Witnessing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's all about timing as well as choosing the right destination.
There are plenty of great countries for seeing the Aurora Borealis, but there's never a guarantee you'll see the phenomenon. Cruise holidays can help to tip the odds in your favour as you'll visit multiple Arctic Circle hotspots, not to mention there are dedicated Aurora sailings.
While there's still no guarantee you'll see the lights, these sailings take place between November through to March, which is peak Aurora season.
Due to the pandemic, a number of cruise lines aren't operating dedicated Northern Lights sailings this year, but there are a small number which have planned some Aurora focused itineraries.
We've searched out the best Northern Lights cruises for 2021/2022 and even 2022/2023 - check out our top picks below.
1. Fred. Olsen's In Search of the Northern Lights
The cruise line's Balmoral ship will sail on eight and nine-night itineraries around Norway's best Aurora viewing spots including Ålesund, Tromsø, Narvik, Bordø.
There will be dedicated Aurora excursions, but even if you don't see the lights you'll be treated to spellbinding views of the Norwegian Fjords, as well as getting the chance to have heaps of adventyres from husky-sled rides to Arctic wildlife viewing.
How much? Prices start from £1,099pp based on March 2022 departures. Book here.
2. Hurtigruten's 100% Aurora Guarantee cruises
Hurtigruten runs a 100% Aurora Guarantee - if you don't see the Northern Lights during your trip, you get another voyage for FREE. The guarantee is applied for sailings from October 1 through to March 31.
The cruise line offers some once-in-a-lifetime expedition sailings around the Norwegian Fjords, complete with bucket list experiences such as whale watching, snow hikes, and of course Aurora safaris.
How much? Prices from £2,659pp for 11 nights, based on two people sharing an inside cabin. Varying departure dates. Book here.
3. Cunard's Northern Europe sailings
Cunard is offering a number of dreamy European itineraries this winter onboard Queen Mary 2, most of which include a two-night stay in Norway's Tromsø, hailed as one of the world's best spots for seeing the Northern Lights.
Other notable spots include Alesund, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, all of which also boast impressive Aurora credentials.
The cruise line has also recently announced a series of new itineraries on Queen Elizabeth between February and May 2022 departing from Southampton which will include a voyage in search of the Northern Lights.
How much? Prices start from £1,299pp for 12-night itineraries. Book here.
4. Viking Cruises' In Search of the Northern Lights
Explore Arctic Circle highlights in Norway including Stavanger, Bodo, Tromso and Alta, all of which are renowned for offering some of the best chances of seeing the Aurora.
Discovering the sweeping landscapes that make Norway such an enchanting winter destination - and enjoy a host of guided tours and two excursions to make the most of your adventure.
How much? Prices from £3,690pp for 12 nights, based on two people sharing a cabin. Book here.
- Travel rules and restrictions apply during the pandemic. Always check the latest Foreign Office advice for a destination before booking a trip as this will include any details regarding a country's own entry rules for Brits, as well as other useful information. At the time of writing the Foreign Office allows for cruise ship travel, but restrictions in different countries may apply.
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