The Northern Lights in Alaska: How to See Them in 2024

Table Of Content

• Grand Princess, Alaska Glacier Bay cruise from Vancouver, September 18, 2024
• Royal Caribbean, Alaska Glacier Cruise from Seattle, September 16, 2024
• of the Best Northern Lights Cruises
• The Complete Guide to Alaska Glacier Viewing
• Disney Wonder, Alaska Cruise from Vancouver, September 16, 2024
• Weekly Alaska Cruises May to September

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder. Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

Grand Princess, Alaska Glacier Bay cruise from Vancouver, September 18, 2024

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska. Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective. Our Alaska cruise departure ports have big personalities and loads of attractions.

Royal Caribbean, Alaska Glacier Cruise from Seattle, September 16, 2024

At 19 to 22 days long, depending on the departure, there is plenty of time to hope for a northern lights appearance — or two, or three, or more. The longer itinerary continues with a visit to the Faroe Islands and disembarkation in Bergen, Norway. (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. Seattle is a popular embarkation location for both one-way as well as round-trip cruises to Alaska in March 2024.

of the Best Northern Lights Cruises

Why bother, you might ask if the northern lights are now regularly visible at lower latitudes. After all, there have been recent sightings as far south as Greece and Arizona. Cruise on the Wilderness Explorer expedition vessel through Misty Fjords, a waterway that ancient glaciers carved out of the rugged landscape. We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Darkness is essential if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights during your travels. Cruisetours like the 13-Night Great Frontier Expedition (8A Northbound) and the 13-Night Grand Heartland Adventure (7A Northbound) show Alaska’s many majestic sides. Board a glass-domed rail car, called the Wilderness Express, to Fairbanks, and soak up picturesque views every step of the way. Alaska cruisetours are the ideal way to explore the state’s stunning interior and extend your Alaska cruise vacation.

It’s never a guarantee but following expert predictions and being prepared can enhance your chances. The prime season for Northern Lights viewing in Alaska is between late September and early April. The dance of colors in the sky isn’t just a natural phenomenon; it’s a testament to the universe’s beauty and wonder. Setting sail to witness Alaska’s Northern Lights is thrilling, but ensuring you’re well-equipped can make your experience comfortable and memorable. Embarking on a Northern Lights cruise in Alaska is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and resources. Making an informed decision ensures you get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024 - Forbes

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024.

Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

After your stay in Denali, you’ll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage. If you’d like more options, there’s no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you’d like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display. Viewing the Alaska northern lights takes the right timing, the right location and the right conditions.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas. Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky.

Seattle, Washington

An unobstructed view is a rarity, but that’s what makes it all the more special if you do have a chance to see this phenomenon. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise. With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve.

Anchorage also witnesses tantalizing displays, just not as frequently as Fairbanks and Denali as it’s farther south. If you’re in Anchorage and the conditions are ideal, head to a higher elevation. Glen Alps, Point Woronzof, and the Knit River Valley offer decent vantage points—some face north with no pesky mountain peaks in the way. It consistently tops the list of places in Alaska and the world to catch the dazzling display and it’s not because the dancing green lights just happen to favor this gold rush boomtown. The city is full of modern conveniences and there are many Fairbanks northern lights tours.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape. Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state on our award-winning itineraries. A survey by the Discovery Channel noted that seeing Aurora Borealis made it to more “bucket lists” than any other travel adventure.

While each cruise line may have its unique Alaska cruise itinerary, there are common routes that most Northern Lights cruises in Alaska follow. Alaska, often referred to as “The Last Frontier,” provides an unparalleled backdrop for witnessing the Northern Lights. Its vast wilderness, majestic mountains, and pristine waters combine to form a breathtaking stage for the aurora’s dance. While the Northern Lights are a year-round phenomenon, not all times are ideal for viewing. Alaska, with its vast expanses of untouched landscapes and clear skies, stands as one of the world’s premier destinations for aurora chasers. If you see them (lucky duck), it’s a faux pas to wave, whistle, or call out—according to legend, that drives them away.

You’ve got your camera, a snack, and a heart full of patience, just in case you don’t see anything that night. The less-fun news is that there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights— the show could easily be upstaged by a cloudy sky, a full moon, or even a weaker solar cycle. The fresh arctic air and the bright night sky alone will likely fill your cup. Even if you don’t catch a glimpse, you’ll still have every chance to kick back and experience everything that makes Alaska such a cruise-worthy destination.

The 12-day itineraries depart from Southampton, England, before traveling to Alesund, Tromsø, Narvik, and Haugesund, sailing through majestic fjords along the way. Since the ships sail this itinerary from October to November, the skies will be dark enough to see the northern lights, should they decide to appear. In 2023, the voyage will be undertaken by Queen Victoria, while next season, the Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming Queen Anne will take the reins.