that’s why cruise lines are ramping up their astronomy at sea offerings, including northern lights cruises, solar eclipse cruises, and more.

Solar eclipse cruises

Northern lights cruises, other astronomy experiences at sea.

Solar eclipse on a cruise

Photo: gorZh /Shutterstock

Holland America’s 22-day Solar Eclipse and Circle Hawaii voyage

Holland America’s Koningsdam leaves on April 5, 2024, on a solar eclipse cruise for 22 days . The sailing will start from San Diego, California, and continue south to Cabo san Lucas, Mexico, where passengers will spend the entire day of April 7. The next day, April 8, 2024, is the day of the solar eclipse and the ship will remain at sea between Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta to be right on the path of totality (the area where the eclipse is visible.) Passengers will don their protective eye glasses and be able to enjoy the four-minute spectacle starting at 11:07 AM PDT from the deck. The Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth and block the face of the Sun, darkening the sky. After the event, the ship will stop in Puerto Vallarta for one day before making its way to Hawaii. From Hawaii, the ship sails towards British Columbia, Canada, where the voyage ends on April 27.

Professor of astronomy and astrophysics Adam Burgasser from the University of California San Diego will be on board this very special cruise to give lectures about the astronomical phenomenon and help passengers make their own protective viewers so they can see the eclipse safely. Of course, he’ll also be on the deck during the eclipse, sharing his knowledge with the passengers.

Price: Starting at $2,779

Princess Cruises’ two 2024 total eclipse voyages

Princess cruises has organized two sailings to see the 2024 total solar eclipse:

Price: Starting at $2,968

Price: Not currently available

SeaTrek’s solar eclipse sailings

In April 20, 2023, parts of Indonesia were treated to a total solar eclipse and SeaTrek , a company that organizes adventures on wooden sailing ships in Indonesia, took its guests to see the celestial spectacle. The 16 guests and the crew made their way to a remote island on the path of totality where they watched the eclipse in a very intimate setting. SeaTrek also took their passengers to see the February 2017 solar eclipse and plans to curate voyages around the next solar eclipses in Indonesia: in 2028, 2031, and 2042.

Eclipse or not, Seatrek’s sailings take passengers to remote places with very little light pollution so passengers can have amazing stargazing experiences, on and off the boat. The crew even turns out all the lights (apart from the compulsory navigation indicators) so the conditions can be ideal.

Northern lights during a cruise

Photo: Aurora Expeditions / Michael Baynes

Aurora Expeditions’ 19-day Northern Lights Explorer voyage

Aside from the International Space Station, the best place to see the northern or southern lights is as close as possible to the poles. The Arctic, being the northernmost region on Earth, is the obvious choice of destination for those who are chasing the aurora borealis (northern lights). Aurora Expedition’s 19-day Northern Lights Explorer sailing will take you on a northern lights cruise from the North Cape in Norway, Europe’s northernmost point, to places within and close to the Arctic Circle such as the Lofoten Islands in Norway, the volcanic island of Jan Mayen, and remote parts of Greenland, and Iceland. The hope is that passengers on this northern light cruise that starts on September 8, 2024, and ends on September 26, 2024, will be able to witness the beauty of the aurora borealis.

Price: Starting at $15,836

Person stargazing

Photo: AstroStar /Shutterstock

Astronomy experts on board Seabourn cruises

In December 2023, physicist and astronomy professor Dr. Svetlana Barkanova, will be on board Seabourn’s Quest for a 14-day sailing in the Caribbean . During the voyage, Barkanova will give astronomy talks in the theatre and on deck, and will be accompanying guests on an excursion to the archeological site of San Gervasio to see the Mayan observatories. During this particular sailing, passengers will also be able to make the most of the dark skies and partake in the Guided Night Sky Experience during which they’ll spot stars, planets, the Milky Way and even enjoy the Geminids meteor shower (weather permitting).

Barkanova is not the only astronomy experts that Seabourn welcomes on board. Jim Kennedy, former Director of the John Kennedy Space Station, joins several sailings per year to give space-focused lectures. The next ones will be a cruise to the Caribbean in November and December 2023, and a voyage to Hawaii in January 2024.

Price: starting at $4,938

Abercrombie & Kent invites an astronaut on board

Abercrombie & Kent’s new luxury expedition cruise will take you from French Polynesia to Easter Island . The voyage, which will take place from October 27 to November 9, 2023, will include on-board lectures and guided stargazing sessions by Commander Susan Kilrain — one of the first three women to pilot the space shuttle. During the lectures, Kilrain will draw parallels between early navigators who used the stars to navigate the ocean and today’s astronauts. With Kilrain’s expert help, passengers will be able to take advantage of the darkest skies in the world and observe star clusters, constellations, planets, and the Milky Way.

