Five top cruises to book where you can spot the Northern Lights this year
IT is a bumper year for the aurora borealis with stunning displays already spotted across the UK skies this year.
It’s down to intense activity around the sun, which happens only every decade or so. And if you want to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon, now is the time.
A cruise through Norway gives you multiple chances to do just that.
From sailings through fjords to sparkling voyages around Iceland, Sophie Swietochowski shares her five top Northern Lights cruises.
1. CHRISTMAS ON THE COASTAL EXPRESS
THIS festive season you could be sailing the Norwegian fjords, marvelling at one of the world’s most magnificent spectacles.
Your surroundings will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit, as you admire the frosty mountain peaks and trudge through snow at the various ports of call.
When you are not gazing up at the mystical sky, this 11-night voyage calls at Svolvaer, where you can get lost among the incredible ice sculptures at the Magic Ice Lofoten gallery, which tells the story of the Lofoten fishermen and Vikings.
On board Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol, you will have access to three restaurants and outdoor decks with hot tubs, allowing you to soak up the sky views while relaxing in the bubbles.
The cruise costs from £1,626pp, based on two sharing an outside cabin, departing Bergen in Norway on December 18 and calling at Floro, Molde, Kristiansund, Rorvik, Bronnoysund, Svolvaer, Stokmarknes, Skjervoy, Oksfjord, Berlevag, Batsfjord, Mehamn, Tromso, Stamsund, Bodo, Alesund, Trondheim and Bergen. Flights cost extra. See iglucruise.com.
2. ICELAND, NORWAY AND BELGIUM
ON this bucket-list sailing, you will feel as if you have stepped into a fairytale when you reach the first port of call, Zeebrugge in Belgium.
Trippers can enjoy the world’s best chocolate and explore mythical castles.
But save room for the 11 restaurants and food trucks on board Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima, including a British-style pub and a Mexican restaurant.
There are game shows and dance performances, shops and a spa featuring a salt room and vitality pool.
The 11-day sailing, with inside cabin, costs from £1,403pp, departing Southampton on September 15 and calling at Zeebrugge and Amsterdam, as well as Bergen, Geiranger and Alesund in Norway, and Akureyri, Isafjordur and Reykjavik in Iceland.
See ncl.com.
3. SPOT THE AURORA ON BOARD AURORA
WHAT better ship to sail on to see the aurora borealis than P&O Cruises’ aptly named Aurora?
The adults-only ship is a floating haven with classy lounges serving fizz, live performances that will knock your socks off and restaurants dishing up a range of food including Indian and seafood.
The 12-night Norway cruise calls at the Alpine town of Andalsnes, which is the perfect place for a spot of market shopping, followed by Romsdalsfjord, known for its breathtaking scenery and deep blue fjords.
As well as the excitement going on in the skies, Ambassador’s Ambience has a multi-tiered theatre featuring star-studded shows
Sophie Swietochowski
Holidaymakers can get 12 nights on board from £1,099pp, based on two sharing an inside cabin and departing Southampton on December 9.
Ports of call include Tromso, Alta and Stavanger. See pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/R424/R424.
4. NORWAY’S LAND OF NORTHERN LIGHTS
NORWAY is one of the most popular cruising destinations for the aurora borealis as it is close to the Arctic Circle.
This two-week sailing on board Ambassador cruise line’s Ambience will take you through some pretty villages bordering the rugged coastline and north of the Arctic Circle.
As well as the excitement going on in the skies, Ambassador’s Ambience has a multi-tiered theatre featuring star-studded shows, along with a craft studio and a tranquil library.
The 14-night Norway’s Land of the Northern Lights cruise costs from £1,202pp, based on two people sharing an inside cabin.
The cruise leaves London Tilbury on November 1 and calls at Haugesund, Alesund, Trondheim, Alta, Leknes, Narvik, Bodo and Bergen. See ambassadorcruiseline.com.
5. NORWAY, ICELAND AND GREENLAND
NORWAY may be one of the more popular spots to catch a glimpse of the lights, but Iceland and Greenland are also renowned for their clear skies and dancing colours.
You get to tick off all three countries on this mega cruise – as well as the captivating Faroe Islands – but be quick as it sails soon.
On Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star, adults can escape to the new Spice H20, which offers cold cocktails delivered to sun-loungers by day and a dance area at night.
Qaqortoq in Greenland, home to some stunning fjords that would give the ones in Norway a run for their money.
Sophie Swietochowski
On top of that, there is a large spa for massages, and several restaurants including a Brazilian steakhouse and Teppanyaki.
The ship departs from the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, sailing straight for Qaqortoq in Greenland, home to some stunning fjords that would give the ones in Norway a run for their money.
Other ports of call include Nanortalik in Greenland, Isafjordur, Akureyri and Djupivogur in Iceland, Torshavn in the Faroe Islands and Olden, Bergen, Ulvik, Kristiansand and Oslo in Norway.
The 14-night sailing costs from £1,209pp, departing on September 1 and including flights from Heathrow.
See cruise.co.uk.