Taking a Northern Lights cruise is something that everyone needs to do at least once in their lifetime. The great news is that you don’t have to travel far from these shores to tick this experience off your bucket list, with Iceland, Norway and even the far north of Scotland lending themselves perfectly to spotting the aurora borealis.
Here are just some of the top Northern Lights cruises departing over the coming months, which take in some pretty incredible destinations along the way.
Princess Cruises, Island Princess – 7 October 2022
One of the biggest benefits of going in search of the Northern Lights is that it’s possible to set sail on a cruise from Southampton. On this two-week voyage, you will head northwards and have enough sea days to really make the most of your time on board.
Island Princess is a family-friendly ship that offers all the exhilaration and relaxation you’ll ever need while out on the ocean waves. It’s when you reach the Finnmark town of Alta that the aurora borealis is most likely to come out to play.
14 nights | Search for the Northern Lights | Departing 7 October 2022 >>
Hurtigruten, Ms Polarlys – 25 November 2022
The coast of Norway is one of the most stunning destinations to sail to, and the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights makes it even more exhilarating.
This 11-night trip takes you to the far north of the country on board this expedition ship. With a team of experts on board, you can learn more about this fascinating part of the world through a series of lectures, discovery and cultural enrichment.
11 nights | Classic Round Voyage | Departing 25 November 2022 >>
Fred. Olsen, Bolette – 21 December 2022
Are you always dreaming of a white Christmas? Make it happen this year on board Fred. Olsen’s Bolette, a smaller ship that will deliver that real homely feel as you celebrate the festive season away from home.
Aside from the snowy landscapes and picturesque ports, you will head up into the Arctic Circle to visit Hammerfest and Honningsvaag, known for being the northernmost city in mainland Norway.
13 Nights | White Christmas in Norway | Departing 21 December 2022 >>
Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Venus – 12 February 2023
This Northern Lights cruise from London gives you an alternative UK departure port. However, your journey will still take you to stunning ports right along the eastern coast of Norway, going as far north as the Arctic Circle where you’ll be in with a decent chance of seeing the lights.
Viking Venus is kitted out with Scandinavian style and simplicity, making it the perfect ship on which to explore this beguiling part of the world.
12 Nights | In Search of the Northern Lights | Departing 12 February 2023 >>
P&O Cruises, Aurora – 12 March 2023
This Northern Lights cruise from Southampton is onboard the adults-only Aurora. You’ll visit the small town of Alta, located well above the Arctic Circle and where you’ll most likely have your best chance of spotting the aurora borealis.
Other ports of call en route include Tomso and Stavanger, giving you plenty of opportunity to see more of Norway on this 12-night adventure.
12 nights | Norway, In Search of the Northern Lights | Departing 12 March 2023 >>
Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line – 23 March 2023
If it’s a Northern Lights cruise from Iceland that you’ve got your sights set on, this one will fit the bill. This slightly different itinerary from Ambassador Cruise Line will see you destined for the shores of Iceland, stopping off at the Orkney and Faroe Islands en route.
During this 11-night adventure, you will see the best of what the UK has to offer, and with an overnight stopover in Reykjavik, you can really get a feel of the destinations you’re visiting.
11 Nights | Iceland’s Land of the Northern Lights | Departing 23 March 2023 >>
Northern Light cruises for 7 -10 night would be great