My Customer’s experience of the Northern Lights

This week I was humbled when reminded of the very reason I do this job. I got to speak to one of my customers after their trip of a lifetime.

In their words below they shared with me the pictures and stories that completed a huge tick on their Bucket List. The famous Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights)

like me they had this incredible natural phenomenon right at the top of their Bucket list and they wanted me to share their unique experience and tips with anyone who is interested in taking a trip into The Arctic Circle.

Mrs & Mr H booked this trip of a lifetime whilst on board Princess it was their first ever cruise and they fell in love with cruising. Mrs H said at the time “it’s the little things like a special romantic dinner on your balcony that can make all the difference to how you feel” I wasn’t surprised to learn that on board they took the plunge and immediately planned their next trip.

They booked a clear view unobstructed balcony cabin on a stunning Sapphire Princess itinerary to seek out the Northern Lights. I love that they booked around 18 months in advance as for me a big part of holiday excitement for a trip like this is planning excursions and researching the perfect day to day itinerary.

Around four months before the trip came the big decision that could have really changed their holiday. Mrs H called me and advised that the inside cabin  price appeared to represent far better value than her balcony cabin.

After a long discussion with me we spoke about the benefits of taking the trip and changing the cabin to an inside and simply making better use of the ships fantastic outside decks; As the customer booked on board Princess were kind enough to change the cabin over to an inside cabin saving the customer over £1,500 in the process.

Insider Tip: On an Arctic circle Northern lights cruise itinerary Balconies really do come at a premium and sell out quickly.

Having spent just over £1,200 Per person for the trip my customer was super excited to start planning some excursions and get that winter wardrobe and ski Jacket ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Just have a look at the photos of the Northern lights and the excursions she booked.

I asked Mrs H was the lack balcony cabin something that compromised your enjoyment of the trip She had this to say…

 “my holiday was not impacted in anyway due to not having a balcony cabin”

Her husband Mr H said The “Princess captain was the most informative of any captain they have had to date; Always willing to advise on potential sightings of the Northern lights”

What I found Most interesting: they said …

“The Northern Lights actually came out much better on the camera than they looked with the naked eye” 

They loved the escorted Princess tours in Alta which were well organised they paid to go to a camp with open fires , Hot chocolates with marshmallows it was just unfortunate the Lights did not make an appearance on this beautiful evening.

I asked about clothing and my customer advised me…  I’m so pleased I took so much luggage with me as I really needed one case for our big ski coats, Thermals, hats, scarfs and gloves alone. It was bitter cold out on deck at night. This is one big advantage of doing the Arctic from Southampton.

The snow covered fjords scenery was beautiful at this time of year with lots of clear sky’s and snow peaked mountains. 

The Princess entertainment team was incredibly funny which really made this trip all the better. 

for anyone who is interested the itinerary on this trip was

Southampton, England 19 OCT 19 SAT DEPART 4:00PM
At Sea 20 OCT 19 SUN
At Sea 21 OCT 19 MON
Alesund, Norway 22 OCT 19 TUE ARRIVE 7:00AM DEPART 6:00PM
At Sea 23 OCT 19 WED
Tromso, Norway 24 OCT 19 THU ARRIVE 8:00AM DEPART 11:59PM
Alta, Norway 25 OCT 19 FRI ARRIVE 10:00AM
Tender Required WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED OVERNIGHT
Alta, Norway 26 OCT 19 SAT DEPART 11:00PM
Tender Required WHEELCHAIR ACCESS LIMITED
At Sea 27 OCT 19 SUN
At Sea 28 OCT 19 MON
Stavanger, Norway 29 OCT 19 TUE ARRIVE 8:00AM DEPART 6:00PM
At Sea 30 OCT 19 WED

Southampton), England 31 OCT 19 THU ARRIVE 7:00AM

When Looking for a Northern lights cruise try to make sure the itinerary has an overnight in a port within the Arctic circle Tromso, Harstad and Alta are great options.

Naturally I asked what was next on the Bucket list and without hesitation Mrs H replied “Rythms of The Deep South”

Funny enough we have this trip for 2020 and 2021 on multiple dates so it’s time for Mr &Mrs H to get their dancing shoes on for Mardi Gras in The Big Easy.

Where will you choose from your Bucket List Next?