Table Of Content
Those wanting to maximize their chances should head for the more remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory or to Prudhoe Bay and Utqiaġvik in the extreme north. This makes northern Alaska, Arctic Canada, Iceland, Norway, and parts of Greenland prime locations for viewing—the odds of seeing the Northern Lights increase when you go on a cruise in Alaska. Cruise ships get you to inland destinations, including Fairbanks, which boasts cloud-free skies. The optimal time to go on a cruise to see the Alaska Northern Lights is when the daylight slips away. It will seasonally become a time with the skies are covered with a soft, darkened blanket hovering over the city. However, collisions between gasses cause this whimsical beauty in the earth’s atmosphere.
I’m so happy you’re here!
For your on-shore day excursions, be sure to pack layers of clothing and rain gear so that you can be comfortable. Proper footwear is also important and be sure to bring hiking shoes if you plan to enjoy outdoor activities. With nearly endless summer days and coastal breezes, you’ll want to make sure to dress with flexibility in mind. During the summer months, especially July and August, temperatures in Southeast Alaska usually fall between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while Southcentral Alaska and the Interior see higher heights into the 70’s and 80’s. For those looking for a couples retreat, Viking Cruises cater exclusively to adults.
From Fairbanks
Cunard’s Norway and Northern Lights cruise is a 12-day roundtrip along Norway’s coastline from Southampton, England on Queen Mary 2, or Queen Victoria ships. Guest speakers, astronomers and award-winning photographers are usually on board to join guests on deck to each evening to scan for and enjoy the northern lights show. Midsize and small cruise ship companies offer a variety of Arctic Circle sails during prime northern lights viewing months. While this list is not inclusive, lines to choose from include Hurtigruten, Viking, Cunard, Quark, P&O, Silversea, Fred.
Best Time to Cruise Alaska to See the Northern Lights
Whether you choose to sail through the Inside Passage, explore the Alaska Gulf Coast, or venture into the Arctic Circle, each route offers its own unique charm and potential for Northern Lights sightings. When planning your Alaskan cruise, consider the ports of call that align with your desired Northern Lights viewing experience. Research the best times to visit each destination and consult with your cruise operator for expert guidance on optimal viewing spots and excursion options.
Alaska: AKA Your Next Adventure
If you’re in Anchorage and the conditions are ideal, head to a higher elevation. Glen Alps, Point Woronzof, and the Knit River Valley offer decent vantage points—some face north with no pesky mountain peaks in the way. Denali National Park is another good option in early spring or fall, as it’s far enough north and free from light pollution.
The 6 Best Cruises for Northern Lights Viewing - AFAR Media
The 6 Best Cruises for Northern Lights Viewing.
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
When choosing an Alaska cruise route for Northern Lights viewing, it’s essential to research the itineraries and consult with cruise operators to ensure that Northern Lights sightings are a part of the planned experience. While cruise routes can provide incredible opportunities, remember that seeing the Northern Lights is ultimately a matter of luck and nature’s whims. In the next section, we’ll explore the best time of year to enhance your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights in all their glory on an Alaskan cruise. Alaska’s position within the auroral oval, a region near the North Pole where the Northern Lights are most commonly visible, provides ample opportunities to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Latitude and Aurora Visibility
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. However, ships traversing Alaskan waters are equipped with stabilizers to minimize motion. If prone to seasickness, consult your doctor for recommended medications or remedies. Use manual settings, a wide aperture, long exposure, and a higher ISO.
Even after all that time, perhaps nobody does Alaska better than UnCruise. Yet, the core mission remains unchanged—to provide transformative experiences and memorable adventures for guests. And this year is a peak chance to embark on an extraordinary journey with UnCruise with the Northern Lights promising to be more impressive than ever. Alaska’s magnetic pull is undeniable, drawing adventurous travelers eager to explore its vast wilderness and rugged landscapes. More than 25 years ago, it was also the launching pad for UnCruise Adventures, which started with a single yacht in Alaska.
Alaska also boasts a stunning variety of wildlife—think seals, sea otters, eagles, mink, porpoises, and mountain goats, to name a few. Search for brown bears in Red Bluff Bay against a backdrop of towering red mountains and waterfalls or along the shores of Chichagof Island. Observe a sea lion haulout (when they gather on the banks to rest) and puffin rookery in the Marble Islands, or go whale watching in Fredericks Sound, Stephens Passage, or Chatham.
The northern lights occur because of solar activity, so during the early part of the solar cycle, known as solar minimum, there is a smaller chance of experiencing a full-on auroral storm. As we move toward solar maximum, which returns in 2025, the odds of seeing the northern lights will increase. The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is from late August to mid-April, when the nights are long and dark.
The aurora borealis is the Northern Lights, visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The aurora australis, or Southern Lights, are the equivalent phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere, visible in places like Antarctica, parts of Australia, and New Zealand. However, the aurora can appear in any direction, so the ship’s open decks, which offer broader views, are generally preferable.
For the best odds of seeing the northern lights, we suggest the 12-day round-trip itinerary from Bergen up the coast of Norway and back. Following a day packed with adventure, guests can relax with hot toddies on deck or join nighttime expeditions to remote vantage points, ensuring the best chances of witnessing the astonishing aurora. As the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights illuminates the night sky, it’s clear why this natural spectacle has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Whether you’re nestled amid Alaska’s vast wilderness or sailing through Norway’s dramatic fjords, the experience of witnessing the aurora borealis from the deck of a cruise ship is nothing short of magical. In this guide, we will unravel the mysteries of the aurora and explore the ins and outs of Alaska’s northern lights cruises. So, print out one of our cruise planners, grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s set sail on this celestial adventure.
Onboard dining is a highlight, with meals crafted from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Guests enjoy unlimited access to a variety of meals throughout the day, including early-riser breakfasts, lunches, dinners with multiple entrée options, and snacks in between. The beverage selection is also unlimited, featuring fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails, ensuring guests can savor their favorite drinks or try something new without any additional charges.
Reds, pinks, and purples can also be seen at higher altitudes when the charged particles interact with nitrogen atoms. The lights typically appear in curtains, arcs, or spirals, dancing across the sky in a mesmerizing display that can last from minutes to hours. Before embarking on your Northern Lights adventure, it’s important to understand the optimal times to catch this elusive spectacle. The next section will guide you through the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. To prepare for all conditions, you should plan for temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s, both on and off ship.
Considering the cruise line is named after the atmospheric phenomenon, it should come as no surprise that it offers a northern lights itinerary. At 19 to 22 days long, depending on the departure, there is plenty of time to hope for a northern lights appearance — or two, or three, or more. The longer itinerary continues with a visit to the Faroe Islands and disembarkation in Bergen, Norway. In 2021, our cruises to Alaska will be sailing later than usual, kicking off the season in late July and ending in early October.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable experience, look no further than an Alaskan cruise to witness the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. Alaska, with its vast wilderness and clear skies, offers some of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse of this mesmerizing phenomenon. The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June. That being said, traveling anytime during cruise season will offer epic views of landscape and wildlife, no matter where you travel. Longer cruises, like the Holland America Alaska Arctic Solstice Cruise spans 28 days, and will take you from your port to the Arctic Circle.
No comments:
Post a Comment