Northern Lights in the Arctic Region on a Cruise

Key Takeaways

You’ll get the best views of the Northern Lights between December and March, specifically from 10 PM to 2 AM when the moon is new.

Your best chances to spot the aurora are along Norway’s coast, especially if you sail through Bodø, Tromsø, and Kirkenes.

You can choose cruise lengths from 5 to 18 days. The cost starts at £1,450 and goes up to £17,500, depending on your preferred cabin and amenities.

To capture great photos, you’ll need:

• Your camera set to manual mode
• A wide-angle lens
• ISO settings between 800-2500
• Shutter speeds of 5-20 seconds

During the day, you can join whale watching trips and hikes. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy local cultural shows and expert-led aurora viewing sessions.

Best Time for Arctic Cruises

The best times to see the Northern Lights on Arctic cruises fall between December and March.

You’ll find clearer night skies and longer darkness during these winter months, creating perfect viewing conditions.

September offers another excellent viewing window, particularly if you’re heading to Alaska or the Canadian Arctic.

The shorter daylight hours during this month boost your chances of seeing the Aurora.

January to March give you the best balance, combining clear night skies with enough daylight for daytime activities.

The prime viewing time sits between 10 PM and 2 AM, and you’ll get better views during a new moon when skies are at their darkest.

Avoid booking summer cruises if you want to see the Northern Lights – the bright summer skies make Aurora viewing impossible.

December and January provide 24-hour darkness, but this might limit your other cruise activities.

Popular Northern Lights Cruise Routes

The best Northern Lights cruises follow Norway’s coastline, giving you the highest chances of seeing the aurora. You can board ships from key Norwegian ports like Bodø, Tromsø and Kirkenes, with Hurtigruten offering specialist aurora-viewing trips.

For more remote experiences, you can sail to Svalbard, Iceland or Greenland. Aurora Expeditions runs longer 22-day journeys, whilst Scenic and Swan Hellenic take you through the Northwest Passage.

These Arctic routes let you visit research stations, national parks and remote islands. Your cruise will include expert guides and photographers to help you spot and capture the Northern Lights.

September and March offer peak viewing opportunities during the equinoxes.

Choosing Your Perfect Cruise Experience

Select your Northern Lights cruise by focusing on three elements: time, comfort and activities.

Your cruise options range from 5 to 18 days, costing between £1,450 and £17,500. You’ll find luxury ships with private balconies, spas and personal butlers.

For adventure seekers, expedition vessels offer more outdoor experiences.

Your activity choices include:

• Kayaking through fjords
• Hiking on coastal trails
• Whale watching excursions
• Expert-led nature talks

You’ll get the best viewing of the Northern Lights between October and April, with peak visibility in winter months.

If you’re bringing children, pick shorter cruises (5-7 days) with family activities.

Remember: The Northern Lights appear most clearly on dark, clear nights, so winter sailings give you the best chance to see them.

Essential Photography Tips

Your camera needs these basic settings:

• Manual mode
• Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 to f/4)
• ISO range: 800-2500
• RAW format
• White balance: 3000-4000 Kelvin

Your shutter speed depends on the aurora’s movement:

• Bright, fast displays: 5-10 seconds
• Slower movements: 12-20 seconds

Before you start:

• Set up your camera at home
• Practice manual focusing
• Pack a sturdy tripod
• Bring a remote control
• Take spare batteries (keep them warm)

During your shoot:

• Choose solid ground over a moving ship
• Find spots away from city lights
• Check aurora forecasts beforehand
• Keep your batteries in an inside pocket
• Take test shots to check your settings

Your success depends on preparation and patience.

Each display offers unique photo opportunities, so adjust your settings as the lights change.

Onboard Activities and Excursions

Your Northern Lights cruise offers exciting daytime and evening activities that go beyond aurora viewing. You can join guided educational sessions about the Northern Lights and embark on whale watching tours in small groups. Traditional Nordic experiences include relaxing saunas and bracing polar plunges.

During daylight hours, you can explore the Arctic in several ways:

• Snowshoe hiking through pristine landscapes
• Kayaking in protected waters
• Nature walks to spot local plants and animals

Evening activities bring different adventures:

• Special dinners at historic locations
• Cosy beach bonfires under the stars
• Cultural shows on the ship

Your small group excursions help you get close to nature as you sail through stunning fjords. You’ll have plenty of chances to:

• Photograph Arctic wildlife
• Meet local communities
• Chase the Northern Lights by boat

Each day brings new discoveries in the Arctic wilderness, with activities suited to different interests and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Seasickness Affect Northern Lights Viewing From Cruise Ships?

Seasickness can definitely affect your Northern Lights experience on a cruise ship. You’ll struggle to enjoy the display if you’re feeling queasy on deck. The good news is you can manage seasickness with simple steps:

• Take motion sickness tablets before sailing
• Stay midship where movement is less noticeable
• Keep your eyes fixed on the horizon
• Get plenty of fresh air
• Eat light, bland meals
• Stay hydrated with water

Your viewing comfort matters, so pack anti-sickness remedies in your cruise kit. The more comfortable you feel, the better you’ll enjoy watching the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky.

What Backup Activities Are Planned if Northern Lights Aren’t Visible?

You can join these backup activities when the Northern Lights aren’t visible:

• Learn photography skills at hands-on workshops
• Attend wildlife talks led by local experts
• Take small boat trips to explore Arctic waters
• Visit local museums with hands-on exhibits
• Join guided nature walks in the area
• Master night sky photography techniques

These activities ensure you’ll have a memorable Arctic experience, regardless of the Northern Lights visibility.

Are Special Clothing Rentals Available for Outdoor Aurora Viewing?

You can rent specialised winter clothing for aurora viewing in several northern locations like Rovaniemi, Tromsø and across the UK. Most rental shops provide complete winter gear sets with thermal layers, waterproof jackets, snow pants and insulated boots. You’ll find flexible rental options ranging from 24-hour periods to weekly rentals, making it easy to stay warm whilst watching the northern lights.

Do Cruise Ships Have Wifi for Sharing Northern Lights Photos?

Yes, cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, but there are some key things to know about sharing your Northern Lights photos:

You’ll find internet access on board through the ship’s Wi-Fi service. However, Arctic regions have limited satellite coverage, making connections unstable and slow. Your best option is to save your photos and share them when your ship is closer to mainland ports, where signals are stronger.

Quick tips:

• Buy your Wi-Fi package before sailing for better rates
• Download essential apps before your trip
• Save your photos to share in batches when connection is good
• Focus on enjoying the moment rather than immediate sharing

Can Children Under Five Participate in Northern Lights Viewing Sessions?

You can take under-fives to watch the Northern Lights with careful planning. Your sessions should be brief, and you’ll need access to a warm indoor space nearby. Make sure your child wears proper winter clothing, including thermal layers, waterproof outerwear and insulated boots. Keep activities engaging with hot drinks and snacks whilst waiting. Watch for signs your child is getting too cold or tired, and be ready to head indoors when needed.