Do you have ‘watching the Northern Lights’ on your bucket list? Yes- let’s book a cruise to see them!

Cruises are easily the most comfortable way to witness this spectacular phenomenon. To begin with, you won’t need to hike through the snow to get to a spot where you can see these lights. After all, when you’re in the middle of the sea, there’s no fear of city lights drowning out the aurora. All you need to do is step out on the deck or look out of your window. Many cruise operators have Northern Lights-themed sailings in the auroral season between September and March. Here are your best options. 

The Hurtigruten Northern Lights Promise
Hurtigruten promises a Northern Lights sighting on select Norwegian Coastal Voyages between September 20 and March 31. These cruises have 11 to 17-day itineraries packed with excursions to admire Norway’s beauty.

When the northern lights come alive, you’ll get a ‘Northern Lights alert’ in your cabin/suite. Imagine yourself enjoying a cocktail or lying back in the ship’s outdoor hot tub while the lights paint the sky above you… A stop at Alta, the ‘Northern Lights city’ where you can learn more about the history and science behind this phenomenon is another highlight to look forward to.

And, if nature plays spoilsport and the Northern Lights do not occur during your voyage, Hurtigruten Cruises will give you a free 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound trip.

Assured Northern Lights Sighting with Havila Voyages
The Havila Voyage's 11-night cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes and back promises innumerable new experiences. Your coastal adventure takes you from UNESCO-listed sites in Bryggen and Geiranger Fjord to northern Scandinavia's largest glacier, Sami villages in the harsh polar landscape and more.

If you book a voyage between October and March, the cruise line is confident you’ll see the magical Aurora Borealis at least once. So much so that if the phenomenon doesn’t occur, Havila promises a complimentary north or south-bound trip along the same route in the next season. 

Like Hurtigruten, Havila ships are equipped with a ‘Northern Lights alert system’. What’s more, dedicated screens around the ship let everyone onboard share their photographs of these sightings to make the experience even richer.

Aurora Northern Lights Explorer Expeditions
Considering the name, it isn’t surprising to note that Aurora Expeditions has a cruise itinerary chasing the Northern Lights. Their 18-day Northern Lights Explorer cruise from Tromso in Norway to Reykjavik in Iceland skirts the Norwegian and Greenland seas at the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sceneries and a chance to explore remote islands and villages. You could even try a polar plunge! And, as night falls, look skywards and you might see the vibrant Northern Lights dance above you.

Under the Northern Lights with Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions specializes in polar voyages and hence is a great choice for Northern Lights cruises. Their 12-day round-trip cruise from Reykjavik in Iceland explores the Westfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast.

The cruise follows a route where every clear night could be your opportunity to spot the Northern Lights. During the day, you can explore rugged landscapes, visit ancient Thule sites, experience Inuit culture firsthand, marvel at the majestic icebergs, enjoy Zodiac cruises and learn about the region’s fascinating wildlife.

Oceanwide Expeditions to the Arctic
Oceanwide has been organizing expedition cruises to the Arctic Circle for over 25 years. Several Oceanwide cruises give you a chance to see the brilliant Northern Lights. You’ll journey with just about 100 other adventurers on these cruises.

You’re at sea on most nights and during the day, the cruise operates Zodiac excursions and guided on-shore activities to give you a taste of Arctic life. What makes these excursions even more exciting is the knowledge you’ll glean from your tour leaders – wouldn’t it be amazing to have a scientist answer your questions… 

Norway And Northern Lights with Cunard
Cunard is synonymous with the classic cruise experience. Their Norway and Northern Lights cruise follows a 12-night itinerary from Southampton to Alesund, Tromso, Narvik, Stavanger and back. It’s a relaxed itinerary with plenty to do on-board and on-shore. The Northern Lights often become visible as you sail along the coast of Norway.

The Queen Anne’s White Star service standard guarantees a luxurious holiday. But, it’s the themed Gala Evening that makes the Cunard sailing experience truly unique. Dressed to the nines, this is a night that’ll make you feel like a true Hollywood diva. 

Booking your Northern Lights Cruise
With the 11-year solar cycle peaking in 2025, you can expect brighter, more frequent Auroras in 2025 and 2026. It’s the best time to book a Northern Lights cruise. So let’s plan!

Give us your dates and we’ll help you shortlist cruises that match your holiday style, schedule dates, pick a cabin and get you the best deals. We’ll even help you process insurance and visa papers, plan flights to and from the cruise end ports and, if you like, plan a short pre- or post-cruise extended holiday. With CruiseBay as your travel partner, you’ll have a truly relaxed experience.