Table Of Content
Dreaming about seeing the Northern Lights is easy; figuring out the logistics of viewing those shimmering colors in the nighttime sky aren’t so simple. A Northern Lights cruise takes the stress out of planning, lodging, and even transportation to destinations like Iceland, Alaska, and more. Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those magical experiences on nearly every traveler’s bucket list due to the surreal way light moves in waves of green color across the nighttime sky. It provides real-time, accurate data from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute concerning the best time to view the northern lights.
Salmon Berry Tours Northern Lights Excursions
The 12-Night Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour (6A Northbound) is perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, and offers even more time in Alaska’s breathtaking national parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords. Once you have booked your family cruise to see the northern lights, it might be fun to use the Explore Fairbank’s Aurora Tracker. While you will have a far better opportunity in Alaska’s northern regions like Denali or Talkeetna, the most optimal viewing locals are closer to the Arctic. Especially Fairbanks, situated under the circular Auroral Oval, where sightings of the northern lights are far more likely. Although the northern lights are far more visible during certain parts of the year.
Fairbanks, A Northern Lights Favorite
You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova. Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska. With nearly endless summer days and coastal breezes, you’ll want to make sure to dress with flexibility in mind.
Alaska Cruise in July: Alaska in July Is the Best Month to Spot Wildlife
At its core, this mesmerizing light show is the result of collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Denali National Park is another good option in early spring or fall, as it’s far enough north and free from light pollution. If the stars align and the conditions are ripe for the show, try to find a clear viewing path, free of buildings and forest and face north, as that’s where activity starts. Alaska is by far the best place to see the northern lights in the U.S., though they have been reported as far south as Honolulu. That said, some towns in Alaska are better for Aurora Borealis viewing than others.
It’s essential to wear layers, including thermal underwear, a warm middle layer, a waterproof and windproof outer layer, insulated boots, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Choosing the right cruise, preparing adequately, and embracing all the adventures en route ensures not just a glimpse of this celestial marvel but a comprehensive, enriching travel experience. As you embark on this luminous journey, remember that while the Northern Lights may be the highlight, the stories you gather, the people you meet, and the landscapes you traverse will weave an unforgettable tapestry of memories. While the Northern Lights might be the star attraction, the state offers countless other wonders that resonate with its wild spirit and cultural richness. Your Alaskan adventure can be as diverse and enriching as you choose to make it. Selecting the right cruise and route can significantly influence your Northern Lights experience.
Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea
It’s essential to discuss any requirements with the cruise line ahead of booking. While cruises optimize the chances by navigating to areas with minimal light pollution and frequently clear skies, the Northern Lights remain a natural and unpredictable phenomenon. It’s never a guarantee but following expert predictions and being prepared can enhance your chances.
Sign Up for Special Offers
In Iceland, you’ll stop in Akureyri and overnight in the capital city, Reykjavik. Discover the wonders of Iceland’s nature by hiking along snow-capped mountains, marveling at enormous waterfalls, and exploring gurgling fields of Icelandic lava. On Celebrity, cruises to Alaska and Iceland just might yield sightings of Aurora Borealis.
The best time to see Northern Lights in Alaska is when daylight slips into a seasonal slumber and the darkened skies blanket the city below. While many guests head to the Great Land in hopes of seeing this cosmic treasure, conditions often get in the way. An unobstructed view is a rarity, but that’s what makes it all the more special if you do have a chance to see this phenomenon. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. Hurtigruten is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise.
Norway
9 Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks (Including What To Pack and Expect) - Upgraded Points
9 Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks (Including What To Pack and Expect).
Posted: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
No matter which way you choose to chase the aurora, plan on staying up late and sleeping in or taking an afternoon nap. Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March. However, the season is defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity. Participating in cruise tours in Alaska can indeed increase your likelihood of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Royal Caribbean Blog
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Some regions in Alaska have clear visibility in the evenings compared to other areas that are more prone to downpours or have more daylight during certain parts of the year. Embrace the experience, immerse yourself in onboard activities, and capture breathtaking photos that will forever remind you of this awe-inspiring adventure. Next, we’ll delve into the ports of call and destinations that are popular for Alaskan cruises with Northern Lights viewing. However, it’s important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and can be unpredictable. While there are peak times and locations for viewing, there are no guarantees. Patience, persistence, and a bit of luck are key when it comes to chasing the Northern Lights.
But no matter the choice, Alaska’s seas promise a journey of wonder, filled with nature’s best spectacles, both in the sky and on the horizon. While there are several ways to chase the Northern Lights, a cruise offers distinct benefits. While the Northern Lights are a year-round phenomenon, not all times are ideal for viewing. Like other natural occurrences, the Aurora Borealis come out to play when they feel like it. That said, being in the right place at the right time of year increases the odds.
If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free. Cruise lines operating in Alaska, such as Holland America, Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures, have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the phenomenon. Put your name on the list, and you'll get a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door should there be aurora action.
You’re also more likely to see them if you visit in colder months, as the most brilliant displays occur both in dark and cold environments. Because it’s a scientific phenomenon beyond the comprehension of modern science, you can only truly predict occurrences of the Northern Lights roughly two hours before they happen. Get up close to beautiful, picturesque landscapes on an Iceland and Ireland cruise from Southampton, England, which offers 14 nights of pure bliss on Celebrity Silhouette.
October is one of the wettest months in Alaska, so prepare for low clouds and rain. Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing. For those looking for a couples retreat, Viking Cruises cater exclusively to adults. The minimum age is 18, and the ship is designed for a luxurious and tranquil experience, so you can truly get away from it all. Darkness is essential if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights during your travels. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights on your cruisetour, we can promise you’ll walk away with a deep appreciation for Alaska’s rugged wilderness, flora, fauna, and rich history.
While seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed, cruises to Alaska and Iceland make for unforgettable vacations. Whether you’re traversing the wild terrain of the Last Frontier or spending your days exploring cities like Bergen and Alesund, we have an ideal itinerary for you. On cruisetours like these, you’ll traverse to towns like Seward, Anchorage, Denali, and tiny Talkeetna. Of course, sightings of the Northern Lights on your cruisetour depend entirely on natural circumstances, relying on weather, darkness, and a bit of magic.
Ice crampons may come in handy, especially in ports where walkways may be icy or slick. On some active excursions, outfitters provide weather appropriate gear, but you can’t always count on that. And don’t forget your bathing suit for outdoor tub soaks and pool swims onboard. The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders.
No comments:
Post a Comment