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Within minutes it seemed everyone on board had gathered at the railings on deck to watch. The captain of the ship nimbly repositioned us, giving both the port and starboard sides prime viewing, at a safe and respectful distance from the animals. With binoculars, cameras, and phones at the ready, the passengers and crew aboard UnCruise Adventures' 86-guest S.S. Legacy settled in for what turned out to be an hour-long private show by a juvenile humpback who had migrated from Hawaii to spend the summer in the nutrient-rich Alaskan waters. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. The best time to see Northern Lights in Alaska is when daylight slips into a seasonal slumber and the darkened skies blanket the city below.
When’s the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise?
The city is full of modern conveniences and there are many Fairbanks northern lights tours. There is also an Alaska igloo hotel 25 miles from Fairbanks, known as the Borealis Basecamp. You'll likely get to Coldfoot on an organized tour, and if you fly to Utqiaġvik, your accommodations will also act as a local tour guide.
Alaska Cruise in September: Alaska Temperatures Start to Drop
Alaska also boasts a stunning variety of wildlife—think seals, sea otters, eagles, mink, porpoises, and mountain goats, to name a few. Search for brown bears in Red Bluff Bay against a backdrop of towering red mountains and waterfalls or along the shores of Chichagof Island. Observe a sea lion haulout (when they gather on the banks to rest) and puffin rookery in the Marble Islands, or go whale watching in Fredericks Sound, Stephens Passage, or Chatham. No matter your itinerary, UnCruise helps guests witness incredible creatures in their natural habitats, creating memories that will last a lifetime. You’re also more likely to see them if you visit in colder months, as the most brilliant displays occur both in dark and cold environments. Because it’s a scientific phenomenon beyond the comprehension of modern science, you can only truly predict occurrences of the Northern Lights roughly two hours before they happen.
Northern lights cruise: How to experience the aurora borealis at sea - The Points Guy
Northern lights cruise: How to experience the aurora borealis at sea.
Posted: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Arctic Circle Aurora Overnight Adventures
This Cruise Line Guarantees You'll See The Northern Lights (Or You Get A Free Trip) - Forbes
This Cruise Line Guarantees You'll See The Northern Lights (Or You Get A Free Trip).
Posted: Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. With its scenic landscapes, abounding wildlife, and majestic glaciers, Alaska is a beautiful destination any time of year. But if you’re thinking of exploring this vibrant region on an Alaskan cruise, the best time to do so is between May and September.
Fairbanks, A Northern Lights Favorite
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful displays of light. The colors are determined by the type of gas and the altitude at which the collision occurs. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. This collision releases energy in the form of vibrant, dancing lights that can be seen in the polar regions.
Hike some of the trails to catch a glimpse of the northern lights in Alaska. During the winter, clear dark skies and aurora activity make Juneau an ideal spot to witness the stunning northern lights display. It consistently tops the list of places in Alaska and the world to catch the dazzling display and it’s not because the dancing green lights just happen to favor this gold rush boomtown.
What Countries Do You Visit On a Northern Lights Cruise?
Ice crampons may come in handy, especially in ports where walkways may be icy or slick. On some active excursions, outfitters provide weather appropriate gear, but you can’t always count on that. And don’t forget your bathing suit for outdoor tub soaks and pool swims onboard.
How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Lights?
A mythic journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River and out to the Atlantic, this Concierge Cruise is a cultural immersion into Québec, Newfoundland and the Maritimes. Here are some quick tips to help you increase the odds of seeing whales during your cruise. September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals.
Board a glass-domed rail car, called the Wilderness Express, to Fairbanks, and soak up picturesque views every step of the way. On Celebrity, cruises to Alaska and Iceland just might yield sightings of Aurora Borealis. That said, even if you don’t see the Northern Lights during your cruise, there’s plenty to fall in love with in these exciting destinations, from incredible dog-sledding competitions to hiking along stunning fjords.
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. In 2021, our cruises to Alaska will be sailing later than usual, kicking off the season in late July and ending in early October. These exciting seven-night itineraries stop in stunning Alaskan ports, such as Ketchikan and Juneau, and spend a day sailing close to the majestic Dawes Glacier, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. From mid-November through March, you can check into a lodge or look for the lights each night as you try a different activity, like ice fishing or dogsledding. And if you’re on an aurora quest from mid-August to mid-September, (Fall) there’s still time to enjoy summer activities, like visiting Denali National Park or taking a glacier cruise.
And Norway and generally sail 10 to 15-night itineraries during the winter season. Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. You’ve got your camera, a snack, and a heart full of patience, just in case you don’t see anything that night.
Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you. As you explore the ports of call on your Alaskan cruise, keep in mind that some destinations, such as Nome and Barrow, offer a higher probability of seeing the Northern Lights due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle. Research the best times to visit each port and consult with experts to ensure you make the most of your journey.
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