Want to See the Northern Lights on a Cruise? These Cruise Lines Have the Perfect Itinerary

by  Lauren Dana Ellman and Kim MacKinnon | Updated on Feb 20, 2025

Seeing the northern lights in person tops many travelers' wish lists, and although viewings aren't something that can be scheduled, a cruise to the right place at the optimal time of year can boost your chances. Without question, north of the Arctic Circle is the best place to witness the northern lights, especially between September and March. Only a few cruise lines offer specific trips to chase the sometimes elusive lights; but even if you don't spot them, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for terrific winter excursions, from snowmobiling to dog-sledding and even spending the night in a snow hotel. Here are eight cruise lines that offer excellent odds to catch one of Mother Nature’s most magical displays.

Aurora Borealis over Norway / iStock.com / Kolbjorn H. Larssen

Hurtigruten excursion in Lapland
Photo: Hurtigruten excursion in Lapland / Hurtigruten / Yrjan Bertelsen

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is a daily passenger and freight shipping service that runs year-round along Norway’s western and northern coast between Bergen and Kirkenes. The cruise line's Northern Lights itineraries focus on helping passengers find, photograph, and learn more about this natural phenomenon. Excursions such as a husky dog sled adventure or a nighttime snowmobile trip offer good opportunities to see the aurora borealis, but so does just standing on deck in the dark, late at night. It's also worth noting that Hurtigruten offers a "Northern Lights Promise" on select voyages of 11 days or longer. Per the website, if you cannot see the northern lights from your ship during one of these sailings, the cruise line will offer you a free 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Coastal Express Classic Voyage.


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