The ethereal Northern Lights are one of travel’s holy grails. Although they make occasional appearances here in the UK, nothing beats venturing off to seek them in properly frosty climes. The key to successful sightings is going as far north as you can to the aurora oval and finding the clearest, darkest skies possible.
This invisible belt wraps around the Earth’s magnetic poles at higher and lower latitudes, and in the northern hemisphere, the core of the oval covers latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Canada. While it’s possible to see this magical light show as soon as the long, dark nights return in August, the best chance of catching them is typically between November and March.
It’s why cruising is so well-suited to experiencing the Northern Lights. A ship can easily sail way beyond any land-based light pollution and head up into the Arctic Circle, where your chances will be greatest.
Better still, being out at sea provides unobstructed views from observation decks, or you might prefer to watch the celestial show from a glass-roofed lounge or the privacy of your cabin’s terrace. Either way, there’s arguably no better way to chase the aurora borealis.
Find by cruise type:
Best for a classic Norwegian experience
The Coastal Express – Northern Lights
Hurtigruten
Key stops: Trondheim, Ålesund, Tromsø, Kirkenes and the North Cape (Norway)
Departure port: Bergen (Norway)
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: MS Kong Harald
When it comes to Northern Lights cruises, you won’t find anything more authentically Norwegian than Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express voyage. The line (whose name means “the fast route”) operates a round-trip coastal shipping service between southern Bergen and northern Kirkenes, with the whole trip taking 12 days. By carrying cargo and ferrying locals, it’s a lifeline for remote communities, but the appeal for holidaymakers lies in its excellent-value cruise packages.
The trip takes you via fjords and the Arctic Circle to a total of 34 ports. Depending on your departure date, you’ll be on one of two ships, MS Kong Harald or MS Nordlys, both of which offer a panoramic lounge, three restaurants and a sauna.
And the best part? Every trip from late September to late March comes with the peace of mind of a Northern Lights Promise, whereby passengers receive a complimentary six or seven-day sailing should the lights fail to shine during the 12-day voyage.
Insider tip
Excursions cost extra but deepen the experience. Don’t miss the thrill of sledging with a team of hardy dogs in Saltstraumen or Tromsø.
How to do it
An 11-night The Coastal Express – Northern Lights voyage departing December 2, 2026, costs from £2,537pp for a double Arctic Superior cabin. Includes flights (from London Stansted, Manchester or Newcastle), transfers, Wi-Fi and full-board dining. Excludes excursions and drinks packages.
Best for eco-conscious travellers
12-day Round Voyage
Havila Voyages
Key stops: Ålesund, Tromsø, the North Cape, Kirkenes, Trondheim, Lofoten Islands, Kristiansund and Molde (Norway)
Departure port: Bergen (Norway)
Duration: 11 nights
Ship: MS Havila Capella
Much like Hurtigruten, Norwegian-owned Havila Voyages sails 11-night round-trip itineraries from Bergen to Kirkenes, serving the same 34 communities. The difference is that Havila’s four ships (which ply the route in rotation) are newer, with larger cabins and a more modern design.
The line’s sustainability credentials are top-notch, too. Thanks to biogas and batteries, ships have the capacity to sail entirely emissions-free, which lightens their footprint and makes for much quieter travelling.
Foodies will enjoy Havila Capella’s Norwegian cuisine. Menus change as the voyage progresses, reflecting local dishes and ingredients (another sustainability plus-point that minimises food miles). Guests can even forage for themselves on a king-crab-fishing excursion.
Other off-ship activities (all of which incur extra cost) might include city tours, a whale safari, kayaking, dog sledge or snowmobiling. And such is Havila’s confidence in their aurora-hunting prowess, a Northern Lights Promise (equal to Hurtigruten’s) comes into play if you miss them.
Insider tip
If you definitely don’t want to miss the aurora, press the Northern Lights button (present in all cabins) at bedtime to ensure you’ll be woken should the phenomenon appear.
How to do it
An 11-night Round Voyage departing February 5, 2027, costs from £1,103pp for an inside cabin. Includes all meals, Wi-Fi and on-board activities. Excludes flights and excursions.
Best for an Arctic expedition
Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights
HX Expeditions
Key stops: Lyngen, Senja, Lofoten Islands and Vesterålen (Norway)
Departure port: Tromsø (Norway)
Duration: Seven nights
Ship: MS Spitsbergen
The whole point of an expedition cruise is to go beyond the expected. HX Expeditions delivers on that promise with the exclusive cultural experiences on this itinerary. The standout port of call is Tranøya, just off larger Senja. It’s an authentic island community that no other cruise line is able to visit. As well as storytelling sessions, passengers can enjoy Arctic pursuits here, such as snowshoeing and scenic hikes, before settling down beside a bonfire to wait for the Northern Lights.
Such out-of-the-way locations can only be reached thanks to MS Spitsbergen’s manoeuvrability. The 150-guest ship combines expedition capability with Scandinavian comforts and is well equipped to cruise this region in style.
Other highlights of the itinerary include the option of taking a polar plunge, warming up before and afterwards in a floating sauna. Less daring (but just as special) is a private dinner in a maritime museum.
