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The weather in Alaska can, and will, change multiple times per day, but you will find the warmest months to be June, July and August. The Borealis is composed of solar particles shooting into the magnetic field of the earth and appear more than 60 miles above the earth’s surface. Aurora Borealis are magical bands of neon green light that spontaneously burst and dance in the sky. Joanne Thomas has worked as a writer and editor for print and online publications since 2004.
Northern Lights Cruise: How to See the Stunning Natural Phenomenon
Toilsome Road, which leads up to Glen Alps, has very steep grades and sharp switchbacks. If it is snowy or icy, you will need good winter tires or all-wheel-drive to make it up to this area. When the northern lights do appear, "more than likely the ship will turn off most of the exterior lights," Weber says.
Best Time Of The Year To Cruise Alaska
Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024 - Forbes
Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024.
Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The northern lights or Aurora Borealis is a top-listed experience on many travelers’ bucket lists. But like most things in nature, they might not show, even if you visit Alaska at the best time. 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.
FAQs on Alaska Northern Lights Cruises
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. On Celebrity, cruises to Alaska and Iceland just might yield sightings of Aurora Borealis.
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska - Cruise Blog
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience and unlimited adventures
To capture the true essence of the Northern Lights magic, consider packing a high-quality camera. Many guests also bring a tripod, a remote control and replacement batteries for a seamless photography opportunity. As a part of our North to Alaska program, discover more tips and tricks on how to snap your own frameable Alaska photos from award-winning photographers. Darkness is essential if you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights during your travels.
Venture on a cosmic voyage with a Stargazing specialist and uncover the secrets of the skies above. Viewing the Alaska northern lights takes the right timing, the right location and the right conditions. The supernal shimmer of emerald and violet begins with a few streaks and then breaks out into a graceful ballet. Spectators gaze at the sky in awe or snap photos well into the middle of the night.
What Cruise Ships Go Through The Panama Canal
Find out the best time to see the northern lights on your Alaska cruise and what Alaska locations offer the best viewing. Embrace the experience, immerse yourself in onboard activities, and capture breathtaking photos that will forever remind you of this awe-inspiring adventure. If you prefer milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, early fall and late spring can also provide opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in Alaska.
In early spring, from March to April, the nights start to become shorter, but the solar activity remains active. This creates opportunities to witness the Northern Lights before the arrival of the midnight sun. The Alaskan Arctic is remote, but it’s worth a trek to experience the sprawling tundras, striking seascapes, and Brooks Range mountains. A coastal town located alongside the Bering Sea, Nome offers a rich history—quite literally, as a former Gold Rush town—and incredible scenery. Or, journey to the northernmost town in the United States and stay in Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow).
Each of these places offers a unique experience and provides ample opportunities to capture the magic of the Aurora Borealis. While the Northern Lights are undoubtedly the highlight of an Alaska cruise, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your journey. Many cruises offer a variety of onboard activities and entertainment options to keep you engaged and entertained throughout your trip. From educational lectures on the Northern Lights and Alaska’s wildlife to live music performances and cooking demonstrations, there’s something for everyone. The peak months for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska are typically from December to February.
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those magical experiences on nearly every traveler’s bucket list due to the surreal way light moves in waves of green color across the nighttime sky. Denali National Park is another good option in early spring or fall, as it’s far enough north and free from light pollution. If the stars align and the conditions are ripe for the show, try to find a clear viewing path, free of buildings and forest and face north, as that’s where activity starts.
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. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Space Weather Prediction Center, which is a great resource for a short-term forecast of northern lights activity. Fairbanks also happens to be the headquarters of the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, which issues a nightly forecast on Aurora viewing alongside a 27-day forecast. Spanning 13.2 million acres, this national park is the largest protected reserve in the United States. Travelers can bed down at the 14-person Ultima Thule Lodge for a wild adventure filled with glacier trekking, rafting, fishing in Tebay Lake, and (of course) waiting for the northern lights to flicker across the sky.
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. One of the benefits of sailing to Alaska later in the year is that it increases the chance of seeing the breathtaking Northern Lights, as these are much more likely to be witnessed during the fall and winter months. If you’re sailing on a 2021 cruise to Alaska, you might even have the chance to admire this natural phenomenon from the comfort of your private Veranda Stateroom or from one of the open-air decks on board.
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