Which Cruise Lines Go to Northern Lights for Stunning Views

Norwegian cruise lines like Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages offer the best routes for viewing the Northern Lights, with specialized sailings along Norway’s coast from September to March. Other top options include Princess Cruises and Cunard, which feature Northern Lights-focused itineraries and onboard astronomy experts for an unforgettable aurora experience.

Key Takeaways

• Choose Hurtigruten: Expert-led Northern Lights voyages with onboard astronomers.
• Book with P&O Cruises: Dedicated Aurora Borealis viewing decks on select ships.
• Opt for Silversea: Luxury small-ship expeditions to prime aurora zones.
• Consider Cunard: Transatlantic sailings timed for optimal light displays.
• Look for guarantees: Some lines offer free rebooking if lights are missed.
• Travel September-March: Peak viewing months vary by cruise line routes.

Which Cruise Lines Go to Northern Lights for Stunning Views

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. These shimmering curtains of green, purple, and pink light dance across the Arctic sky, creating a mesmerizing display that has captivated travelers for centuries. While many dream of witnessing this phenomenon, few know that some of the best views come not from land, but from the deck of a cruise ship. Cruising to the Northern Lights offers a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and unparalleled access to remote Arctic regions where the lights are most vibrant.

For those seeking a truly unforgettable experience, several cruise lines specialize in Northern Lights voyages, combining expert navigation, onboard astronomy guides, and itineraries timed to maximize viewing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, these cruises provide a front-row seat to one of Earth’s most magical natural wonders. In this guide, we’ll explore which cruise lines go to Northern Lights, what makes each unique, and how to choose the best option for your aurora-chasing adventure. From luxury liners to expedition vessels, there’s a perfect cruise for every type of traveler.

Why Cruise to See the Northern Lights?

Advantages of Northern Lights Cruises

While land-based Northern Lights tours are popular, cruising offers distinct advantages. First, ships can navigate to the most optimal viewing locations based on real-time weather and solar activity. Unlike fixed lodges, cruise itineraries are flexible, allowing captains to reroute for clearer skies or stronger aurora forecasts. This mobility increases your chances of witnessing the lights, especially during unpredictable Arctic weather.

Second, cruises provide a comfortable, all-inclusive base. After a day of exploring icy fjords or visiting remote villages, you can return to a warm cabin, a hot drink, and a heated observation deck. Many ships even offer wake-up calls for aurora sightings, ensuring you don’t miss a moment. Additionally, onboard amenities like lectures by aurora experts, photography workshops, and stargazing sessions enhance the experience, making it both educational and entertaining.

Best Time to Cruise for the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are visible from late September to early April, when the Arctic nights are longest and skies are darkest. However, the peak viewing window is typically December to March, when solar activity is highest and the nights are most extended. Cruise lines time their itineraries to coincide with these months, often scheduling departures around the winter solstice (December 21) for maximum darkness.

For example, Hurtigruten’s 12-day “Classic Roundtrip Voyage” runs from October to March, with departures timed to avoid the full moon (which can wash out the lights). Similarly, Ponant’s “Aurora Borealis Expedition” departs in February and March, targeting the period with the highest geomagnetic activity. Pro tip: Book a cruise during a “solar maximum” year (the next is 2025), when auroras are predicted to be more frequent and intense.

Top Cruise Lines for Northern Lights Voyages

Hurtigruten: The Pioneer of Arctic Cruising

Hurtigruten is arguably the most iconic name in Northern Lights cruising. This Norwegian line has been operating along the country’s coast since 1893, and its “Hurtigruten Original” route is a bucket-list experience for aurora chasers. The 12-day roundtrip from Bergen to Kirkenes covers 34 ports, with stops in Tromsø and Alta—two of Norway’s most famous aurora hotspots.

What sets Hurtigruten apart is its Northern Lights Promise. If the lights aren’t visible during your voyage, the line offers a free six- or seven-day cruise in the future. The ships (like the MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen) are hybrid-powered, reducing emissions, and feature observation lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows. Onboard, you’ll find aurora alerts, expert lectures, and even a dedicated “Northern Lights Bar” for stargazing with a cocktail.

Example itinerary: The “Classic Roundtrip Voyage” includes a stop at the North Cape (the northernmost point in Europe) and a visit to the Svalbard Archipelago, where you can combine aurora viewing with polar bear safaris.

