How to Experience the Northern Lights on a Cruise

Seeing the Northern Lights is an incredible experience, especially when it’s on a cruise ship while you’re surrounded by beautiful icy landscapes in the Arctic. This guide will help you navigate where and when to see the Northern Lights on cruises to or near the Arctic, as well as tips for viewing and capturing them on camera.

Where & When to See the Northern Lights

Arctic cruises increase your chances of viewing the Northern Lights, especially at sea between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. when you don’t have the light pollution of cities around you. Cruises in the Arctic also include charming destinations. When choosing your cruise, consider the following places:

Norway

Renowned for its Northern Lights displays, a Norway cruise through the fjords is one of the most scenic ways to experience them. Tromso and Alta are also great spots to view them. You have the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Norway in September, October, March and April, dependent on weather conditions.

Iceland

Iceland’s volcanic landscape adds something unique to the Northern Lights experience in the area, as does the charming destination of Reykjavik. The best time of year to see the Northern Lights on an Iceland cruise is between late-August and the beginning of April.

Greenland

Halfway between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland’s remote and dramatic landscapes also offer a special environment for viewing the Northern Lights. Your best chances to view them are from late-September to March.

Alaska and Canada

Although much of Alaska and Canada are south of the Arctic Circle in comparison to Norway, Iceland and Greenland, their vast wilderness and big skies make them another destination for viewing the Northern Lights. Clear dark nights in remote areas create the best opportunity. Consider an Alaska cruisetour in late September with stops in Denali and the Yukon for your best chances to view them.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time. It’s also about being prepared for the experience. Here are some quick tips:

• Choose a cruise focused on the Northern Lights experience. Designed for optimal views, select cruise itineraries can help you make the most of the experience. Consider these itineraries in 2026:
  14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights (early Oct. 2026)
  14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights (mid-Oct. 2026)
• Monitor Northern Lights forecasts. Aurora forecasts can help predict the likelihood of seeing them. The Kp-index is a key indicator, measuring geomagnetic activity on a 0-9 scale. The higher the Kp-index, the greater the chance of seeing the Northern Lights beyond the Arctic.
• Dress warm for cool temperatures. Evenings in the Arctic are very cold, so layer up to stay warm from head to toe. That way you can stay focused on the beautiful dancing lights instead of the chilly outdoors.
• Be patient. The Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon, appearing when they want to appear. Soak up the sights around you while you wait.

Tips for Taking Photos of the Northern Lights

It’s not always easy to capture them on film. Here are some tips to get the best photos you can:

• Use manual settings on your camera. For best results, adjust for exposure, ISO and focus. Start with a low aperture (f/2.8 to f/4), a high ISO (800 to 3200), and a long exposure (5 to 20 seconds). You can also try taking photos with your smartphone. Just note that the latter may process the hues of the Northern Lights differently.
• Use a camera tripod. A steady shot is very helpful when capturing the Northern Lights to avoid blurring.
• Be creative. It’s okay to try different settings and features to get the perfect photo. Since Northern Lights vary in scope and color, feel free to try different approaches to photographing them. Be as spontaneous and creative as the lights in the night sky.

No matter which Arctic cruise you take to try your luck at seeing the Northern Lights, you’re sure to experience breathtaking beauty in the landscapes that surround you. With research, planning and the right gear, you can turn an ethereal moment into an unforgettable one.