Northern Lights Cruises

Table Of Content

• The best time to see the Northern Lights? Now!
• In Search of the Northern Lights Map
• The North Cape Express: Full Voyage Oslo to Bergen
• Unveiling Iceland’s Secret Treasures – Beyond the Golden Circle
• Featured Voyages
• Sea Kayaking in Scotland

To unwind, onboard amenities include wellness facilities, dining featuring local cuisine and presentations from naturalists. These diverse activities create a holistic and enriching journey for travellers seeking the magic of the Northern Lights. An aurora is a natural light display that can appear as brilliant green, yellow, red, blue and purple light patterns, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the night sky. The aurora borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space.

Havila Voyages Has Astronomy-themes Cruises in Norway This Year - Travel + Leisure

Havila Voyages Has Astronomy-themes Cruises in Norway This Year.

Posted: Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The best time to see the Northern Lights? Now!

Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Sailing far north during Norway’s winter, witness snow-covered landscapes dotted with rugged mountains and steep fjords, and seek out the brilliant aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and pilot a dog sled or snowmobile to further immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage.

In Search of the Northern Lights Map

On many cruises, when passengers or crew spot northern lights, they make ship-wide announcements. Because the northern lights often appear late at night or very early in the morning, some ships offer opt-in wake up calls for this purpose. The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders. Cunard’s Norway and Northern Lights cruise is a 12-day roundtrip along Norway’s coastline from Southampton, England on Queen Mary 2, or Queen Victoria ships. Guest speakers, astronomers and award-winning photographers are usually on board to join guests on deck to each evening to scan for and enjoy the northern lights show.

The North Cape Express: Full Voyage Oslo to Bergen

How To Plan A Memorable Norway Northern Lights Cruise In 2024 - Forbes

How To Plan A Memorable Norway Northern Lights Cruise In 2024.

Posted: Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Ideally, the best conditions to see the Northern Lights are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds. But even if it is cloudy, the wind can change at any moment and let the rays of the aurora shine through. In fact, when this happens, you might be treated to a unique Northern Lights spectacle that only happens on cloudy nights. While you may see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, Fairbanks and points farther north are where you can increase your odds. Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. After departing Southampton, the first stop on this cruise will be in Ålesund, Norway, to spend a day exploring its art nouveau architecture.

Unveiling Iceland’s Secret Treasures – Beyond the Golden Circle

One moment you might find yourself kayaking on a glistening fjord or gazing up at a thundering waterfall, and the next you could be watching a spectacular stage show or sinking into a soothing spa treatment. Known as the aurora season, the best time for taking a cruise holiday to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. However, the equinox months of September and March are the peak months for catching the aurora borealis as the magnetic fields of the Earth and the Sun’s solar wind are in sync then. And, luckily for you, we have a number of Northern Lights cruise holidays during these months to maximise your chances of spotting this mesmerising light show in all its glory. One of the latest cruise lines to launch sailings to seek out the aurora is Ambassador. It’s the first British cruise line to do so in more than a decade and has convenient, value-for-money, round-trip voyages from Tilbury, Bristol, Newcastle and Dundee.

Based right at the heart of this zone is the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is widely regarded as the world’s best place to see the Northern Lights when the conditions are right. And with stops at this dramatic destination on a Northern Lights holiday with P&O Cruises, you can go in search of the aurora borealis as you sail along the stunning Norwegian coastline. Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket list experience for many travelers. And cruise ships can get you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

Havila Voyages and HX both offer a Northern Lights promise on cruises that depart from the scenic town of Bergen, Norway. For KrisTina Kramer, few things in life give her as much of a thrill as sailing with us along the Norwegian coast, chasing the Northern Lights. Being at sea avoids the air pollution and the ambient light on land, both of which can dull the colors and vibrancy of a Northern Lights spectacle. The advantage of being at sea is that we can quickly sail clear of cloud cover that might be blocking your view of a Northern Lights display. The mesmerising and otherworldly spectacle of the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, has captivated humanity for centuries. We acknowledge the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and travel, and we pay our respects to elders past and present.

Sea Kayaking in Scotland

The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins, and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is friendly, we will try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one of the landings used to supply the Norwegian weather station at Olonkinbyen, a settlement situated on the eastern side of the island.

What Countries Do You Visit On a Northern Lights Cruise?

