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Uncruise’s 12-night “Inside Passage” itinerary departs April 15 with rates starting at $6,300 per person, and Alaska Dream Cruises’ seven-night “Last Frontier Adventure” has starting rates from $3,995 per person. We sailed roundtrip from Juneau, and while I’ve visited the capital city during the busy summer months, I found the restaurants, bars, and shops much less crowded, reliably filled with locals for the most part. On the water, we rarely passed any other ships or boats, aside from fishermen out for their catches. Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky may cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool.
Travel Is Our Tradition
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. On many cruises, when passengers or crew spot northern lights, they make ship-wide announcements. Because the northern lights often appear late at night or very early in the morning, some ships offer opt-in wake up calls for this purpose. Each fall, one or two of the ships in Cunard's legendary fleet head north for Norway, where guests are treated to scenic cruising along the coast. The 12-day itineraries depart from Southampton, England, before traveling to Alesund, Tromsø, Narvik, and Haugesund, sailing through majestic fjords along the way.
Fairbanks, A Northern Lights Favorite
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. The combination of Alaska’s proximity to the Earth’s magnetic pole, low light pollution, and vast open spaces make it an ideal destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Before delving into the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, it’s helpful to understand the science behind this captivating phenomenon. The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful displays of light. The colors are determined by the type of gas and the altitude at which the collision occurs. Join Alaska Wildlife Guide in exploring one of Alaska’s most desired attractions, Chena Hot Springs Resort.
These Are the 8 Best Cruises Departing From New York City in 2024 - Condé Nast Traveler
These Are the 8 Best Cruises Departing From New York City in 2024.
Posted: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
A great rule of thumb is that the further north you venture into Alaska, the better your chances of seeing the northern lights. This is because the southeast regions have a rainforest-type climate with cloudy skies and heavy rainfall. As you explore the ports of call on your Alaskan cruise, keep in mind that some destinations, such as Nome and Barrow, offer a higher probability of seeing the Northern Lights due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle. Research the best times to visit each port and consult with experts to ensure you make the most of your journey.
Next, we’ll explore the Alaska cruise routes that offer the best chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural wonder. SolarHam gives a reliable three-day geomagnetic forecast that's often used by aurora hunters, while the Aurora Forecast app shows travelers the position of the auroral oval around the Arctic Circle. It also indicates the probability of seeing the northern lights where you are (green, not so much; red, and they're probably happening right above you). Once a gold mining settlement, this Alaskan Arctic destination is now little more than a truck stop at 67° N latitude on the famed Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay. Many aurora adventure tours take guests here, and to Wiseman about 15 miles north, for the high chances of a northern lights display. Coldfoot is 250 miles north of Fairbanks and 60 miles above the Arctic Circle.
However, the aurora can appear in any direction, so the ship’s open decks, which offer broader views, are generally preferable. Many Alaskan cruises incorporate indigenous narratives and folklore about the aurora. Engaging with these stories enriches the experience, providing a cultural context to the natural marvel. Many ships offer heated outdoor areas, loungers, and even blankets for comfort.
While many visitors travel to the Great Land in anticipation of this cosmic spectacle, there are factors that can obstruct the view. An unobstructed sight of the Northern Lights is relatively rare, which makes it even more remarkable when you do have the opportunity to witness this phenomenon. We’ll provide you with comprehensive information on how to see the Northern Lights during your Alaska cruise.
The Uniqueness of the Alaskan Experience
Some make the most of the expedition and travel to the small town of Manley Hot Springs to witness this amazing wonder from the view of a steamy spring-fed hot tub. You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours. As mentioned, the lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m.
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are the iconic lights that whimsically paint Alaska’s skies seafoam green, fluorescent yellow and bright notes of fuchsia. While they appear transcendental, they are actually caused by collisions between gases in the earth’s atmosphere and those in the sun’s atmosphere. The solar winds that circle the globe create unique arrangements that can appear as rippling currents or dancing rays. A survey by the Discovery Channel noted that seeing Aurora Borealis made it to more “bucket lists” than any other travel adventure. And it truly is an adventure – because its appearance from one sighting to the next is never the same. I like to think that chasing the Borealis similar to the adrenaline rush of storm-chasers who follow tornadoes – except, you’re chasing a natural beauty, rather than a destructive force.
Good vantage points in the vicinity include Cleary Summit, about 20 miles from Fairbanks, which is easy to get to and offers parking and a solid view of the horizon. This might be a shipwide announcement, a special buzzer in the cabins, or even a wake-up call if you request it. 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.
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. Most major cruise lines also offer the opportunity for pre or post-cruise land packages that will take you by bus or train to destinations in Southcentral and Interior Alaska. If you have the time, these cruise packages give you the best of both worlds for exploring Alaska's coastal communities and some of the top sights in Alaska's heartland, including Denali National Park. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive multi-day Alaska cruise package or simply a day cruise to see wildlife and glaciers, there are many options to choose from.
"Cruise ships are able to be out at sea where it is dark for optimal viewing," she says, and when in port, they can create opportunities for guests to access optimal viewing sites outside of cities and their lights. Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising. Other adventurous activities, such as hiking trails, open up in the summer months. Hatcher Pass typically opens up in July, depending on the specific Hatcher Pass weather conditions. Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line.
Scheduling a family cruise to see the enchanting northern lights requires meticulous planning and good luck. So, let’s have a peek at the best time to cruise Alaska for Northern Lights and tips for seeing them in all their splendor. 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. Ultimately, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska depends on your personal preferences and willingness to handle cold weather.
The months of December to March are especially popular for viewing the Northern Lights, as the nights are longer, increasing your chances of witnessing this celestial spectacle. Fairbanks sits just below the main auroral band, offering dark skies, minimal light pollution, and clear views of the night sky - all of which make the area a sweet spot for northern lights viewing. If you are truly on the hunt for the aurora, spend at least three nights in the Arctic or Interior regions of Alaska and get outside each night during prime viewing hours. Keep an eye on the University of Fairbanks Geophysical Institute’s Aurora Forecast and Explore Fairbanks’ Aurora Tracker for the most specific data on your chances for seeing the northern lights on a particular night.
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