If you’re hearing increased talk about the Northern Lights this year, it’s because the 2024/2025 season is meant to be the season to see them. 2024 and 2025 are the peak of the activity cycle and will supposedly be the strongest they have been in 20 years. Every year people flock to destinations such as Iceland and Norway searching for the lights but sightings are never guaranteed. Finding darker places away from city lights help increase your chance of seeing them and the further north you go, the better your chances also.
However, venturing north into the Arctic in the middle of winter poses some other challenges which makes cruising an attractive option. Cruises in Norway will often venture further north than Tromso in Norway increasing your chances at seeing them and being at sea, away from city lights, makes sightings more likely. Ships that are purposefully looking for the lights will make announcements when there are sightings so you can get up on deck and soak up the wonder.
Aside from the Northern Lights, visiting Norway in winter is absolutely spectacular. Villages covered in snow, twinkling lights, mulled wine, sleds and roaring fire places. You can combine a cruise with a visit to Santa’s village in Lapland for a truly magical Christmas experience or combine a Norwegian adventure with a Christmas market cruise in Europe.
The options are endless but here’s one cruise to contemplate. Hurtigruten have a 12 night “The North Cape Express” cruise from Bergen to Oslo taking in ports of call such as Rorvik, Alta, Honningsvag, Tromso and Alesund to name just 5 of 15 destinations. The package includes a night and sightseeing in Bergen, 12 night cruise including full board, unlimited beer, wine and spirits during restaurant opening hours (excluding breakfast), daily themed lectures, selection of equipment for outdoor activities and more. The cruise departs Bergen on 15 January 2025, with prices starting from A$3,823pp twin share. Again we reiterate, sightings of the Northern Lights are never guaranteed but this cruise is a little beauty without the lights. If you see them, that’s the cherry on top!
Call us on 0800 485 846 to find out about this package and other options.