Ponant: Luxury and Adventure Combined

For travelers seeking a more upscale experience, Ponant offers small-ship luxury with a focus on Arctic exploration. Their “Aurora Borealis Expedition” (11-13 days) sails from Tromsø to the Svalbard Islands aboard the Le Boré or Le Lyrial, ships designed for icy waters with reinforced hulls and advanced navigation systems.

Ponant’s itineraries are curated for optimal aurora viewing, with late-night stops in remote fjords like Lofoten and Bear Island. The line partners with the Norwegian Space Centre to provide real-time aurora forecasts, and each ship has a dedicated “aurora officer” to guide guests to the best viewing spots. Onboard, you’ll enjoy gourmet dining, spa treatments, and private balconies—perfect for watching the lights from your cabin.

Unique perk: Ponant’s “Aurora Guarantee” ensures at least two dedicated aurora viewing nights per cruise, with wake-up calls for sightings.

Holland America Line: Classic Cruising with a Twist

Holland America Line (HAL) brings its signature elegance to Arctic voyages with itineraries like the “Norway & Northern Lights” cruise (14 days). Sailing aboard the Rotterdam or Zuiderdam, these trips combine traditional cruising with aurora-focused excursions.

HAL’s advantage is its accessibility. While Hurtigruten and Ponant cater to adventure travelers, HAL’s larger ships appeal to those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The line offers “Aurora Viewing Evenings” with live music and hot drinks on deck, plus optional excursions like dog sledding and snowmobiling in Tromsø. The onboard planetarium and guest astronomers add an educational element, making it ideal for families.

Pro tip: Book an aft-facing cabin (near the observation deck) for unobstructed views of the sky.

Silversea: Ultra-Luxury Expedition Cruises

Silversea’s “Expedition” ships (like the Silver Cloud and Silver Wind) redefine luxury Arctic travel. Their “Northern Lights Expedition” (16-18 days) sails from Reykjavik to Longyearbyen (Svalbard), with stops in Greenland and Iceland. These all-inclusive voyages feature butler service, private verandas, and a 1:8 crew-to-guest ratio.

What makes Silversea stand out is its expert-led excursions. Each cruise includes a team of naturalists, historians, and aurora specialists who lead Zodiac tours to remote islands and glaciers. The ships also have retractable glass domes for stargazing, and the “Aurora Alert System” notifies guests of sightings via text message.

Example highlight: A stop in Ilulissat (Greenland) for a helicopter tour over the icefjord, followed by a midnight aurora viewing from a heated hot tub.

Expedition vs. Traditional Cruises: What’s the Difference?

Expedition Cruises: Adventure and Immersion

Expedition cruises (offered by Hurtigruten, Ponant, and Silversea) focus on exploration and flexibility. Ships carry Zodiac boats, kayaks, and snowshoes, allowing guests to explore remote areas unreachable by larger vessels. Itineraries are often “loose,” with the captain adjusting routes daily based on weather and wildlife sightings.

Key features of expedition cruises:

• Small ships (100-200 passengers) for intimate experiences.
• Expert-led excursions (e.g., glacier hikes, wildlife spotting).
• Flexible schedules to chase the best aurora conditions.
• Educational focus with onboard scientists and naturalists.

Example: On a Ponant expedition, you might spend a day tracking polar bears in Svalbard, then return to the ship for a midnight aurora viewing with a glass of champagne.

Traditional Cruises: Comfort and Convenience

Traditional cruises (like those by HAL) prioritize comfort and amenities. Ships have larger pools, theaters, and dining options, with itineraries that follow a fixed schedule. While they offer aurora-focused activities, the focus is more on relaxation than adventure.

Key features of traditional cruises:

• Larger ships (1,000+ passengers) with more onboard activities.
• Structured itineraries with pre-booked excursions.
• Family-friendly amenities (kids’ clubs, Broadway-style shows).
• Less flexibility for last-minute aurora chasing.

Example: On a HAL cruise, you might visit a Sami village during the day, then attend an aurora-themed lecture in the ship’s planetarium at night.