Price: Starting at $14,995

Expert-led glamping and stargazing experiences with Celebrity Cruises

Passengers lucky enough to be on board Celebrity Flora for a sailing around the Galápagos Islands are provided binoculars so they can partake in expert-guided (or solo) stargazing sessions on the ship’s stargazing platform. But that’s not all. The same cruisers can also take in the beauty of the night sky during an on-board glamping experience. After a naturalist-led stargazing session, passengers get to sleep under the stars in a luxury cabana.

Price: Starting at $8,215

Regent Seven Seas Cruises hosts astronomy experts

Dan Benedict , a journalist specialized in writing and lecturing about astronomy, takes part in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Speaker Series on select sailings. Benedict focuses his lectures on astronomical events or items that can be observed without specialized equipment and enjoyed without much expertise such as constellations, meteor showers, eclipses, and more.

Another guest lecturer on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises is Frank Thomas Buzzard, a retired NASA Space Shuttle and International Space Station Chief Engineer. Buzzard focuses his talks on human spaceflight and astronomy. His next sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises will take place in January 2024 for the “Samba Sounds & carnival Joy” sailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Miami, US .

Stargazers Event on Virgin Voyages

At least once during every Virgin Voyages’ sailing, a 30-minute Stargazers Event is scheduled at The Dock, an indoor-outdoor lounge-bar. The event is more of a storytelling one than a scientific one, but it’s a lovely way to spend some time observing the night sky and looking for constellations, shooting stars, and more celestial marvels.

Stargazing on Viking Cruises

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As the capital of Corsica, this French commune on the island’s western coast is filled with soaring mountains and centuries worth of history. From panoramic hikes to visiting the home-turned-museum of Napoleon Bonaparte — whether crafted by nature or during the baroque period, art is everywhere.

Packed with diverse museums, world-class restaurants, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife, Akureyri is one of Iceland's largest cities. Loved by the locals and a must-visit for travelers, its population of under 20,000 people makes it the biggest indicator that size doesn't really matter.

Golden Age canals lined with quirky brick buildings act as a storybook backdrop for this delightful Dutch destination. Packed with museums, vintage shops, and phenomenal restaurants and bars — it’s a stylish, laid-back cultural hub where rich historic charm meets youthful, European energy.

With a homeport only steps from Barcelona's diverse neighborhoods and the famed urban beach of La Barceloneta, Sailors will uncover hidden secrets from local market cooking classes to modern and historic art in this vibrant seaside, architecturally stunning European city.

As the gateway to the rocky Causeway Coastal Route, easily discover outdoor adventures like Sea Safaris, get lost in the Belfast Titanic, an interactive Titanic experience like no place else, tour certain sets from HBO’s Game of Thrones & indulge in a surprisingly stirring Belfast nightlife.

A cute little town on Norway's west coast, Bergen is filled with wooden houses, colorful street art, cool clubs, and hip bars. The music scene is surreal, with everyone playing in different bands across genres, one of the country's oldest record stores and probably the country's only record bar.

Indulge in the delectable food scene at The Plaza Nueva, wander the seven remarkable streets of Bilbao’s old town, peruse the eclectic shops of El Mercado la Ribera and visit the iconic Bilbao Guggenheim museum in this northern Spanish city.

Beautiful beaches with crystalline waters. Chalk-white houses with bright-blue trim. Bodrum boasts Aegean character from its narrow streets with ancient ruins to its glitzy marina, flower-filled cafes, and world-class cuisine.

One of the oldest cities in Europe, this gorgeous Spanish city is drenched in sailing history and rich Andalusian culture. With its close proximity to Seville and dotted with vivid green water and bright white buildings, Cádiz moves to a thrilling beat — where the sound of flamenco hangs in the air.

Cagliari, Sardinia

Among the most pristine beaches to be found in Europe, Cagliari is well known for its Hilltop Castello, a medieval walled quarter situated high over the rest of the town. Sailors can discover shipwrecks off the coast or stop by a local shepherd’s home for a farm-to-table meal in the countryside. 

Beyond the glamour of the film festivals and celebrities that give Cannes its much-deserved allure, lies a picturesque place to bask on brilliant beaches, sip locally-made wines, and breathe in the captivating nightlife of the Côte d'Azur.

Catania, Sicily

Hugely influential in the Renaissance era, mornings can be spent exploring the awe-inspiring architecture, while the youthful energy of the local shops and bars offer a vibrant afternoon. And with Mount Etna looming nearby, hiking the stratovolcano provides an earthy contrast to the bustling city.

Chania, Crete

As the largest of the Greek Isles, Crete makes you feel like time stands still. It’s a place where remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture stand next to old townhouses transformed into hip restaurants, and glassy waters and swirls of pastel-pink sands make for beaches fit for postcards.