These expeditions take place in regions near the Arctic Circle, such as Norway or Iceland, where the Northern Lights are frequently visible. Our cruises are strategically timed to coincide with periods of high auroral activity. Passengers will embark on comfortable expedition vessels, equipped with expert guides, to explore remote and dark-sky locations. This extraordinary adventure combines celestial spectacle with Arctic landscapes, creating an unforgettable and magical journey. Specializing in polar voyages, Quark Expeditions knows a thing or two about the northern lights, which is why the company offers aurora sailings each fall.

Generally, skies are clearest near the spring and fall equinoxes in later September and March. Some late September/early October Alaska cruises can include northern lights sightings as well. If you don't have two or three weeks to take off work to go northern lights watching, consider Oceanwide Expeditions' eight-day aurora borealis sailings from Iceland to Greenland and back. The adventure begins in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland, before heading for Greenland's breathtaking Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. If you do have a little more time, you can opt for the 13-day Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis itinerary, which embarks in the Svalbard archipelago before sailing to Greenland and down to Iceland. Both take place in the late summer into early fall, as darkness returns to the skies in the Arctic.

Looking to check multiple countries off your list and see the Northern Lights? However, most Northern Lights cruises visit just Norway, Iceland, and Greenland because those countries have open waterways that aren’t frozen over. These are some of the cruises that offer you a solid chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

To increase your chances of seeing the lights we move to different locations around the Arctic Circle, ensuring all bases are covered. The region features attractive towns such as as Isafjordur, the famous Dynjandi waterfall, and spectacular fjords that are ideal for kayaking, hiking and birdwatching. Throughout the area there are ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with approximately 450 inhabitants.

The Lights appear in folklore across the world, as omens both revered and feared. These strange green, red, and purple lights dancing across the night skies have inspired some of the most captivating stories on Earth. Our ship’s bridge officers are always scanning the skies and horizon, and are usually the first to spot the aurora, making an announcement to our guests on board. Traveling to different parts of the Norwegian coast on the ship increases your chances of seeing the aurora not just once but multiple times. Our ships sail the Norwegian coast, above the Arctic Circle at 66°N, and directly beneath the Auroral Oval, an area of consistently active displays.

THE 5 BEST April 2025 Cruises to Canada & New England with Prices on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Enchanting New England Cruising, Perfected
• Why Cruise to Canada & New England with Celebrity Cruises
• Book Your Eastern Caribbean Cruise Vacation
• ONE WEEK DOWN THE COAST
• Newport Shore Excursions: A Day In Port

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, and it has the historical landmarks to prove it. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walk filled with all of the rich New England history that you read about in books. You'll see the meetinghouses, churches and burial grounds that were integral parts of forming the United States. Some of Royal Caribbean's New England cruises go as far north as Quebec and St. John's in Canada, giving you the full experience of the Atlantic coast, including the world's famous New York City. This is a bucket-list item for many and you get to write that off when you visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Enchanting New England Cruising, Perfected

Wander the Rockland Harbor Trail to take in the scenery and visit the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The town is known for its artistic community; the Farnsworth Art Museum is one of the finest in the region. Don’t miss a chance to sample fresh lobster claws dripping in melted butter, or simply pick up juicy lobster rolls from a food truck. Spend the day touring Old Quebec as you venture along the city’s fortified walls, built over 400 years ago.

Why Cruise to Canada & New England with Celebrity Cruises

In the summer, you can pack lighter clothing but don’t forget at least one pair of long pants and a jacket or sweater to be prepared for cooler weather. From stylish Quebec City to the north, to the idyllic coast of Maine and the historic streets of Boston, there's always something a new thing to do on a New England cruise. You can't miss taking in the sights of Acadia National Park in Maine during your vacation. Known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, it's no wonder 3.3 million people visit every year. Hike to the peak of Cadillac Mountain — the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise between October and March — then feel the rush of ocean waves down in Thunder Hole. Ask about our Current Savings and our Pre-Cruise Package which includes a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, a Boston city tour, and transportation to the ship.

