Have you ever been near the Arctic Circle to enjoy the spectacular show of nature and its grand illuminations? Well, one of the best ways to do is to take the northern lights cruise Norway and enjoy one of the most memorable trips. Get ready for one of the truly out-of-the-ordinary experience and excursions. Travel towards the location from where you get the best chance to enjoy the display. You stay on the water to watch the spectacular Arctic show.
The Northern Lights
The weather phenomenon can be seen from anywhere around the northern hemisphere. Although present year-round, the Northern Lights are most remarkable from September to April when the sky is dark at night. Also referred to as the aurora borealis, the lights appear when solar wind particles interact with the Earth’s atmosphere. Aurora borealis means “dawn of the north,” Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn while Boreas is the Greek god of the north wind. The research on the Northern Lights began around the late 19th century. It is indeed worth going to watch those spectacular dynamic displays that attract a large number of visitors from across the world.
Northern Lights Cruises
Northern Lights Cruises will take you just to the right spots where the northern lights are the brightest and appear for the longest time. They sail mostly towards the northern coast of Norway and Iceland and Greenland. There are a number of small and large ship cruise companies that offer sails during prime months for viewing northern lights. Some of the most famous lines to pick from are Marco Polo Cruises, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Saga Cruises and Fred. Hurtigruten offers the largest selection of Arctic winter cruise dates and boasts of 11 midsized ships on more than thirty ports. Many cruise lines promote adventurous activities along with northern lights viewing.
Most of the Northern lights cruises advance from U.K. and Norway ports. They remain close to the Norwegian coast above the Arctic Circle while some others venture towards the Svalbard Archipelago. Norway dominates the cruise circuit and offers voyages stretching from five nights to 14 nights. Added pleasures include enjoying the variety of onshore activities as well as stunning contrasts of scenery. Fjord villages, industrial centers, and picturesque coastal towns make for the ports along the route.
Tips before you head for Northern Lights Cruise
Be prepared to be flexible as you are going to witness a natural phenomenon that has no set schedule. So, there are no guarantees that you will see the Northern Lights, regardless of when you sail. However, you can browse the NASA’s website to leaner about the solar storm activity and follow in-cabin announcements for any spotting of northern lights. Pack warm clothes including a warm coat, gloves, and hat. Carry winter boots and Sunglasses for active outdoor excursions. If shooting the northern lights, it is a good idea to carry a tripod or monopod to capture northern lights’ colors. After all, you should not spend your time fiddling with your camera and its settings what the northern lights appear.