Civitavecchia (Rome)

With a home port only steps from Civitavecchia's diverse neighborhoods, Sailors will uncover hidden secrets from local market cooking classes to modern and historic art in this vibrant seaside, architecturally stunning European city.

Famous for its emerald-capped mountains and 125 miles of coastline, “The Evergreen Greek Island” of Corfu refers to more than just its stunning colors. Filled with both awe-inspiring historic monuments and cafe-lined streets, days can be spent at beach clubs or off-roading on the jewel-toned slopes.

Visit Grafton Street, the heart of Dublin, for unparalleled shopping and street entertainment, head over to Temple Bar, arguably the most famous bar in Ireland, walk the book-ladened walls of Trinity College or take a tour of the Guiness Factory to feel like you’ve won Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.

Along the coastline of this Croatian city, Dubrovnik exudes historical seaside romance with a splash of animated youthful energy. See the city through its famed architecture, immerse yourself in the nightlife (2am departure), or take a cable car up to Mount Srd for surreal views of the Adriatic Sea.

Tucked between the mountains and the Madeira coastline, Funchal is known as, "God's Floating Garden". From its center, filled with bars, cafes, and galleries, to the flora-covered coasts and dramatic cliffs that line the emerald-blue sea — this Portuguese city (and its wine) beg to be experienced.

This British territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula may be small, but packs a strong global punch. Inspect the intricate caves of it towering limestone mass, the Rock , view the wonder via helicopter or stay land-bound for cafes, shopping and people-watching in town.

From the stretches of shimmering white beaches and golden sand dunes to the buzzing capital of Las Palmas, this subtropical island is full of both endless natural wonders and trendy European flair. Days can be spent hiking, scuba diving, or exploring the city’s center for fresh seafood and martinis.

Greenock (Glasgow)

A classic Scottish port town, Greenock is a beautiful place with a lot of history.  Spend time in the uber-green Scottish countryside of Lyle Hill or visit a historic cathedral before making your way the 40-minute commute to Glasgow.

Arrive at golden hour for a catamaran sunset sail before jetting to one of Ibiza's famed night clubs. For those more into delicious than dancing, try an olive oil or local winery eco-tour, carve out a secluded spa day complete with a mind-balancing yoga class, or just let the old city guide you.

Set on an arching peninsula, Ísafjörður is a charming patchwork of 18th-century timber and tin-clad buildings, towering peaks and dark fjord waters. From hitting the town and hiking hills to fine dining and Swamp Soccer, you’ll fall in love with the land of fire and ice before the day is over.

Often regarded as one of the most exciting cities in the world, Istanbul is more than a place, but an experience. See architectural wonders, peruse countless vendors, appreciate the ladened museums, and indulge in the eclectic fare here in the aptly nicknamed “city of the world’s desire.”

Kusadasi (Ephesus)

With crystal clear waters, sprawling beaches, and proximity to historically rich sites like Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, House of Virgin Mary and many more, Kusadasi is unlike any other city on the sea — and with an ideal climate, there’s (almost) no bad days to experience it.

Founded nearly 1,000 years ago, Kirkwall has gone from a Viking village to a thriving town whose modern influences have always kept the Viking spirit alive and well. With an award-winning town center, you’ll find plenty of mouth-watering places to eat and drink and tons of quaint shops.

Nestled into Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, Kotor is a breathtaking gem of the Balkans. A medieval maze where museums and churches weave in and out of cafe-strewn squares and Venetial palaces — the intricacies of the city are only matched by the stunning scenic terrain in the backdrop.

Equal parts beachy hotspot and cultural hub, this historic city located on the Galician Coast is famous for its freshly-caught seafood, buzzing nightlife, and the oldest working lighthouse in the world.

Halfway between Genoa and Pisa is La Spezia — the perfect hub for you to discover the countryside of Liguria and Tuscany. With Cinque Terre being on most travelers’ bucket lists, a quick train ride will get you to the five towns overland, or you can hitch a ride (book a Shore Thing) by sea.

Le Verdon (Bordeaux)

A port city that opens up to one of the most famous places on Earth, La Verdon is a stunning entryway to arguably the most iconic wine country in the world – Bordeaux.

The only town on the archipelago of Shetland, Lerwick is a beacon of nature. Visit one of Shetland’s amazing beaches, kayak, explore the labyrinth of sea caves and witness a broad spectrum of wildlife,  from Orca whales to Shetland ponies.

Known as the city that glows, the Portugese capital sits atop seven hills that form a natural amphitheater, reflecting light all around. Beyond the cosmic gleam, Lisbon is filled with dreamy, seaside romance — from the white-sand beaches to wine-tasting along the cobbled streets downtown.

Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

A picturesque port city featuring an impressive canal network, Livorno is the gateway to one of the most magical regions in all of Italy – Tuscany. Spend your time here exploring Pisa and its world famous leaning tower on your way to Tuscany’s renowned capital, Florence.

Uncover centuries of history in one of the oldest cities in Europe and among the oldest continuously inhabited in the world. Sailors can venture off to visit Alhambra, a beautiful old-world palace, or just spend the day reveling in the small town charm.

With a backdrop of white-marked mountains covered in what appears to be snow, Marina di Carrara is actually blanketed with some of the world's purest marble – a geographically rare site. On the border of Tuscany and Liguria, get access to Lucca, Pisa, Portofino and the breathtaking Cinque Terre.

One look at this southern port town and it’s clear why Van Gogh was inspired to paint here. Go from France’s second-largest city, to scenic and historical countryside in minutes. Medieval villages feel frozen in time as do the Starry Nights (actually frozen in Van Gogh’s painting of that name).

Mykonos may be famous for its beach club parties and electric nightlife, but the Greek Isle has a notably quiet side, too. With overnight stays, you can explore the charm of the cafe-lined waterfront promenades, or tour the vineyards tucked charmingly into the gorgeous hillsides of the island.

A name synonymous with Italian culture and cuisine is undoubtedly Naples. Known for a wide range of things — from the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and of course the home of the Napolitano pizza.

Palermo, Sicily

Explore the various Piazzas, peruse the various shops and outdoor markets that fully envelop what a melting pot Palermo is, tour the iconic Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele and, indulge in (arguably) the world’s best pizza – or go on a tour of all the places from HBO’s White Lotus.

This capital city of the island of Mallorca is the perfect dose of countryside serenity you might expect from a secluded Balearic island. Bike through picturesque villages, enjoy art in Valldemossa or stop off at a family-owned winery with a history so rich, you can taste it with each sip.

Few cities are as colorful as Athens — from the street art scene to the bright blue skies and sand-fringed shores. Take in breathtaking views from the Mikrolimano Marina, immerse yourself in ancient Greek history at the Parthenon, and explore the Acropolis; which remains the heart of the city.

Set sail from Portsmouth, United Kingdom on Scarlet Lady's Long Weekender or Summer WeekDaze itineraries.

Featuring otherworldly, mostly untouched landscapes, an eccentric food and drink scene, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, blue lagoons, volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields and a thriving nightlife, Reykjavik will quickly become one of your favorite places in the world.

A hot spot for writers and artists, Rhodes is where the Byzantine Empire meets modern cultural ingenuity. Whether wandering the cobbled streets of Old Town for delicious Greek bites, exploring the perched-on-a-hill village of Lindos, or hitting up famed Faliraki Beach — this island truly has it all.

Arguably the most striking of the islands, Tenerife somehow boasts remote mountain-ridge villages, charming ancient towns, and a bustling cosmopolitan city. Cool off in the natural salt-water pools, discover the volcanic sand beaches, or head to a seaside restaurant for a glass of homemade sangria.

As the Greek Goddess of the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is known for breathtaking panoramas, fiery orange and blue sunsets, and the famed red and black beaches. Take in views from the blue and white dotted hills of Oia, or enjoy locally-made wine while sailing along the waters of the Caldera coast.

Settled between lush mountains and the sparkling sea, Split is Croatia's second-largest city and one of the Adriatic's most energetic ports. Packed with Roman ruins, medieval churches, stylish shops, and hip bars, Split offers mesmerizing views and intoxicating experiences you won't want to resist.

Once a sheltered harbor dedicated to fishing and farming, Stornoway has expanded to the tourists who have been flocking to the area in recent years. Visit the beautiful Lews Castle, go on a guided swimming or boat tour where outdoor adventure meets wildlife, or have a pint at one of the many cafes.

A gateway to charming towns in Provence, access both coastline and countryside in France’s second largest naval port. Originally a fishermen’s village, its coveted Mourillon quarter still boasts original architecture with a daily market, chic little boutiques and seaside restaurants. Bon appetit!

Valencia truly encompasses everything that the Mediterranean is about. Take a tour through the incredible old town tasting wine and indulging in as many tapas as you can, tour the litany of impressive architectural gems that call this eclectic city home or go on an outdoor adventure.

A fortress city known for its cathedrals, sprawling gardens and museums it feels like you’re entering a different time when you step foot here – plus there’s no shortage of mystical blue lagoons and natural swimming pools to take a dip or explore.

Melding classic European flair with the charm of a seaside fishing town, soak in historic Old Town, explore the cafes and Baroque guild houses of Butchers' Street, or take a scenic sail in Ghent. 

