Table Of Content
Here’s all you need to know to pick the best time to see northern lights in Alaska. The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are the iconic lights that whimsically paint Alaska’s skies seafoam green, fluorescent yellow and bright notes of fuchsia. While they appear transcendental, they are actually caused by collisions between gases in the earth’s atmosphere and those in the sun’s atmosphere. The solar winds that circle the globe create unique arrangements that can appear as rippling currents or dancing rays.
Fairbanks
Depending on your schedule and desires, any of these six months could be considered the best time to take an Alaskan cruise. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own. Head deeper into the frozen wilderness with one of our Alaska Cruisetours on board Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Spirit, combining your cruise with an immersive land vacation that goes beyond the expected. Spanning from 11- to 14-days, these cruise vacation packages include overnight stays in Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Homer, Talkeetna, and Valdez.
Cruises for families
The most affordable option on this list, British cruise line P&O operates 12-day sailings to Norway year-round, but during the auroral season, there's a strong chance you'll see the northern lights while onboard. Guests embark in Southampton, England, before sailing north to Norway, traveling as far north as Tromsø, well north of the Arctic Circle. We recommend splurging on a room with windows for the best northern lights viewing options. However, those in interior cabins can always run up on deck — which you should do anyway to witness the full grandeur of the atmospheric phenomenon. 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.
Day Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Hubbard Glacier, Skagway & Juneau
So, let’s have a peek at the best time to cruise Alaska for Northern Lights and tips for seeing them in all their splendor. If you're eager to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights, it's advisable to bring along a high-quality camera. Many guests find it beneficial to also have a tripod, a remote control, and extra batteries for a smooth photography experience. Utilizing a sturdy tripod will help stabilize your camera for long exposure shots, which are ideal for capturing the movement and colors of the Northern Lights.
The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice.
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go - USA TODAY
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go.
Posted: Sat, 27 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The aurora borealis is the Northern Lights, visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The aurora australis, or Southern Lights, are the equivalent phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere, visible in places like Antarctica, parts of Australia, and New Zealand. While cruises optimize the chances by navigating to areas with minimal light pollution and frequently clear skies, the Northern Lights remain a natural and unpredictable phenomenon. It’s never a guarantee but following expert predictions and being prepared can enhance your chances.
The Best Time to Take an Alaskan Cruise
Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. Both Hurtigruten Expeditions and the Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal Express, offer a good number of itineraries that showcase the Northern Lights. The Coastal Express serves as both a passenger cruise line and a lifeline for Norwegian coastal residents and these working ships transport locals’ cars, fjord towns’ freight and up to 1,000 total passengers on any given day. Longer cruises, like the Holland America Alaska Arctic Solstice Cruise spans 28 days, and will take you from your port to the Arctic Circle.
8 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall - TravelAwaits
8 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall.
Posted: Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Alaska Northern Lights Cruises
Patience, persistence, and a bit of luck are key when it comes to chasing the Northern Lights. Alaska’s position within the auroral oval, a region near the North Pole where the Northern Lights are most commonly visible, provides ample opportunities to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The combination of Alaska’s proximity to the Earth’s magnetic pole, low light pollution, and vast open spaces make it an ideal destination for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Before delving into the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, it’s helpful to understand the science behind this captivating phenomenon. The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful displays of light.
Highs in the peak summer months of June, July, and August are in the low to mid-60s, with lows in the high 40s. June is the driest month, and the early season is usually drier than the late shoulder season. Alaska’s faraway geography allows for a cruise season running from April to September, when the days are long and temperatures are at their most welcoming.
If you’re opting for an early- or late-season cruise to Alaska, ports of call are likely to be on the quieter side. Alaska is famous for its long, cold winters and fleetingly short summers, but within the April-to-September cruise season are ever-shifting patterns of temperature and daylight hours. 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. When the northern lights do appear, "more than likely the ship will turn off most of the exterior lights," Weber says.
Witness bears feasting on salmon, then dive into your own delicious lunch at Guy’s Burger Joint or the BlueIguana Cantina™, all fresh new features on Carnival Legend. The dramatic coastline, majestic wildlife and intriguing ports that make Alaska such an incredible cruise destination owe their remarkable characteristics to the state’s northerly location. Join an adventure of a lifetime aboard the Aleutian Ballad, as seen on Discovery Channel’s - The Deadliest Catch. Under the Northern Light Promise, if the Northern Lights do not appear on a traveler's applicable Norway Expedition cruise, the expedition group will give travelers another Norway cruise free of charge.
A great rule of thumb is that the further north you venture into Alaska, the better your chances of seeing the northern lights. This is because the southeast regions have a rainforest-type climate with cloudy skies and heavy rainfall. This might be a shipwide announcement, a special buzzer in the cabins, or even a wake-up call if you request it. However, the aurora can appear in any direction, so the ship’s open decks, which offer broader views, are generally preferable. Many Alaskan cruises incorporate indigenous narratives and folklore about the aurora. Engaging with these stories enriches the experience, providing a cultural context to the natural marvel.
No comments:
Post a Comment