Introduction
One of the natural wonders in the world is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This amazing sight can be seen especially in places around the Arctic Circle. The best way to see the Northern Lights is on a cruise. There are many cruise lines available that offer Northern Lights tours, but the question “Which cruise line is best for Northern Lights” is very important. In this article, we will compare some of the best cruise lines, explain their pros and cons, and provide information about the best times.
Best Cruise Line for the Northern Lights
1. Hurtigruten
image credits: hurtigruten.com
Hurtigruten Features
Hurtigruten is a famous Norwegian cruise line that is considered ideal for experiencing the Northern Lights. This cruise line offers a historical journey along the coast of Norway as well as the experience of seeing the Northern Lights.
Advantages:
- Hurtigruten’s route passes very close to the Arctic Circle, greatly increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
- Hurtigruten also has a ‘Northern Lights Promise’ option, which means if you can’t see the Northern Lights during your trip, you’ll be offered a free trip.
- Smaller ships and fewer crowds, make the trip even more personal and customizable.
Disadvantages:
- On some trips, the lights may not be visible due to the weather.
- May lack luxury amenities that are available on other cruise lines.
Best time to visit:
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September to March, especially the months of November to January.
2. P&O Cruises
image credits: pocruises.com
Features of P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises is a British cruise line that offers a mix of adventure and relaxation along with the Northern Lights experience. Its route passes through the coastline of Norway and offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights.
Advantages:
- Comfort and luxury amenities, such as fine dining and entertainment.
- A chance to experience the Northern Lights as well as see Norway’s beautiful fjords and landscapes.
Disadvantages:
- Some trips can be quite expensive.
- The Northern Lights experience can be less personal due to crowds and larger ships.
Best time to visit:
The best months to see the Northern Lights are March and October, but you can also see the lights in December and January.
3. Viking Cruises
image credits: vikingcruises.com
Features of Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises offers cultural and historical experiences on trips to Northern Europe. Its route passes through some of the best parts of Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
Advantages:
- A unique experience of the Northern Lights as well as local culture and history.
- Less crowded and a more private experience due to smaller ships.
Disadvantages:
- Some tours are for senior travelers only, making them not suitable for travelers of all ages.
- This can be expensive compared to other cruise lines.
Best time to visit:
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between November and March, but January and February are considered the best.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
image credits: ncl.com
Features of Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a comfortable and luxurious trip along with the experience of the Northern Lights. Its route passes very close to the Arctic Circle, increasing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Advantages:
- Large and comfortable ships offer a luxury experience to passengers.
- Besides the Northern Lights, there are other adventure activities available as well.
Disadvantages:
- Being a larger ship, some passengers may not feel the Northern Lights experience is as personal.
- On some trips, the feeling of peace may be less due to the large number of tourists.
Best time to visit:
The ideal time to see the Northern Lights is between September and March, especially the months of October and February.
5. MSC Cruises
image credits: msccruisesusa.com
Features of MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers family-friendly activities along with the Northern Lights experience. This cruise line is ideal for kids and families and makes the Northern Lights experience even more memorable.
Advantages:
- Many recreational activities for kids and families.
- Other adventure and cultural experiences besides the Northern Lights.
Disadvantages:
- Families may make the trip feel more crowded to some travelers.
- There may be a lack of luxury amenities.
Best time to visit:
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between November to March, especially the months of December and January.
Best time and month to see the Northern Lights
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and March. During this time, the places around the Arctic Circle have a polar night, which makes the chances of seeing the Northern Lights the highest. But you should note that the best chance is between November and January because the sky is clear and dark during these months. The months of October and March are also good, but the weather can be a bit uncertain during these months, so one should be careful while choosing these months.
Which month to avoid?
The months from May to August are not ideal for viewing the Northern Lights, as it is a polar day with almost no darkness. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to experience the Northern Lights during these months.
Conclusion
If you dream of experiencing the Northern Lights, Hurtigruten and Viking Cruises are the best options. However, each cruise line has its features and pros and cons. Therefore, you must choose the right cruise line according to your preferences and budget. Choosing the right time to travel also plays an important role in the experience of seeing the Northern Lights.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and March, especially between November and January.
2. Which cruise line is best for the Northern Lights?
Hurtigruten and Viking Cruises are considered the best options for the Northern Lights.
3. Can the Northern Lights be seen on all cruise trips?
The chances of seeing the Northern Lights depend on the season and location, but cruise lines such as Hurtigruten offer a free trip under the ‘Northern Lights Promise’ if you can’t see the lights.