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Question for those who have done Northern Lights voyage

By notjaded , July 31, 2023 in Viking Ocean

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Cool Cruiser

We are thinking of doing the Northern Lights voyage, and have a few questions:

1. Have heard various reports that they (A) call the room to wake you up vs. (B) make an announcement on a TV one needs to have on all night: Which is it?

2. When the northern lights are out, does Viking keep the outdoor lights of the ship off on the viewing platforms?

3. Have heard that there are inland excursions to see the northern lights: Wondering how that works?

Thank you for your insights!

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You need to keep the TV on for announcements, but there are issues with the reliability of this system. 

It is possible to set the TV volume so that the background twaddle is silent and the announcements are audible. 

Not all the ships lights are turned off, it doesn't really matter for aurora, but would for astronomy. 

Shore aurora excursions need to be booked in the same way as any other, they are not the included ones 

ClayAyers

We were on this cruise this March.     They made announcements over the PA system, which you could hear in the room provided the volume is up.     On about the second or third day they were visible a lot, but the best viewing for us was on an excursion that took us out into the countryside away from all the ambient light.     It was really cold though.     Might want to bring hand warmers

1 hour ago, ClayAyers said: We were on this cruise this March.     They made announcements over the PA system, which you could hear in the room provided the volume is up.     On about the second or third day they were visible a lot, but the best viewing for us was on an excursion that took us out into the countryside away from all the ambient light.     It was really cold though.     Might want to bring hand warmers

Thanks ClayAyers. Just one more question: When watching the aurora when on board, does Viking turn off deck lighting to improve the view?

uktog

27 minutes ago, notjaded said: Thanks ClayAyers. Just one more question: When watching the aurora when on board, does Viking turn off deck lighting to improve the view?

IMG_3481.thumb.jpeg.47ffe523b746832cf7d0ae5d29715765.jpeg

32 minutes ago, notjaded said: Thanks ClayAyers. Just one more question: When watching the aurora when on board, does Viking turn off deck lighting to improve the view?
1 minute ago, uktog said: No but deck lights didn’t distort the view at all   These are all deck view’s including some in port in tromso  

Wow, that is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Did it look a lot less vivid without the camera?

14 minutes ago, notjaded said: Wow, that is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Did it look a lot less vivid without the camera?

I found they looked a lot less vivid to the naked eye.  My iPhone made them look a lot better than how they appeared to me.

Which phone you have makes a difference for photographs. Hubby's IPhone 10 greatly enhanced the colours, my cheap Huawei was the same as the naked eye, despite it having a fairly good camera. 

On 8/3/2023 at 11:49 PM, mwike said:   I found they looked a lot less vivid to the naked eye.  My iPhone made them look a lot better than how they appeared to me.

I think I may be disappointed with the real thing having only seen the vivid images in the glossy brochures. Still considering the Northern lights cruise in the future. 

One thing to remember!

Seeing Northern Lights is like gambling or two roulette wheels: The Lights and then the Weather.   Even if you will a million bucks on one wheel you can lose it all on the second.   Both must hit to see anything.   We had a great time on a similar Viking cruise, but saw nothing!

A week in a hotel somewhere likely has more of a chance. Anywhere reasonably precipitation free, without light pollution andfar enough north. Eg  Northern Scotland (even Northern England gets sightings a few times a year) is a good bet. 

The Other Tom

On 7/31/2023 at 2:44 PM, notjaded said: We are thinking of doing the Northern Lights voyage, and have a few questions:   1. Have heard various reports that they (A) call the room to wake you up vs. (B) make an announcement on a TV one needs to have on all night: Which is it?   2. When the northern lights are out, does Viking keep the outdoor lights of the ship off on the viewing platforms?   3. Have heard that there are inland excursions to see the northern lights: Wondering how that works?   Thank you for your insights!

This winter is the time to go.  Sunspot activity is approaching or at maximum, so you have a good chance of seeing the lights (assuming the sky is clear)

1.  Leave you TV on the bridge channel.  Yes, it brightens the room somewhat but they make the announcements on that channel.  

2.  No, but it's ok.  If they're out, you'll see them.

3.  We had really good luck with the "Chasing Lights" excursion out of Tromso.  Northern Lights Big Bus Chase | Chasing Lights

We had an overnight in Tromso so it didn't matter if we were "late" getting back to the ship.  The Viking excursion was sold out, but our excursion went out of their way to find a clear spot to see the lights.  They said they will drive into Finland if necessary. How does it work?  You get on a bus and ride for an hour or so to a clear spot, then get out and enjoy the show.  It was icy where we stopped and I wish I had trekking poles, which I think would have worked better than the crampon things you put on your shoes (hard to get on/off).  Our bus had a restroom and our guides were ok if we used it.  The Viking busses have a restroom but it's generally locked and the driver doesn't want anyone using it. Note that it can be cloudy in and around the port area and sometimes you have to ride several hours to get to a clear spot.  Our excursion was willing to do that but not Viking, so in the end I'm glad the Viking excursion was sold out.  We took a Viking excursion at our next port but the location was cloudy, so we didn't get to see the lights.  But we had a good time talking to the locals around a campfire at the location so all was not lost. 

