Alaska is a seasonal cruise destination, with major cruise ships passing through the state between early may and late september. Caused by supercharged solar particles colliding with the earths atmosphere, these ethereal streamers of green, white, purple, blue and even red light draw awestruck travelers from all over the world. Aurora was the roman goddess of the dawn, and borealis is derived from the greek name for the north wind, boreas. Now that you know when and where to go to see the northern lights, you can start preparing to enjoy the incredible experience. Combine your aurora viewing trip with other winter highlights planned out by salmon berry tours. Where is the best place to see the northern lights. Look forward to a 3daycruise with shore excursions and interesting lectures, before an exciting bus tour along the northwest coast and back to reykjavik follows. The best time to visit alaska with a cruise royal caribbean. That is why, if youre booking a cruise based on the best time to see the northern lights in alaska, we advise you to do so in may or september. The multiday trips include northern lights viewing, hot springs, dog sledding, and local museums. The northern lights are brilliant colors that flash across the dark night sky, invoking a sense of wonderment in any spectator who has ever seen them.
Celebrity cruises offers celebrity explorations vacation packages which let you get an indepth look at. Alaska northern lights was established in 1993, is a light therapy box online sales company, for the treatment of seasonal and nonseasonal depression, sleep disorders and bipolar disorder. Other places to see the lights are iceland, sweden, finland or canada and alaska. The northern lights are also known as the aurora borealis, a name given to them by scientist and astronomer, galileo. The northern lights can be seen to some extent anywhere above 60 degrees north latitude. Aurora borealis is the kind of scientific phenomenon that most people seem to either know everything about or nothing at all.
If youre more interested in the alaska northern lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder. The aurora borealis is formed by solar plasma and winds, creating a uniquely shifting light show illuminating the sky. Our northern lights cruises travel north along norways dramatic coastline and cut deep into the fjords and to the fringes of the arctic circle in search of the. Cruising far north in norways winter, witness snowdusted landscapes, cities hushed in slumber and the luminous aurora borealis dancing in the sky. Join us for stories, songs and open skies with the first ever northern lights, an alaskan cruise. The best time to see the northern lights on an alaska. Voyage through the untamed beauty of the last frontier from the comfort of our worldclass ships, exclusive rail service and princess wilderness lodges near national parks. Nov, 2017 combine that with a higher chance of clear skies in alaska during spring, and march at an inland location is the best time and place to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights from alaska. Then, a flying tour takes you north of the arctic circle to the rustic coldfoot camp to watch for the majestic northern lights. If seeing the northern lights is at the top of your bucket list, an arctic circle cruise is one of the most enjoyable ways to tick off this spectacular natural attraction.
Such tours include norwegian cruise lines 11day fairbanks denali express, celebrity cruises alaska gold rush adventure and holland americas yukon and denali land and sea journeys. I am wondering if anyone here knows if this is a cruise that is offered each year. Marvel over the magical aurora borealis from the sea, with this northern lights cruise from reykjavik. The best time to see the northern lights on an alaska cruise. The best time to take an alaskan cruise carnival cruise line. Northern lights tours in alaska 2020 travel recommendations. This tour begins at reykjaviks old harbour, where your vessel is waiting. Sail 500 miles deeper into the gulf of alaska and prince william sound on our toprated voyage of the glaciers alaska cruise.
You can book specialised northern lights holidays to alaska, norway, iceland, canada, finland and sweden or if you happen to be visiting at the right time of year, you can book a northern lights tour while you are there. Aug 16, 20 this video composed of still images and timelapse gives a nice picture of the good fortune we have living in fairbanks, alaska where we see the northern lights consistently throughout the dark season. If youve dreamed of seeing the glowing colors of the aurora borealis light up the night sky, and lets face it, who hasnt, you are probably wondering where is the best place to see the northern lights. This video composed of still images and timelapse gives a nice picture of the good fortune we have living in fairbanks, alaska where we see. Northern lights find your perfect cruise destination in. This tour should not be missed by those seeking a unique way to enjoy icelands most renowned natural phenomenon.
Its a remote and wild place that will wow you with panoramic views of the landscape and glimpses of the people and animals who call the 49th state home. This makes april through september the best time to cruise to alaska to see the northern lights, especially near the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, when activity peaks. At 65 degrees, fairbanks is within the socalled aurora oval, the area where northern lights occur most often and are brightest. You will be transferred 30 45 minutes from your hotel to a prime aurora viewing destination away from the city lights. I live in maryland close to dc for easy pickup but cou. Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, dancing overhead. This 3night northern lights viewing package includes two opportunities for aurora viewing and a guided tour of fairbanks main attractions. Although alaska enjoys a high volume of aurora activity, its cruises are not often mentioned as northern lights cruises. Its considered one of the best places in the state to see the aurora, especially if you venture away from the city lights. Such holidays and tours use knowledgeable local guides who take you to locations where the skies are clear and free from. Your guide to seeing the northern lights in alaska smithsonian. Cruise in search of the northern lights experience an arctic land where dawn and twilight merge. This fairbanks day tour offers the perfect northern lights viewing opportunity as well as the chance to be personal dinner guests at an alaska yurt. Northern lights tours in alaska best aurora viewing vacations.