Book Your Eastern Caribbean Cruise Vacation

Occasionally, the Southern Caribbean ports of St. Kitts and Antigua are included on Eastern Caribbean itineraries as well. Bermuda is home to two main towns, Hamilton (the capital) and the island of St. George. Try the popular pawpaw casserole, a dish made of papayas cooked in a savory blend of onions, carrots, herbs and cheese with a touch of spice. For these delicacies, head to Art Mel's Spicy Dicy, Hog Penny or Devil's Isle in Hamilton. October is the time to visit to see the fall colors in their full glory, the trees decked out in dazzling crimson, ochre, burnt orange, and yellow. Evenings are cooler by now, but part of the fun is wrapping up warm and enjoying the crisp air.

Halifax Shore Excursions: Explore the History of Nova Scotia

Located a few miles from Boston, Gloucester is the home to America's original seaport and the oldest working art colony in North America. The town’s picturesque waterfront has drawn fishermen, artists, and visitors for over four hundred years. With over 60 miles of coastline, there is a wealth of stunning views to enjoy and plenty of fresh seafood to savor. Portland brims with Maine’s famous “Downeaster” culture, modern parks, historic landmarks, fantastic restaurants, and craft beer pubs. Walk through centuries of colonial history in Portland’s Old Port, highlighted by intricate brick streets, small shops, and long wharfs.

You can start by visiting the beach club, a place to unwind and refresh, where you can lay back in floating cabanas, sample upscale dishes and drift either poolside or seaside. People travel from around the world for a taste of their famous mole, enchiladas and guacamole. But beyond the global favorites, you can find new flavors that are still traditional in the area — and for that, many visit Callejon del Sapo to sample dishes at different restaurants like Flavors of Mexico. Try lobster pescadillas, made with corn tortillas filled with fresh lobster meat caught that same day. Or savor cecina de yecapixtla, juicy tenderloin strips cooked to perfection and served with a side of nopales.

Head into town for warm clam chowder or lobster bisque on Main Street, then watch the small fishing trawlers and sailboats head into port from the Bar Harbor Town pier. Sail along the shores of some of the most historic ports on New England cruises from Boston with Celebrity. Follow the Freedom Trail in Boston, where you’ll find delicious dining options, centuries-old colonial heritage sites, beautiful parks, and world-class art and entertainment. Visit the prestigious grounds of Harvard Yard, and take a tour of the iconic Boston Harbor. Our Four Seasons Hotel Pre-Cruise Package offers a complete Boston experience. American Cruise Lines handles everything, including transportation of your luggage to your stateroom aboard the ship.

Newport Shore Excursions: A Day In Port

Be sure to bring layers that you can shed as the day warms up, perhaps a few light sweaters and a waterproof windbreaker for taking in the beautiful New England coastal views from the sun deck. Depending on the time of year you’ve chosen, pack for a maritime climate, which means warm, but not hot summers and mild, but not bitter winters. You’ll need comfortable walking shoes if you enjoy hiking—and there are some spectacular hikes in Canada and New England. Pack suitable footwear for wandering around towns, too; many in this part of the world have cobblestone streets. Explore some of the oldest ports in North America along the wild coastlines of Canada and New England. Charlottetown is the birthplace of the Canadian Federation, while Halifax is packed with seafaring history; the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is one of the best to visit.

Combine the freedom of Freestyle Cruising with the ease of departing from Midtown Manhattan or Boston Harbor. These ports are extremely accessible from anywhere in the Northeast, making sailing into the perfect getaway a breeze. Take advantage of New England's coastal locales by diving into some lobster rolls, oysters and clam chowder. Once you've had your fill of raw delicacies, indulge in the many fried options that the area has to offer, from donuts and cannolis to plentiful French fries. Try to wake up for sunrise when you're sailing along the coast for beautiful views of the Atlantic.

The Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic, is usually anchored at the park. The natural beauty that surrounds Bar Harbor is accented with ocean cliffs, glacier‐formed lakes and valleys, stunning mountain vistas, and pine forest. This beauty has been captured in the works of Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church, and many other great artists. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

BEST Celebrity Cruises to Canada & New England (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

BEST Celebrity Cruises to Canada & New England (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:01:43 GMT [source]

When visiting Boston, the easiest way to get around is by the subway or "the T" as the locals call it. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. In St. George, go for the light and crispy jumbo fish sandwiches, made with homemade shredded fish. And if you're looking for some fine dining, go with Tempest Bistro, considered by many as the best restaurant in St. George's. Their grilled shrimp and scallops in white wine are very popular, as are their savory puff pastries or their duck prosciutto. Our Canada and New England itineraries are either 10 or 11 nights long, and all sail round trip from Boston, Massachusetts.