As the Other Tom points out, location makes a big difference. On the March 2019 cruise, Viking offered several excursions on the same night.  We had great viewing and saw the lights, while the other group had clouds with a little bit of rain.  Attached is the picture I was able to get.   JohnB

aurora.jpg

1 hour ago, johneb2 said: As the Other Tom points out, location makes a big difference. On the March 2019 cruise, Viking offered several excursions on the same night.  We had great viewing and saw the lights, while the other group had clouds with a little bit of rain.  Attached is the picture I was able to get.   JohnB

What a wonderful shot! How was it to the naked eye? 

5 hours ago, madmedic said: What a wonderful shot! How was it to the naked eye? 

We actually did see some green in it with the naked eye, but the camera does bring out more color.  As the aurora gets stronger you will see color with the naked eye.  Of course there is no guarantee you will see a strong aurora.   JohnB 

I love that photo John, I saved it to my screen last time you posted it!

Another thing to remember is that different people see the lights differently. I could see them building when others with me couldn't. That was most odd and there were a number of accusations of witch craft!! Our private guide said it was definitely a thing.

We were in the first year of the Viking NL trips along with Johneb2 above. We were woken by the bridge channel in the middle of the night and I jumped out of bed and dashed to the window. The sky was ablaze but it was a massive shock when I opened the door. Remember to keep your boots and a coat by the window but move fast as they can be gone in the blink of an eye.

We were also eating in Manfredi's one night when the call went up. The staff dimmed the lights and wrapped us tightly behind the curtains to get the best view.

We took a private tour to search for the lights. Our guide drove us to an isolated quarry where we set up camp, however, as we stood waiting the clouds came in. He directed us back to the bus and we chased the skies. We ended up by a frozen lake between Sweden and Finland. We saw them but it wasn't one of the dramatic displays so often seen on screens. Still wonderful though!

On this tour we were instructed to use the loo at the tour companies headquarters, then made to put on  mahoosive padded suits and boots. Once out in the wilderness there was no facility to pee. The snow outside of the clearings was thigh deep and potentially dangerous so the guide barked at anyone trying to wander off. I understand that the Viking chasing tours on our trip drove to a place with a public lavatory, though I don't think they were successful at seeing the lights.

It was a fabulous trip, go and enjoy!

Excellent Advice!

9 hours ago, johneb2 said: As the Other Tom points out, location makes a big difference. On the March 2019 cruise, Viking offered several excursions on the same night.  We had great viewing and saw the lights, while the other group had clouds with a little bit of rain.  Attached is the picture I was able to get.   JohnB

You just need to find a way to keep posting this photo periodically, since it's the best photo ever! 😊

JDincalif

On 8/5/2023 at 8:28 AM, madmedic said: I think I may be disappointed with the real thing having only seen the vivid images in the glossy brochures.

On the March 2019 voyage, what we were startled and captivated by when viewing the lights on deck was the indescribable way the shapes changed, not the gradual shifting that we observe in clouds or the rhythmic pulse of light shows but sudden unpredictable transitions. Initially we observed what looked like a sharp edged arch across the sky that seemed to embrace the ship from port to starboard that suddenly softened and blurred, with other cloudlike shapes emerging that, without any distinct interim change, turned to fingers in the sky. This was among the finest memories of a once-in-a-lifetime voyage.

Thank you everyone for the compliments on my picture.  I am advanced photographer and feel blessed to have captured it.  I found photographing the lights to be very challenging with a success rate of about 40%.  In summary, I had many failures.  If you plan on taking pictures a tripod is a must, even if you are using a camera phone.  As JDincalif mentioned, they are not stationary but moving, and varying in intensity, and duration.  So you need to have patience.   JohnB

If your aim is to photograph the northern lights on a cruise you may be disappointed. If your aim is to visit Norway in winter you will be happy

As ever, depends on your priorities. We saw the lights several times but only took a few photos with phones. Good enough for us as reminders

OP here. Thanks for the information. Just booked our NL cruise!

Thanks

12 hours ago, notjaded said: OP here. Thanks for the information. Just booked our NL cruise!

