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Most Alaska cruise itineraries will voyage along The Inside Passage, which offers the chance to traverse piercing blue fjords, icy glaciers and snow-peaked mountains. Hubbard Glacier is another must-see on an Alaska cruise, as is the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Glacier Bay National Park. Plus there’s always the added possibility of spotting whales from your ship as you sail in Alaska too. In late fall, from September to November, the Northern Lights can be seen as the nights lengthen. The colder temperatures begin to set in, leading to clearer skies and better visibility.
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With the airport located just a short drive away, visitors can fly into Fairbanks and be at a world-class aurora-viewing venue in less than an hour. Bright moonlight can diminish the contrast of the aurora against the night sky, making them less vivid. However, the Northern Lights can still be enjoyed during a full moon, especially if the activity level is high. Many cruise ships are equipped to cater to passengers with mobility issues, offering accessible areas from which you can view the aurora. It’s essential to discuss any requirements with the cruise line ahead of booking. The aurora borealis is the Northern Lights, visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
Best Time Of The Year To Cruise Alaska
And in some ports, cruise guests may learn about and visit with some of Norway’s indigenous Sámi people who, under Norwegian law, are generally the only people in Norway who may own and herd reindeer. The old gold rush boomtown of Fairbanks is the undisputed capital of the northern lights hunt in Alaska. It's not the very best place for aurora viewing — it's just below the Arctic Circle — but auroras frequently occur here.
Best Time of Year
Guests enjoy unlimited access to a variety of meals throughout the day, including early-riser breakfasts, lunches, dinners with multiple entrée options, and snacks in between. The beverage selection is also unlimited, featuring fine wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails, ensuring guests can savor their favorite drinks or try something new without any additional charges. But as we’ve explored, the Northern Lights are but one facet of the allure these destinations offer.
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That said, even if you don’t see the Northern Lights during your cruise, there’s plenty to fall in love with in these exciting destinations, from incredible dog-sledding competitions to hiking along stunning fjords. If you see them (lucky duck), it’s a faux pas to wave, whistle, or call out—according to legend, that drives them away. Set sail on an Alaskan cruise and let the magic of the Northern Lights illuminate your journey, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. The Alaska Aurora season in Fairbanks runs from September through April when the Earth is perfectly tilted in relation to the sun so that both its magnetic field and the solar wind are in sync.
Like other natural occurrences, the Aurora Borealis come out to play when they feel like it. That said, being in the right place at the right time of year increases the odds. These onboard activities and amenities enhance the overall Northern Lights experience, making your Alaskan cruise a truly memorable journey.
By following these tips and being prepared, you can maximize your chances of having a truly unforgettable Northern Lights viewing experience in Alaska. So, pack your warm clothing, check the forecast, and get ready to be amazed by the dancing lights in the sky. One of the highlights of visiting Fairbanks for the Northern Lights is the opportunity to stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea
Although you may not be guaranteed a sighting, it’s important to note that anytime is a great time to take a cruise to Alaska. June 21, for instance, is known for the Midnight Sun, not to mention warmer days for offshore excursions and exploration, especially through Denali National Park as part of the Alaska Cruisetours package. 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. One of the best viewing locations is Fairbanks, Alaska, which is why this landmark is one of the central highlights of a Norwegian Cruise Line tour.
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Here, they update twice daily, and you can even sign up for forecast updates and alerts. The northern lights are best seen in Alaska between 65° N and 70° N latitude. Fairbanks is about 198 miles south of the Arctic Circle and enjoys sporadic northern lights.
If you do, make sure you have all-wheel or four-wheel drive and studded snow tires. The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders. Iceland, Greenland, and polar regions around the Northwest Passage promote some of their active, adventurous cruises around the equinoxes in September and March as northern lights viewing opportunities as well. Lines cruising in these regions include Hurtigruten, Silversea, Lindblad Expeditions, Viking Cruises, Quark Expeditions, Adventure Canada, and others.
The 10-Night Alaska Gold Rush Adventure Cruisetour (2A Northbound) will take you deep into the interior of Alaska, where you can explore Gold Rush history. Aurora Borealis, as it’s officially known, can only be seen above the magnetic pole of the Northern Hemisphere. Your chances of seeing them increase the farther north you are, which in turn makes Iceland an ideal place to try your luck at Northern Lights gazing. 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.
Can You See The Northern Lights From A Cruise Ship? The Best Cruises for Viewing the Northern Lights - Cruise Critic
Can You See The Northern Lights From A Cruise Ship? The Best Cruises for Viewing the Northern Lights.
Posted: Wed, 04 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. Next, we’ll explore the Alaska cruise routes that offer the best chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural wonder. 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.
One of the key considerations when selecting an Alaska cruise for Northern Lights viewing is the . Different cruises offer varying routes and destinations, so you’ll want to choose one that maximizes your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Look for itineraries that include ports of call in areas known for their clear skies and optimal viewing conditions, such as Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Anchorage. Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket list experience for many travelers. And cruise ships can get you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.
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