Duck into a café for wine and brie, and explore the architecture of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the beautiful Quebéc City before you set sail on a day Canada & New England cruise. Our guests enjoy their onboard and onshore experiences while cruising the most fascinating parts of the country and we take care of the rest. Enjoy our complimentary offerings, including breakfast room service, select onshore excursions, all meals, evening cocktails, and more. Pack comfortable walking shoes no matter which cruise you choose — New England cities are best experienced walking.

Quebec’s old center dates back to the 17th century, while in Boston, the Freedom Trail is a deep dive into American history. Pretty Portland is packed with colonial architecture and dates back to 1632. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Martha's Vineyard was a hub for merchant ships carrying exotic cargo from the far corners of the world. Today, the island is one of the most popular vacation spots in New England, comprised of six distinct towns. Historic Edgartown is the most genteel town on the island, featuring freshly painted white clapboard colonial homes and manicured gardens. Long known as the "City of Ships," Bath finds its identity in shipbuilding.

Experience a narrated excursion of Halifax, including a drive by historic properties, a restored section of the waterfront, Citadel Hill and the beautiful public gardens before hea... View rolling farmlands, stunning seascapes, tiny villages and bustling harbors as you get ready to meet Anne of Green Gables. Cruise Eastern Canada and discover a decidedly French influence, from the idyllic coastal villages of Nova Scotia to the Rue St. Louis in Québec City. See the best-known sights, such as the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove in Halifax or the churches of Saint John. Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options.

15 Things You Need to Know When Planning a Cruise Wedding

Table Of Content

• Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries
• Bon Voyage / Fun Shops "Special Occasions" gifts
• Carnival cruise Honeymoon, Vow Renewals
• Cruise weddings: Everything you need to know about getting hitched at sea
• Wedding Package

Royal Caribbean weddings are great for multi-generational weddings, where kids, teens, adults and mature guests will all be attending. There is always a huge range of entertainment, dining, drinking and relaxing options on board even the smallest Royal Caribbean ship, making it easy to keep guests happy before and after the wedding itself. Add a third or fourth person to the room and it’s slightly different.

Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries

Norwegian's Wedding at Sea package also includes a group service coordinator, who can make dinner reservations, organize group seating at shows and otherwise assist the couple and their guests, in addition to overseeing the wedding. Marriage certificates will be issued by the Bahamas (additional fee). The Celebrity Weddings program offers onboard ceremonies and destination weddings and are some of the most reasonably priced on this list for couples who don't necessarily need a huge list of bells and whistles. Shoreside weddings start at $1,895 and in-port weddings are pricier, including all of the same features plus roundtrip taxi transportation to the ceremony site for the couple. The majority of cruise companies provide wedding packages, including necessities like a location for the ceremony, an officiant, flowers, a cake, and photography. Depending on the cruise company and the degree of personalization you want, these Cruise Wedding packages can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000 around.

Bon Voyage / Fun Shops "Special Occasions" gifts

Still, in general, if you’re wanting to sail on the newest ships that also have the most to do, then expect to pay a bit more. Of course, the type of cabin that you sail on Carnival will have a big impact on what you pay. Interior cabins — which sit on the inside of the ship and have no windows — are the least expensive rooms that you will find. From there, the prices rise for oceanview, balcony rooms, and suites.

Carnival cruise Honeymoon, Vow Renewals

As well, we assume that you spend a little more on board than someone would on a budget vacation. As mentioned, your cost to sail on Carnival (or any cruise line) can vary widely based on your trip specifics. That’s why we’ve broken down the cost to sail on Carnival into three different categories — a budget cruise, an average cruise, and a high-end trip. This will give you a better idea of what you’ll pay based on your specifics. Newer ships have a number of special cabin types like Cloud 9 cabins (near the spa) and Havana staterooms. These rooms will have special décor and features like access to exclusive areas such as private pools.

How to save $30,000 by getting married on a cruise ship - Latest Cruise News & Updates Cruise Passenger

How to save $30,000 by getting married on a cruise ship.

