Which Cruise Lines Go to See the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a magical natural phenomenon that can be seen in several countries around the Arctic Circle. This incredible light show is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere.

If you’re looking to witness this awe-inspiring sight, taking a cruise to the Northern Lights is one of the best ways to experience it. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the top cruise lines that go to see the Northern Lights.

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is among the most popular cruise lines that offer Northern Lights tours. They have been sailing the Norwegian coast for over a century, providing passengers with a unique and authentic experience of the region. Their voyages are designed to bring you closer to nature, with a range of activities, excursions, and lectures on board.

Hurtigruten offers several Northern Lights cruise itineraries, ranging from 6 to 14 days. Their ships are equipped with a range of facilities, including restaurants, lounges, observation decks, and even hot tubs on the upper decks. Additionally, the company has a promise that if you are on one of their 12-day Northern Lights cruises between October and February and do not see the Northern Lights, they will give you another 6 or 7-day cruise free of charge.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is another company that offers tours to see the Northern Lights. They have a range of itineraries departing from the UK, visiting Norway and Iceland, as well as other destinations in the region. Their ships are smaller, providing a more intimate experience, with fewer crowds and more personalized service.

Fred. Olsen offers a range of facilities on board, including several restaurants, bars, and lounges, a fitness center, a spa, and even a library. Additionally, the company provides a range of shore excursions, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights safaris.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is a popular option for travelers looking to visit the Northern Lights. Their itineraries include a range of destinations in Norway, Iceland, and beyond. One of the main highlights on their itinerary is the sail-in to Tromsø, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” as well as the chance to visit remote coastal towns of Norway.

Norwegian Cruise Line ships are equipped with a range of amenities, including dining options, bars, lounges, and entertainment, such as live shows, music, and comedy acts. Additionally, the company provides shore excursions, such as Northern Lights safari, husky sledding, snowmobiling, and more.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is another company that offers tours to see the Northern Lights. Their itineraries include visits to Norway, Iceland, and more. One of the main attractions of their Northern Lights tours is the chance to visit Alta in Norway, known as one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.

Princess Cruises’ ships are equipped with a range of facilities, including dining options, bars, lounges, and entertainment, such as movies, live music, and theater shows. Additionally, the company provides a range of shore excursions, including night rides, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights photography tours.

Cunard Line

Cunard Line is an excellent option for travelers looking for a luxurious experience. Their Northern Lights itinerary includes stops in Norway and Iceland. One of their most popular experiences is the opportunity to watch the Northern Lights from the deck of the ship, accompanied by hot chocolate and warm blankets.

Cunard ships are elegant and luxurious, with a range of amenities, including fine dining restaurants, bars, lounges, and entertainment, such as live performances, music, and comedy shows. Additionally, the company provides shore excursions, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights photography tours.

Conclusion

There are several excellent cruise lines that offer tours to see the Northern Lights. From Hurtigruten’s authentic Norwegian experience to Cunard’s luxurious ships, there is a Northern Lights cruise for travelers of all tastes and budgets. With so much to see and do, cruising is one of the best ways to experience the Northern Lights, so why not book your adventure today?

An Insider’s Guide: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Tromsø

Tromsø is a magical city located in northern Norway, known for its stunning views of the Northern Lights and breathtaking fjords. While the city is a popular destination for tourists, there are a few hidden gems that only locals know about. If you are planning to visit Tromsø, here is an insider’s guide to exploring the city’s hidden gems.

Local Attractions

Tromsø is endowed with natural beauty, and there are several popular tourist spots to visit in the area. However, if you want to escape the crowds and experience something unique, you should check out the following attractions:

– Polaria: This Northernmost aquarium in the world is more than just an exhibition of marine life. It showcases how the Arctic is changing due to climate change.

– The Perspektivet Museum: Tromsø has a long and rich history dating back to the Viking Era. The Perspektivet Museum provides an immersive experience of the city’s history with a unique display through the eyes of historical figures.

Dining Spots

Tromsø offers a wide range of culinary options, ranging from the traditional Norwegian cuisine to international flavours representing Tromsø’s diverse cultures. Some of the best places to try out are:

– Mathallen: This is a local food hall that hosts a variety of restaurants offering traditional Norwegian dishes, caviar, seafood, and vegetables from the surrounding landscapes.

– Fiskekompaniet: This is one of Tromsø’s oldest seafood restaurants and has an enviable location by the harbour with spectacular views of the Arctic cathedral and the Tromsø Bridge.

Cultural Experiences

The city is brimming with Nordic culture, from art to music and festivals. If you want to explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene, dive into the following experiences:

– Tromsø International Film Festival: This is the largest film festival in Norway, attracting attendees from around the world. It showcases some of the best films from Nordic and International filmmakers.

– Galleri Nord-Norge: This Gallery presents works by artists based in the northernmost regions of Norway with a strong focus on contemporary art.

Local History

Tromsø has fascinating stories that are worth exploring, and a few quirky ones that make the city stand out. Here are some captivating stories that will intrigue any history lover:

– The Arctic Cathedral: This famous cathedral is famous for its striking design and distinct setting on an island surrounded by the Arctic Sea. The first customs officer in Tromsø, Sigurd Sørensen, came up with the idea of building a cathedral after being awestruck by the Northern Lights.

– The People’s House: During World War II, the Norwegian Resistance used the underground bunker beneath the People’s House to plan their operations against the occupying German forces.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you want to go beyond the conventional sites and experience something unusual, consider these off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– Whale Watching: Take a Catamaran excursion to the outer fjords for a chance to observe whales, seals, and several seabird species.

– Hiking to Floya: You can take a cable car or hike to the top of the Floya Mountain and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Tromsø.

Conclusion:

Tromsø is a city that offers so much more than just a glimpse of the Northern Lights. From local attractions, dining spots, and cultural experiences to extraordinary history and off-the-beaten-path suggestions – there is an abundance of things to see and do here. With this insider’s guide, you can make the most out of your visit to Tromsø and create memories that will last a lifetime.