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Finally, let’s conclude our exploration of Alaskan cruises with Northern Lights viewing. In the next section, we’ll provide you with some valuable tips to increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during your Alaskan cruise. The most common colors of the Northern Lights are green and yellow, which are caused by collisions with oxygen molecules at lower altitudes.
DAY 6 Winter Sports & Tours
(You won’t see them during the summer months because of Alaska’s midnight sun.) Plan to look for the spectacular, multi-colored lights from 11 p.m. To 2 a.m., when the sky is at its darkest and the auroras are the most active. (Although some sailings operate in reverse.) The Norwegian fjords themselves are a sight to behold — and if they're paired with the northern lights, that's all the better! The sailings run from January to March when daylight is limited in the Arctic Circle, making for prime aurora opportunities. Rates start from $4,999 per person in 2023, and it should be noted that Viking is an adults-only cruise line. For many travelers, catching a glimpse of the spectacular aurora borealis is the dream of a lifetime.
Easy Travel from the Lower 48
Whether or not you’re lucky enough to witness the aurora borealis, your adventure to the Great Land will be just as enlightening and colorful as Alaska’s iconic skies. An Alaskan cruise with the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights is an extraordinary adventure that combines the rugged beauty of Alaska’s wilderness with the ethereal display of the Aurora Borealis. By choosing the right time of year, monitoring solar activity, and selecting an optimal cruise route, you can maximize your chances of experiencing this magical natural phenomenon. During the winter season, Alaska experiences long nights and relatively clear skies, creating optimal conditions for Northern Lights sightings. The absence of daylight allows for darker skies, making it easier to spot the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis. The months of December to March are especially popular for viewing the Northern Lights, as the nights are longer, increasing your chances of witnessing this celestial spectacle.
Northern Lights & Winter Sports
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. You’ll also have the chance to take advantage of the camps many winter activities like dogsledding, snowmachining, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. The city has a variety of aurora-viewing venues, from a number of scenic drives and parks to cozy cabins and lodges.
Day Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Hubbard Glacier, Skagway & Juneau
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Its popularity among northern lights seekers has a lot to do with its accessibility. Good vantage points in the vicinity include Cleary Summit, about 20 miles from Fairbanks, which is easy to get to and offers parking and a solid view of the horizon. 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.
These cruises offer the benefits of a wider range of itineraries, shore excursions, departure dates, and availability and take you to all of the must-see stops along the way. They feature a wide range of amenities including multiple dining options, on-board entertainment, fitness centers, pools, different room types to choose from, and plenty of room to spread out and explore. The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. Southeast Alaska's February and March feature 10 hours of daylight and average temperatures in the 30's F. Perfect for days of snow adventure and nights under the stars and, if we are lucky, the Northern Lights.
Fairbanks
The course begins in Seattle and leads through the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, and up to Anchorage. Then, you’ll travel over to Kodiak Island, out to the far stretches of the Aleutian Islands to Dutch Harbor, and around to Nome, and through the Arctic Circle. Some cruise lines offer pre or post-cruise fly-in opportunities to remote areas of Alaska, like leaving from Fairbanks to the visit the Arctic Circle.
Here’s all you need to know to pick the best time to see northern lights in Alaska. 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.
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. Research the best times to visit each port and consult with experts to ensure you make the most of your journey. Understanding the science behind the Northern Lights and the ideal viewing conditions will help you plan your trip accordingly.
Because it’s a scientific phenomenon beyond the comprehension of modern science, you can only truly predict occurrences of the Northern Lights roughly two hours before they happen. Aurora Borealis is more likely to be seen between September and March. Darkness is essential if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights during your travels.
On Celebrity, cruises to Alaska and Iceland just might yield sightings of Aurora Borealis. 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 the Northern Lights in Alaska (lucky duck), it’s a faux pas to wave, whistle, or call out—according to legend, that drives them away. The Borealis is composed of solar particles shooting into the magnetic field of the earth and appear more than 60 miles above the earth’s surface. Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) are magical bands of neon green light that spontaneously burst and dance in the sky. Specifically, it occurs within the Northern Lights zone (at latitudes 65 to 72 degrees).
While the Northern Lights are a year-round phenomenon, not all times are ideal for viewing. On cruisetours like these, you’ll traverse to towns like Seward, Anchorage, Denali, and tiny Talkeetna. Of course, sightings of the Northern Lights on your cruisetour depend entirely on natural circumstances, relying on weather, darkness, and a bit of magic. The sky may be nature’s theater, but there’s no set time for this show.
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