Hopefully you will get to see the lights.  Even if you don't you will find it is a great cruise with spectacular scenery, and complimented with the hospitality of the Norwegian people.  Enjoy it, JohnEB

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Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

Table of contents:, history of the city, park of culture and leisure, historical and art museum, october cultural center, kristall ice palace, memorial complex, museum and exhibition complex.

Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

2024 Author : Harold Hamphrey | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal. Its sights for the most part have no historical value due to the fact that the city has a relatively small history. But for a visiting tourist or city dweller, they will be of interest. There is something to see, where to go to have an exciting leisure time.

Today the population of the city is 158 thousand people. Until the beginning of the 20th century there were several small workers' settlements here. After the opening of the electrometallurgical and equipment factories, the place began to be called the natural boundary of Calm. The construction of the railway made this settlement accessible, and workers and families flocked here to earn money. In 1925, the station was named Elektrostal, and the rapid increase in population allowed the village to receive the status of a city.

attractions elektrostal photo

The founder of the city is a prominent Russian industrialist Nikolai Vtorov. It was he who opened the plant here, creating, in fact, a city-forming enterprise that is still operating. In Soviet times, it was a closed facility, and it was not easy to get to work here.

Today Elektrostal is a promising industrial city with a great future and a heroic past. It bears the proud name "City of Military and Labor Glory".

You can learn about the sights of Elektrostal with descriptions and photos here. There are places for walking, outdoor activities and cultural development.

sights of the electric steel of the Moscow region

Those who come to the city by train are met by a monument to the metallurgist. It was installed in November 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the Elektrostal plant. The attraction is made in the style of constructivism. The monument quickly won the love of the townspeople, because this city is supported by ordinary workers.

Elektrostal attractions photo with description

Elektrost altsy and the founding father of the plant, Nikolai Vtorov, are honored. In 2002, a monument was opened in honor of him, which became a landmark of the city of Elektrostal. The bronze sculpture is installed on the site where once stood a monument to the leader of the world proletariat, V. I. Lenin. Times change, characters change. Today, the plant, founded a century ago, is the largest in Russia. Vtorov himself, whose fortune was estimated at 60 million rubles in gold, according to Forbes magazine, was the owner of the largest capital at the beginning of the century. He was a banker, an industrialist, an entrepreneur, a man of action.

The monument was erected byinitiative of the townspeople who wished to perpetuate the monument to the great man.

One of the popular places for spending weekends and evenings among citizens and guests of the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure. Here you can ride attractions for children and adults, play slot machines, rollerblade or bike. The park is divided into two zones. Fans of unhurried walks in the fresh air make a promenade on the Quiet Alley, and those who prefer outdoor activities flock to the Entertainment Alley. The park has a summer stage, where concerts and cafes are regularly held.

Elektrostal attractions

Until 1999, there was no central museum among the attractions of Elektrostal in the Moscow Region. The expositions were exhibited in schools, the house of culture, in factory museums. The city was closed, so there was no large influx of tourists and visitors. The appearance of the historical and art museum made it possible for residents and guests of the city to learn a lot of useful information about their native land, the formation of the production process, and the difficult years of the war. The exposition consists of paintings by local artists, historical artifacts, household items, documents, books and much more. The collection is updated regularly. It also hosts outdoor exhibitions, which are always popular with the townspeople.

One of the main attractions of Elektrostal, the photo of which is available to almost every resident or visitor, is the Main Alley. On herpassers-by like to stroll along shady paths, townspeople rest by the fountain after a hard shift at the plant. Flower beds are the decoration of the alley. In 2006, a flower festival was held here for the first time, which has become traditional. Each enterprise of the city and private individuals give residents a real composition of fresh flowers, which pleases with bright colors all summer long. A riot of colors, aromas and a flight of fantasy reigns here. Walking through the park, you can see Snow White with a basket, a bright well, a multi-tiered cake made from fresh flowers, hearts of lovers or a fabulous house. It is almost impossible not to take a photo against the background of these compositions.

There is a cultural center in the city. It hosts performances by local creative teams and visiting stars, performances and circus performances.

In 1971, the ice palace "Crystal" was opened in the city. Almost immediately, a children's and youth hockey team was organized, which gained sports fame. This is the home sports arena for the Elektrostal hockey team. Matches of different levels are held on the ice.

There are sections for children who go in for hockey or figure skating. Citizens come here with their families to cheer for their favorite team or go ice skating.

Elektrostal is a city with a heroic past. During the war years, more than 12 thousand citizens came to the recruiting station and went to the front to defend their homeland. Almost 4 thousand of them did not return from the battle. To these heroesdedicated to the memorial complex with the inextinguishable Eternal Flame, opened in 1968

But the electricians took part in the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya. By decision of the city authorities, their memory is also immortalized in the memorial complex.

