The best year to see the Northern Lights

This year is the best on record to see the Northern Lights!

Aurora Borealis or more commonly known as the Northern lights occur when the sun lies behind the formation of the auroras. Particles blast out of the sun into space during solar explosions and when they meet the Earth’s shield, they react with the atmosphere creating green lights. The best time to see this phenomenon is autumn, winter and early spring in the Northern countries when days are short. Cruising is by far the best way to see the lights, whether you are sat on the top deck, observing from your balcony or sat in the hot tub with a glass of bubbly, this experience must been seen at least once! Travelling north at this time of year however; is not for everyone!

The weather can play a big part in your cruising experience. I travelled to Norway in June, the weather was amazing! Clear and sunny! A little cool when on the top deck, but the scenery is wonderful. No chance of seeing the Northern lights because it doesn’t go dark!

If you want to see the Northern lights it’s going to be cold, maybe wet and could be a bumpy ride! You are never guaranteed to even see the lights. So is it worth it?

Totally worth the risk in my opinion! A once in a lifetime experience and with the lights being the best ever, definitely worth going!

The Marco Polo – part of Cruise and Maritime Voyages set sail last week in search of the Northern Lights. After bad weather the 800 passenger ship was forced to anchor in the Lofoten islands but then got stuck on a mud bank!

The captain waited for the tide to rise and with some clever manoeuvring managed to free the ship! The safety of passengers and crew always comes 1^st and nobody was injured during this incident. All the Land tours continued as normal and the ship continued safely on route to Alta on the most Northern tip of Norway!

The lights are a magical and breath-taking experience. Have a look at what to expect..

Cruises to see the Northern lights are offered by many cruise lines including Cruise and Maritime Voyages. Hurtigruten specialise and offer fly cruises all year. If you prefer to sail out of the UK, P&O and Fred Olsen also offer similar trips.

Have you seen the Northern lights?

Where were you?

Do you think it’s worth travelling at this time of year?

Let me know your thoughts.

Rosie xxx