Barely used any of the coupons and there are so many id love for someone else to use them if you are planning to go anytime before the end of the year. During the alaska cruise season, its rarely dark enough for the. Fairbanks northern lights viewing package alaska tours. From glacier gazing and wildlife watching to catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights, youll find plenty of ways to fill your days with aweinspiring thrills. From late august to midapril, travellers from all over the world search for the northern lights. Theres nothing quite like the thrill of seeing the northern lights, colorful bands of light that dance in the dark night sky. Dec 12, 2019 i want to book a cruise to see the northern lights in october of 2022. Northern lights cruise from reykjavik guide to iceland.
Although auroras have been seen all over alaska, we recommend fairbanks as the best place to use as a home base. Get to know the island of fire and ice in autumn on this special journey that gives the opportunity to witness northern lights and different species of whales. No two days will be the same, and youll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. I cant find any other cruise line that sails this type, except viking. Tours range from single day trips to 6 or 7day itineraries, beginning in anchorage or fairbanks.
This aurora viewing program is great for visitors with limited time and works. Our alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the great lands glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Located in the region known as the aurora oval, the area around the city away from the city lights usually has clear skies, has had the most consistent sightings in the state, and offers a number of northern lights tours. Spend seven days traveling from anchorage whittier to vancouver, b. Explore the stunning views and aweinspiring wildlife of alaskan region while enjoying the spacious accommodations and fine cuisine on cruises to alaska. The northern lights, a must see on any alaskan cruise, can be elusive. If you enjoy watching snowy weather from inside a cabin, or love to layer up in warm winter clothes and explore beautiful trails and terrains, a trip to alaska to see the northern lights should be on your radar as a future vacation destination.
This will truly be the ultimate songwriters showcase as we hear songs from their original writers while enjoying the most beautiful setting, alaska. I want to book a cruise to see the northern lights in october of 2022. Fairbanks is alaskas second largest city and a hub for winter activity. As well as catching a glimpse of the dancing lights, many understandably also wish to capture the moment on camera.
If youre planning an alaskan cruise with hopes of seeing the northern lights, theres one key way to maximize your chances. The northern lights cruises usually take six to nine days and the experience is usually exhilarating. Travel alaska things to do come see the northern lights. Northern lights and whales cruise 1 2020 itinerary. Given the right conditions and viewing locale, these dancing bars of light might shimmer right over head, ranging from subtle green columns to vast red curtains that fill the entire sky. The best time to see the northern lights on an alaska cruise share.
Plan your northern lights alaska cruise now to catch the stunning display in its full glory. Northern lights cruise in 2022 princess cruises cruise. May 05, 2016 vacations to the northern lights in alaska. Combine that with a higher chance of clear skies in alaska during spring, and march at an inland location is the best time and place to maximize your. If seeing the northern lights is a greater priority for you than taking a traditional summer cruise to alaska, look into riding on the alaska state ferry. In addition, north west canada and alaska are large cruise regions that are also well known for aurora borealis viewing. But like many of the worlds most incredible destinations, figuring out the best time to visit alaska depends a lot on which experiences interest you. Travel tips for seeing the northern lights in alaska avoya. The best time to see the northern lights on an alaska cruise by carnival cruise line from mendenhall glacier to denali national park, alaska is a land of natural wonders. The aurora borealis can dominate the sky over alaska with dazzling, magical displays unsurpassed anywhere in the world. I have a northern lights coupon book good until the end of 2018 for anyone who wants it. Northern lights coupon book for free alaska cruise critic. Out at sea, away from light pollution on the land, offers a perfect vantage point and there are a number of cruises that sail around norway offering northern lights cruises. Taking a cruise to see the northern lights is a truly magical experience, and one that is high on many peoples bucket lists.
Northern lights experience fairbanks, alaska youtube. Alaska cruises to see the northern lights usa today. Over the last few years, iceland has become the most popular choice to see the aurora borealis and we can understand why. Learn more about the best times to see the northern lights, and what cruise options you may have that fit the same time frame. The trip starts with the history and culture of fairbanks and the stunning fall colors in the backcountry of denali national park.
Northern lights holidays book cheap last minute travel deals. The aurora can only appear when the sky is dark, so book a cruise as early or as late in the season as possible when there are more hours of. Im thinking a cruise ship would be the easiest option for our family. Northern lights coupon book alaska forum tripadvisor. The northern lights appear to those on the ground in different forms. Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is staying in a luxury resort spa in a major city, taking in the spectacular scenery with our denali tours, or hiking in the wild backcountry, our alaska travel experts can help you plan and customize the perfect alaskan holiday. There are many cruise ships from norway and alaska and therefore transport is available and affordable. Icelandic cruises often depart from reykjavik icelands capital is ideally located for admiring the northern lights, but the surrounding rural areas offer better northern lights viewing because of the absence of urban glow. I just called them in search of the latest issue as well, and they said unfortunately the publishers have decided to retire and no one has picked up making them.
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