It has become a good tradition for newlyweds to lay flowers at this monument.

attractions of the city of Elektrostal

In 1999, a museum and exhibition complex was opened in the city, where, in addition to the exhibition hall, there are numerous circles for children, classes for young people, and a creative workshop. Various festivals, exhibitions, city holidays and other events are held within the walls and on the territory of the complex, which attract many spectators.

Elektrostal attractions

Listing the sights of Elektrostal, it is impossible not to mention the temples. There are several of them in the city: the church of St. John of Kronstadt, St. Andrew's Church, the hospital church of St. Panteleimon. Another new church is being built. In appearance, the temples look ancient, monumental, in the Novgorod style. But they were all built at the end of the 20th century.

Let there be no ancient artifacts among the sights of Elektrostal. But on the other hand, all of them are connected with the history of the city, with everyday work and military exploits of ordinary residents.

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virgin northern lights cruise

Moscow Sky Lights Up With Strange Glow After Explosion at Electrical Substation: Reports

N ew footage has emerged showing bright flashes lighting up the night sky in southern Moscow during the early morning hours of November 22.

Knewz.com has learned that there was an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of Russia's capital city followed by an alleged power outage in "several" homes.

Video snippets, shared on Russian news channels like ASTRA , captured a series of flashes that caused the sky to change color. Smoke could also be seen rising from a building.

Corroborating the video, several Russian Telegram accounts reported an explosion near the south of Moscow and a subsequent fire at the Lyublino electrical substation, southeast of central Moscow, per Newsweek .

The local authorities from the area have since confirmed that an explosion occurred in the village of Molokovo, but they reassured the public that all vital facilities were operating as normal.

Russian outlet MSK1.ru reported the blaze at the substation and noted “several” power outages.

The town of Lytkarino, located to the southeast of Moscow, was one of the affected areas, as reported by the independent outlet, Meduza .

Additional power failures were reported in the southern Domodedovo section of the city. However, electricity was later restored to these areas.

One local resident speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but additional sources are yet to support this theory.

Newsweek reported that messages on the ASTRA Telegram account run by independent Russian journalists showed residents near the substation panicking. One concerned Russian called it a "nightmare."

The incident follows an attack by Russia on a power station in southwestern Ukraine that left 2,000 people without electricity .

Knewz.com reported previously:

“ Russian forces launched a total of 38 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 drones during the later hours of November 17 and 18.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that 29 of these drones were shot down [...].

One civilian was injured as a result of the attack that targeted energy infrastructure in the southwestern Odesa Oblast.”

The assault came after repeated warnings by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russia would try to cripple its power grid as winter approaches.

Ukraine's leader warned that if Russia resorted to attacking its power utilities, it would respond in kind.

Ukraine has conducted numerous long-range aerial drone strikes on Moscow since May 2023.

Most recently on November 20, it was reported that one such incursion was intercepted close to the city, per Kyiv Post .

Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed this and elaborated that the region's air defense systems intercepted the unmanned craft over the city of Elektrostal to the east of Moscow, as well as another over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow.

The details of the recently surfaced video footage have yet to be independently verified.

The Moscow skyline lit up on November 22 causing panic. By: Meduza

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Lanette Mayes

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

40-facts-about-elektrostal

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

  • Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
  • With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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  1. Northern Lights Cruise: The Complete Guide

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  3. Northern Lights cruise: An ultimate guide for 2021

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  6. Top Cruises to See the Northern Lights

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  1. The 9 Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises for 2024 & Beyond

    Sept. 11, 2024; Sept. 10, 2025. Fairbanks, Alaska. $1,588 per person. The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks ...

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    For Hurtigruten's Northern Lights expedition cruise, after departing Dover in England, the 530-passenger MS Maud sails toward Norway, with the first stop being Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier. From there, the vessel visits old fishing communities (some dating back to pre-Viking times) and sails near the base of staggering peaks for Zodiac rides and hikes (this is an expedition ...

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    Northern Lights Cruises. Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights or aurora borealis on a small ship expedition cruise that takes you deep into the Arctic, to iconic destinations such as Greenland, Iceland and Norway. In true expedition style, we encourage exploration and adventure on our Northern Lights tours.

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  12. Northern Lights Cruise: The Complete Guide

    Make sure to consider other elements besides the lights, this include activity options, price, likelihood of seeing the lights and wildlife viewing. 1. Coastal Norway. This is by far and away the most popular Northern Lights cruise option. Both Hurtigruten and P&0 sail the coast of Norway all year, including winter.

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    The Europe Experience. +5. See All Images. A northern lights cruise takes the stress out of figuring out of the logistics of seeing the aurora borealis and makes this bucket list journey memorable.

  19. Question for those who have done Northern Lights voyage

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