Northern Lights Cruise

[old-equestrian]

Hi , has anyone here experienced a northern lights cruise? My OH has a special birthday next January and has always fancied seeing the northern lights(hopefully ) from a cruise ship.

Any advice , comments or costs would be appreciated, as I haven't started researching deals etc as yet
Thanks

[atalanta]

You'll be lucky. People who promote tours to see the Northern Lights often exaggerate the chances. I have actually spoken to Icelanders, who admit they don't see them all that often. There's a website, I think called Aurorawatch. Have a look at it to see the frequency, which may disappoint you.
I've had a holiday in Iceland at the peak time, and saw nothing but rain.

[Tuvok]

The sun has an 11 year cycle

At the peak of the cycle there should be a better chance of auror, but not guaranteed.

Take a look at

http://spaceweather.com

and

http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk

[jno]

I think the peak of the cycle was a couple of years ago, but there should still be a chance. But it's very much down to luck. A friend of mine from the Borders went on a cruise last year, saw nothing, and came home to be told by her neighbours they'd all had a great display at home the night before.

I'd just take a comfortable cruise ship - you can get reviews on www.cruise.co.uk - enjoy the sailing, and regard any northern lights as a bonus. Hope you have a good time.

[jno]

PS - best go during new moon period, as a full moon reduces the effect.

[havelo]

There is a company called Hurtigruten which I have used which are very good. Cruised from Bergen all the way up to Kirkenees and back down again. If you leave your name with the captain, they will call you anytime during the night should the northern lights appear. Saw them 3 times.

[jno]

Hurtigruten are regular coastal ships rather than cruise liners so don't expect luxury, but they should do the job as well as any.

[thugulike]

Go when the moon is at it's smallest.