Insider tip
Book a cabin on the upper decks with outward-facing windows: ideal for spontaneous Northern Lights viewing without leaving home comforts.
How to do it
A seven-night Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition under the Northern Lights departing January 9, 2027, costs from £3,714pp for a Polar Inside cabin. Includes meals, drinks, excursions, activities, Wi-Fi and tips. Excludes flights.
Best for wildlife
Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights
AE Expeditions
Key stops: Westfjords and Isafjordur (Iceland), Jan Mayen, Svalbard and Tromsø (Norway)
Departure port: Reykjavik (Iceland)
Duration: 16 nights
Ship: Sylvia Earle
In truth, the aurora is active year-round, but it’s hard to appreciate in high summer: there’s simply too much daylight to discern the dancing lights.
That said, darker nights return from late August, especially in the extreme north, where there’s a greater chance of celestial success. By heading up to Svalbard, well within the Arctic Circle, this AE Expeditions cruise maximises your luck. For good measure, the itinerary also takes in the Tromsø Science Centre for an immersive interaction with the science behind the lights.
While travelling in the autumn risks not seeing the lights themselves, this cruise is packed with additional wonders that you more than likely won’t mind. The compromise is better weather and more abundant wildlife, from dolphins, whales and walruses to polar bears and puffins.
Equipped with observation decks and expedition equipment, 130-passenger Sylvia Earle was designed for discovery; this is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Insider tip
If you don’t have a balcony cabin, your best bet for cosy Aurora viewing is the Glass Atrium Lounge at the ship’s bow, which offers unobstructed views of the sky.
How to do it
A 16-night Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights cruise departing August 18, 2026, costs from £10,852pp for a superior cabin. Includes full board (with house wine and beer at dinner), all shore excursions and an overnight stay in Reykjavik pre-cruise. Excludes flights.
Best for families
Alaska: Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka & Victoria
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Key stops: Sitka, Juneau, Dawes Glacier and Ketchikan (Alaska, The US), Victoria (Canada)
Departure port: Seattle, Washington (The US)
Duration: Seven nights
Ship: Norwegian Bliss
Atlantic nations are not the only gateway to the Northern Lights. On North America’s Pacific coast, there’s also a chance of catching this natural phenomenon on an Alaska cruise. Most lines sail the region in summer when there’s better weather and round-the-clock daylight, but this late-season departure with Norwegian Cruise Line offers adequate dark-sky action.
Sailing round-trip from Seattle, Norwegian Bliss ticks off the Alaska essentials – whale watching, blue-ice glaciers, gold-rush towns, incredible scenery – along with the chance of a heavenly light show once the sun goes down.
And if it’s cloudy? Don’t worry: there’s plenty going on aboard the ship to ensure that everyone is entertained, even if the lights don’t show. Kids will enjoy riding the Bliss Speedway racetrack, grown-ups can check into Mandara Spa for hot-stone massages, and everyone will appreciate Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” approach that prioritises flexibility in place of unwelcome formality and rigid dining schedules.
Insider tip
Not travelling with kids? Escape to Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only oasis at the top of the ship (both day and cruise-duration passes are available).
How to do it
A seven-night Alaska: Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka & Victoria sailing departing October 2, 2027, costs from £928pp for an inside cabin. Includes drinks, excursion discounts, Wi-Fi and speciality dining (as part of the Free At Sea upgrade). Excludes flights.
Best no-fly cruise
Norway’s Land of the Northern Lights
Ambassador Cruise Line
Key stops: Haugesund, Molde, Trondheim, Tromsø, Alta, Harstad, Narvik and Åndalsnes (Norway)
Departure port: London Tilbury (the UK)
Duration: 17 nights
Ship: Ambience
Although a North Sea crossing can get pretty choppy in winter, there’s no denying the convenience of sailing round-trip directly from Britain. This itinerary from budget-friendly Ambassador Cruise Line departs from the River Thames and visits the Norwegian coastal towns of Haugesund, Molde and Trondheim before crossing into the Arctic Circle for the mountain-ringed city of Tromsø.
The likelihood of spotting the aurora is strongest both here and in the next stop, Alta, where the ship spends an overnight in port to double your chances. On the way back south, Ambience (the line’s 1,400-passenger flagship) stops at Narvik for the opportunity to ski.
With several sea days on the return leg, there’s ample time to relax on the ship and enjoy Ambassador’s promise of “the warmest welcome at sea”. Then sail back up the Thames and disembark in Essex without once having to deal with the stress of negotiating an airport.
Insider tip
Husky sledging and other essential shore excursions are always popular, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee your place.
How to do it
A 17-night Norway’s Land of the Northern Lights cruise departing March 1, 2027, costs from £1,719pp for an ocean view cabin. Includes all meals, spa access and events such as the Captain’s Gala Dinner. Excludes Wi-Fi.
About our expert
James Litston
James is a freelance travel writer from the UK. His special interest in wildlife, adventure and expedition cruises has taken him all over the world, from Australia to South Africa, Northern Europe to the Mediterranean.