Posted: Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

There may also be surcharges for weddings held during busy peak season or holiday travel periods. Not only can your ceremony be conducted at sea by your Princess ship's captain, but the line also features state-of-the-art technology that allows you to broadcast the ceremony live, via webcam, to friends and family on land. On one particular cruise over Valentine's Day, the captain casually announced he'd conduct vow renewals for anyone who wanted them, and about a half-dozen couples showed up. A Disney Cruise wedding is perhaps the ultimate fantasy-made-reality ceremony, depending on your tastes (of course).

Celebrity Cruises Wedding

Weddings must be booked at least 60 days before the sail date, and the cost of the cruise is not included in the package. Weddings can only take place on sea days and on cruises lasting at least seven nights. There are only two time slots available for ceremonies daily (late morning and mid-afternoon). Wedding parties with more than 20 guests are limited to the morning slot. Additional cake, flowers and photography services are available for a fee. The marriage license is not included and the fee is one of the highest out there.

When thinking of a cruise, we generally imagine sailing away for a relaxing vacation of sun and fun. Lots of food, perhaps a drink with an umbrella in it and the magnificent ocean. Which time of the year is the least expensive to have a wedding? Wedding prices don’t change seasonally but are subject to change at any point based on capacity and demand. Wedding lounges are assigned based on the number of guests attending the wedding, plus which reception option you’ve selected. In light of high call volume, wait times may be longer than customary.

Cruise ships have jails. Can you get arrested on a cruise ship?

For the guys, it’s easy to look sharp without packing a tux; onboard formalwear rentals can have suits ready in their rooms when they arrive. Renewing your vows on a Carnival cruise is, honestly, a lot like a wedding… which is perfect, because wouldn’t you marry them again? While the second time isn’t legally-binding, we make it officially fun with everything you need for a memorable event for you and your guests. If you can't stand the thought of sharing a romantic vacation with your extended family, consider an embarkation-day wedding and bid your guests goodbye after the reception. The trade-off is your pierside event might not be as scenic as an onboard ceremony with expansive sea views. Bernal says one couple arranged a fireworks show off the coast of Puerto Rico and worked with Celebrity Cruises to stop the ship in the middle of the ocean for the best view.

Also like Disney, a reception is not included in Royal Caribbean's wedding package prices. Carnival cruise weddings appeal to younger couples thanks to the line's famous amenities and spirited, party-friendly atmosphere. It's also one of the least expensive cruise wedding options on this list. Other options include ceremonies at sea or at select destinations, either onboard the ship or in the port of call. Carnival includes the services of a professional pre-cruise wedding planner with all packages to ensure easy coordination and communication for a stress-free celebration.

Couples are required to provide a proof of legal marriage prior to sailing. All wedding ceremonies are performed by a local officiant, except in the case of the symbolic at sea weddings, where the captain or another senior officer will preside. Some ports allow symbolic ceremonies only, while the laws in other ports prevent us from being able to offer legal or symbolic ceremonies.

For a wedding photo to remember, couples can opt to have their pictures snapped on MSC's dazzling Swarovski crystal-encrusted staircases. Marriage licenses are extra in all cases, and prices vary depending on local authorities. Even so, sailing with a third or fourth passengers is among the best deals in travel. Destination Venue Weddings happen off the ship, either on a beach or a similarly beautiful location.

You can also enhance your wedding package with flowers, favors, entertainment and other personal touches. Guests and friends can gift shore excursion credits, specialty-dining experiences, spa treatments and a private breakfast or dinner on the balcony. Celebrity Cruises also offers legal weddings at sea by the captain. It’s important to note that weddings must be paid for at the time of booking, and packages include a non-refundable deposit.

The reservations for weddings and vow renewals are now available, with ceremonies to begin in September. Ocean breezes carry romance through the air when you have your wedding on a cruise. Whether the ceremony is onboard, at an exotic beach or in a garden, wedding cruises combine your love for each other with your love for travel in beautiful settings. Carnival Cruises will help you plan every detail to create memories that last a lifetime. Here’s what you should know when planning your cruise wedding.

For example, Royal Caribbean allows a maximum of 75 wedding guests (out of 150 total) to be day visitors who come for the shipboard ceremony and then leave before the ship sets sail. Plus, if you want guests at your ceremony, they will need to book and pay for the entire cruise (or you'll have to pony up for their cabins). The Ashore package comes in a wide range of price points depending on your destination of choice.