Table Of Content
- What Are The Best Cruise Lines That Sail Northern Lights Itineraries?
- ALASKA CRUISES
- Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget Royal Caribbean Cruises
- DAY 4 Glacier Bay National Park & Bartlett Cove
- The Uniqueness of the Alaskan Experience
- Planning an Alaska Cruise Itinerary with Kids
- What Kind of Things Do You Do on a Northern Lights Cruise?
With more darkness, it will give you more opportunities for the Northern Lights to aluminate the Alaskan sky. Remember, while these FAQs provide a broad overview, each traveler’s experience is unique. Personal research, consultation with cruise experts, and maintaining flexibility in expectations can ensure an enriching and memorable Northern Lights journey. While the Northern Lights can be seen from late September to early April in Alaska, the equinox months – September and March – often have higher geomagnetic activity, which can lead to more vivid auroras.
27 First time Alaska cruise tips (2024) Cruise.Blog - Cruise Blog
27 First time Alaska cruise tips ( Cruise.Blog.
Posted: Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
What Are The Best Cruise Lines That Sail Northern Lights Itineraries?
Where to See Northern Lights: 8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing - Reader's Digest
Where to See Northern Lights: 8 Best Spots for Aurora Borealis Viewing.
Posted: Wed, 20 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The prime months for Northern Lights viewing in Alaska are from September to April, with the peak season occurring in the winter months. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you. If you’d rather cruise to Alaska in summer, don’t expect to see the northern lights, but do soak up that midnight sunshine. The Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis are one and the same — most people call them Northern Lights, while the scientific name is Aurora Borealis. Aurora Borealis is the kind of scientific phenomenon that most people seem to either know everything about or nothing at all.
ALASKA CRUISES
The aurora borealis is the Northern Lights, visible in the Northern Hemisphere. The aurora australis, or Southern Lights, are the equivalent phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere, visible in places like Antarctica, parts of Australia, and New Zealand. However, the aurora can appear in any direction, so the ship’s open decks, which offer broader views, are generally preferable.
Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget Royal Caribbean Cruises
Generally, the Northern Lights themselves do not affect electronic equipment. However, solar storms that enhance aurora activity can, in extreme cases, interfere with satellite and communication systems. Use manual settings, a wide aperture, long exposure, and a higher ISO. It’s essential to wear layers, including thermal underwear, a warm middle layer, a waterproof and windproof outer layer, insulated boots, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
DAY 4 Glacier Bay National Park & Bartlett Cove
I must admit – until I became interested in global cruising, I don’t think I’d ever heard of this natural wonder with the weirdest of names. 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 facing north, as that’s where the activity starts.
Embrace the experience, immerse yourself in onboard activities, and capture breathtaking photos that will forever remind you of this awe-inspiring adventure. When planning your Alaskan cruise, consider the ports of call that align with your desired Northern Lights viewing experience. Research the best times to visit each destination and consult with your cruise operator for expert guidance on optimal viewing spots and excursion options. Ultimately, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska depends on your personal preferences and willingness to handle cold weather. Next, we’ll explore the Alaska cruise routes that offer the best chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural wonder. If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise specifically to see the Northern Lights, it’s important to choose the right time of year.
They occur all year long but are only visible when the sky is dark and clear. 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. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.
Or, head outside, set up your camera and capture postcard-worthy photos to share with your loved ones. Select ships also offer an onboard viewing experience with the indoor planetarium located in the Princess Theater. Venture on a cosmic voyage with a Stargazing specialist and uncover the secrets of the skies above. On many cruises, when passengers or crew spot northern lights, they make ship-wide announcements. Because the northern lights often appear late at night or very early in the morning, some ships offer opt-in wake up calls for this purpose. On northern lights-themed cruises, viewing activities and excursions will abound.
Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many. Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state.
Chase the lights on a private tour with Wild Journeys Alaska and you’ll be in the capable hands of local guides who know where to look for them and understand the science behind them. On a trip to Alaska, you will notice that temperatures vary, ranging from 70 degrees to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. That is why you should pack an insulated jacket for comfort on chiller days. A high-quality camera is highly recommended to capture its beauty. To make your experience seamless, remember to bring replacement batteries and remote control.
Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop. Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises. Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities.
The best time to see these celestial wonders is during the transition from daylight to night, when the city below is embraced by darkened skies. While many visitors travel to the Great Land in anticipation of this cosmic spectacle, there are factors that can obstruct the view. An unobstructed sight of the Northern Lights is relatively rare, which makes it even more remarkable when you do have the opportunity to witness this phenomenon. We’ll provide you with comprehensive information on how to see the Northern Lights during your Alaska cruise. No cruise can guarantee sightings as the aurora is a natural and unpredictable phenomenon. However, cruises specifically tailored for aurora viewing will optimize the chances by choosing routes and timings with historically higher success rates.
The most common colors of the Northern Lights are green and yellow, which are caused by collisions with oxygen molecules at lower altitudes. Reds, pinks, and purples can also be seen at higher altitudes when the charged particles interact with nitrogen atoms. The lights typically appear in curtains, arcs, or spirals, dancing across the sky in a mesmerizing display that can last from minutes to hours.
Some displays may last for a few minutes, while intense activity can continue for hours. Setting sail to witness Alaska’s Northern Lights is thrilling, but ensuring you’re well-equipped can make your experience comfortable and memorable. Embarking on a Northern Lights cruise in Alaska is a significant commitment, both in terms of time and resources. Making an informed decision ensures you get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime journey. As we sail through this guide, remember that the Northern Lights are a blend of predictability and serendipity. While science and planning enhance your chances, there’s always a touch of magic in every aurora sighting.
No comments:
Post a Comment