How to Maximize Your Northern Lights Viewing

Choosing the Right Itinerary

Not all Northern Lights cruises are created equal. To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, consider:

• Location: Ships sailing above the Arctic Circle (e.g., Tromsø, Alta, Svalbard) have better odds.
• Duration: Longer cruises (10+ days) offer more viewing opportunities.
• Flexibility: Expedition cruises that can reroute for clear skies are ideal.
• Moon phase: Avoid cruises during a full moon, which can dim the lights.

For example, a 14-day Hurtigruten voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes spends 10 nights above the Arctic Circle, while a 7-day HAL cruise may only offer 3-4 viewing nights.

Packing Tips for Aurora Chasing

Arctic weather is unpredictable, so pack strategically:

• Layered clothing: Thermal base layers, insulated jackets, and waterproof outerwear.
• Accessories: Gloves, hats, and hand warmers (many ships provide these, but extras help).
• Camera gear: A tripod, wide-angle lens, and extra batteries (cold drains power quickly).
• Red-light flashlight: Preserves night vision for better aurora viewing.

Pro tip: Bring a “hot hands” pack to keep your camera warm during long exposures.

Onboard Strategies

Once on the ship:

• Stay alert: Sign up for aurora wake-up calls and check the ship’s forecast daily.
• Find the best spot: Deck 7 or 8 (higher decks have fewer obstructions).
• Photography tips: Use manual mode (ISO 800-1600, f/2.8, 10-25 second exposures).
• Socialize: Join the aurora watch group to share sightings and tips.

Northern Lights Cruise Comparison: A Quick Guide

To help you compare options, here’s a snapshot of key features:

Cruise Line	Ship Type	Best For	Unique Perk	Sample Itinerary
Hurtigruten	Expedition (hybrid)	Adventure + comfort	Northern Lights Promise	12-day Bergen to Kirkenes
Ponant	Luxury expedition	Upscale travelers	Aurora Guarantee	13-day Tromsø to Svalbard
Holland America	Traditional	Families, first-timers	Aurora Viewing Evenings	14-day Norway & Northern Lights
Silversea	Ultra-luxury expedition	High-end explorers	Aurora Alert System	18-day Reykjavik to Svalbard

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Northern Lights Cruise

Chasing the Northern Lights by cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, blending adventure, luxury, and the raw beauty of the Arctic. Whether you choose Hurtigruten’s pioneering spirit, Ponant’s refined elegance, Holland America’s family-friendly vibe, or Silversea’s ultra-luxury expeditions, each cruise line offers unique ways to witness this celestial spectacle.

Key takeaways:

• Expedition cruises (Hurtigruten, Ponant) are ideal for flexibility and adventure.
• Traditional cruises (HAL) suit those who prefer comfort and structure.
• Luxury expeditions (Silversea) offer the ultimate in pampered exploration.
• Timing matters: Book between December and March for the best views.

No matter your choice, remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon—patience and flexibility are key. With the right cruise, a bit of luck, and a warm coat, you’ll be rewarded with memories that will light up your life for years to come. So, set sail, look up, and let the aurora work its magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines go to Northern Lights destinations?

Several cruise lines, including Hurtigruten, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line, offer voyages to prime Northern Lights viewing spots like Norway, Iceland, and Alaska. These itineraries are designed to maximize chances of seeing the aurora borealis during peak season (September–March).

When is the best time to book a Northern Lights cruise?

The optimal time is between late September and early March, when longer nights and clear skies enhance visibility. Cruise lines often schedule special “Northern Lights” themed departures during these months.

Do cruise ships actually stop for Northern Lights viewing?

Yes, many ships pause in dark, remote areas with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. Some lines, like Hurtigruten, even offer “Northern Lights Promise” with free rebooking if the lights aren’t seen.

Are there any luxury cruise lines that go to Northern Lights regions?

Luxury options include Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea, which feature smaller ships for intimate viewing experiences. These lines often include expert-led lectures and onboard aurora alerts.

Which cruise lines go to Northern Lights with family-friendly amenities?

Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean occasionally include Northern Lights viewing on select Alaska and Northern Europe sailings. These ships offer kid-friendly activities while providing aurora-watching opportunities for all ages.

Do I need to book shore excursions to see the Northern Lights on a cruise?

Not necessarily—many ships position themselves for prime viewing from the deck. However, optional excursions like snowmobiling or dog sledding in Norway can enhance the experience with guided aurora hunts.