Aurora Borealis Cruise Destinations for 2024

If you’re looking for an aurora borealis cruise, 2024 is going to be your year. Scientists predict 2024 will be a solar maximum. Without getting too science-y about it, that means the sun will be throwing out a lot of the little particles that cause us to see those enchanting lights in the sky. Auroras happen every year, but the solar maximum gives you the best chance to see the northern lights (or the southern lights for that matter). Solar maximums happen on average every 11 years. If you miss out on the 2024 season, you might have to wait until 2035!

Why Take an Aurora Borealis Cruise

If you’ve always wanted to see the northern lights, a cruise might just be the best way to do it. Here are a few of the special benefits a cruise gives aurora-seekers:

Less light pollution

The northern lights are impressive, but, like the stars, they can get overpowered by electric lights around you. Rural locations (like in Norway or Alaska) give you a better shot at seeing an aurora than big cities. But what’s even better is when you’re out at sea. There are no city lights to compete with, and some cruise lines even turn off the deck lights to help you see the lights more easily (just be sure to watch your step!).

Ships can sail around bad weather conditions

Even if there’s an aurora, you won’t be able to see it if the skies are too cloudy. That’s bad news if you’re stuck ashore, but less of a problem at sea. Ships can shift course slightly, which may give you better skywatching weather.

Aurora Borealis Cruise Destinations

Aurora activity is focused around the earth’s poles, so your best chance to see the northern lights is to head north – way north, even into the arctic circle. Here are some of the best destinations for an aurora borealis cruise:

Norway

Norway is one of the few locations where you can sail north of the arctic circle in winter – prime aurora-viewing season. That means a cruise along the Norwegian shore gives you the best chance to see the northern lights. The Norwegian city Alta is known as the City of the Northern Lights. Tromsø, another town on the Norwegian coast, holds a northern lights-inspired music festival in January.

Iceland

Across the North Sea from Norway, Iceland is another great destination for an aurora borealis cruise. You can learn more about the phenomenon and even get tips for photographing it at Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Center.

Alaska

You don’t have to go to Europe to see the northern lights. It’s also possible to see them in northern Alaska. The short Alaska sailing season may make it a bit more difficult to spot the lights (since they’re more visible in winter), but Fairbanks sometimes sees the northern lights even in April or August.

Related: Alaska Cruise – Experience All Alaska Offers

Aurora Australis Cruise Destinations

Did you know that the northern hemisphere isn’t alone in getting a natural light show? There’s also the aurora australis or southern lights. The southern lights are usually visible around the equinoxes in March and September. Seeing the southern lights can be trickier than seeing the northern lights, so your best shot is to go during the solar maximum.

Australia and New Zealand

Even though Australia and New Zealand are outside the Antarctic circle, they still get occasional aurora sightings. Tasmania, Australia is the most popular spot to see the southern lights. Even so, there’s only a 1% or 2% chance to see the lights on any given night in Tasmania.

What about Antarctica?

You might be thinking “why not just go into the Antarctic circle?” The trouble is actually getting there. Antarctic cruises tend to happen during the southern hemisphere’s summer, while the southern lights are visible in their winter.

Best Tips to See the Northern Lights

Here are some tips on how to give yourself the best chance of seeing an aurora and making the most of this rare experience:

Be patient

The aurora is a natural phenomenon, which means whether or not you see it is ultimately beyond human control. Still, your best bet is to keep your eyes on the sky. We would say no one can guarantee you’ll see an aurora on your cruise, but Hurtigruten does just that on select cruises. Their Northern Lights Promise says that if there’s no aurora spotted on an 11+ night arctic cruise in aurora season, you’ll get a 6- or 7-night cruise to Norway for free, to give you another chance.

Stay up late (or get a wake-up call)

Even with the early arctic nights, the best time to spot the northern lights is very late at night, usually around 1 a.m. You can stay up late hoping to see the aurora, but some cruise lines offer a wake-up call service. Ask to be put on the list, and they’ll call your room to tell you an aurora’s been spotted. Some cruise lines also use intercom announcements to let you know the northern lights are visible.

Wear layers – lots of them

You’re going to be on the deck, at night, in the arctic: cold, cold, cold. You’re going to want lots of layers. Thermals, a winter jacket, gloves, and a hat are all good ideas. Maybe even consider some hand warmers.

Wear grippy shoes

With the ocean spray and the cold temperatures, the deck can get slippery. Make sure you have a grippy pair of shoes so you can stay stable on the deck at night.

Look for dark spots

As we mentioned before, light pollution can make it harder to see the northern lights. Some cruises turn off the deck lights to help you see the aurora better, but scoping out an especially dark spot might help even more.

Bring your camera

If you spot an aurora, you’re definitely going to want to take pictures. To get the best ones, you’ll want to use a low-light setting. That means longer exposures, so if you have a tripod or monopod, bring it to help you keep your camera stable. Also, batteries will drain faster in the arctic cold, so be sure to bring extras.

Make 2024 your year to see the northern lights with an aurora borealis cruise. To pre-book your very own all-inclusive cruise package, visit Cruises.com — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com for the largest selection of cruise line deals or call 800-288-6006 today.

Author: Dan Smolinsky