Table Of Content
- Top Cruise Lines for Aurora Borealis Viewing in Alaska
- What is the best cruise to see the Northern Lights?
- Where in Alaska Are the Northern Lights Most Visible?
- Arctic Circle Fly, Drive and Overnight Adventures
- Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea
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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. Hike some of the trails to catch a glimpse of the northern lights in Alaska. During the winter, clear dark skies and aurora activity make Juneau an ideal spot to witness the stunning northern lights display. Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March.
Top Cruise Lines for Aurora Borealis Viewing in Alaska
Personal research, consultation with cruise experts, and maintaining flexibility in expectations can ensure an enriching and memorable Northern Lights journey. Research, pack appropriately for cold weather, bring necessary photography equipment, familiarize yourself with the ship’s amenities, and remain flexible in your expectations given the unpredictable nature of the aurora. But as we’ve explored, the Northern Lights are but one facet of the allure these destinations offer. From Alaska’s towering glaciers and rich indigenous culture to Norway’s picturesque coastal towns and the untouched beauty of Greenland, the journey to see the aurora can be as rewarding as the destination itself. As the adage goes, “Preparation is half the battle.” By equipping yourself with the essentials and knowledge, you’re setting the stage for a seamless, unforgettable journey through Alaska’s icy waters and shimmering skies. Setting sail to witness Alaska’s Northern Lights is thrilling, but ensuring you’re well-equipped can make your experience comfortable and memorable.
What is the best cruise to see the Northern Lights?
This family-owned, fly-in luxury wilderness lodge is 200 miles north of Fairbanks and 60 miles above the Arctic Circle. Stays are all-inclusive and exclusive — they only accept one group at a time. The lodge’s huge picture windows make it easy to keep a lookout for the aurora from a warm, comfortable interior.
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go - USA TODAY
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go.
Posted: Sat, 27 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Where in Alaska Are the Northern Lights Most Visible?
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.
Arctic Circle Fly, Drive and Overnight Adventures
Onshore activities for cruisers might range from museum and science center visits to dogsledding with huskies, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and scenic helicopter rides. Some cruises offer guests opportunities to spend a night in a snow-ice hotel and visit wildlife sanctuaries where wolves, wolverines, musk oxen, elk, reindeer, and other Arctic mammals might be spotted. And in some ports, cruise guests may learn about and visit with some of Norway’s indigenous Sámi people who, under Norwegian law, are generally the only people in Norway who may own and herd reindeer.
What Time of Year Can They Be Seen?
Some of our favourite places in Northern Norway to witness the Northern Lights include Tromsø, Kirkenes, the Lofoten Islands, Bodø and the North Cape. The main Northern Lights “season” for Alaska is late August to mid-April, because of something called “The Russell-McPherron Effect“. They are often described as “neon lights in the sky” because the same principle is used to create actual neon signs, just without the sun being involved.
Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea
According to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the best time to see the aurora is around midnight, give or take an hour. In conclusion, an Aurora Borealis Alaska Cruise not only offers the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights but also presents a plethora of other activities and sights to enjoy. From spotting magnificent wildlife to immersing yourself in the beauty of glaciers and icebergs, this expedition promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. 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.
When choosing between the Inside Passage Route and the Gulf of Alaska Route, consider your preferences for scenery, wildlife, and the level of solitude you desire. Both routes offer unique experiences and ample opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis. 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.
Fishing Adventures
As a rule of thumb, the further north you go, the longer your window is for seeing them. 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.
"Cruise ships are able to be out at sea where it is dark for optimal viewing," she says, and when in port, they can create opportunities for guests to access optimal viewing sites outside of cities and their lights. 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. Aurora Borealis, as it’s officially known, can only be seen above the magnetic pole of the Northern Hemisphere. Your chances of seeing them increase the farther north you are, which in turn makes Iceland an ideal place to try your luck at Northern Lights gazing.
These exciting seven-night itineraries stop in stunning Alaskan ports, such as Ketchikan and Juneau, and spend a day sailing close to the majestic Dawes Glacier, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. It consistently tops the list of places in Alaska and the world to catch the dazzling display and it’s not because the dancing green lights just happen to favor this gold rush boomtown. The city is full of modern conveniences and there are many Fairbanks northern lights tours.
If the activity is low during your trip, you may want to add a few days to the end and consider the trip to Fairbanks, either by railroad or by plane. The lights are particularly bright and have a farther reach during large aurora events, usually created by solar flares. In 2001, there was one aurora event so large that the Northern Lights could be seen as far south as Texas. Third, there must be high enough levels of aurora activity (i.e., enough of those particles in the Earth’s outer atmosphere). There have been quite a few times when I was out walking at night and I saw the Northern Lights for just a minute or two before the clouds moved over and blocked my view.
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. 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. 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.
If you crave flexibility and variety in your Aurora Borealis viewing experience, Norwegian Cruise Line is an excellent choice. Renowned for its Freestyle Cruising concept, Norwegian Cruise Line allows you to design your own Alaskan adventure. From onboard entertainment to dining options, this cruise line offers a plethora of choices to suit your individual preferences.
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