The Cruise Hack That Gives You The Best Shot Of Seeing The Northern Lights

This is a sponsored post for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

There are few travel experiences as spine-tingling as watching the Northern Lights shimmer across an Arctic sky.

One moment the night is inky black; the next, these magical ribbons of green and violet appear above the horizon, rippling and twisting as if they’re alive. It’s nature’s greatest light show – and for many travellers, it’s right at the top of their bucket list.

But here’s the thing: the aurora doesn’t work to a timetable. You can’t just turn up and expect it to perform on cue. The Northern Lights are elusive and unpredictable, appearing only when the skies are clear and solar activity is right. So if you really want to boost your chances of seeing them, you need to be strategic.

And that’s where one clever cruise hack comes in – a simple way to make sure you’re in the right place at the right time, without spending your nights freezing in a layby somewhere north of Tromsø.

Why Choose a Cruise for the Northern Lights

Chasing the Northern Lights by ship isn’t just convenient – it’s brilliant.

The key advantage is mobility. While land-based travellers are stuck hoping the skies above their hotel clear up, a cruise ship can simply sail to wherever the forecast looks most promising.

Obviously there are some limits to that – the ship does have an itinerary to follow. But if there’s an open space where the cloud cover isn’t quite as bad, then the captain may be able to take a diversion to give guests the best chance.

Then there’s the comfort factor. On a cruise, you can enjoy dinner, catch a show or relax in a lounge while keeping one eye on the sky.

When the aurora makes an appearance, you only need to throw on a coat and step outside. You’ll have panoramic views with almost no light pollution – and you won’t have to worry about driving icy roads in the middle of the night.

Plus, the scenery you’ll sail through is spectacular even without the lights.

Snow-capped mountains, glassy fjords, remote Arctic villages – by day, it’s all crisp air and cinematic views; by night, it’s dark enough to see every star in the sky. In short, it’s a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

The One Cruise Hack That Gives You the Best Shot

So what’s the “hack”? Simple – choose a smaller ship.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has made this their speciality. With fewer than 1,400 guests on board, their ships are big enough to be comfortable but small enough to feel personal. And that size really matters when you’re chasing the aurora.

On a smaller ship, there’s more space to find your own quiet spot on deck. You’re not jostling for elbow room, and you don’t get the glare from hundreds of phones and cameras lighting up the night.

The atmosphere is calm and hushed – just the sound of the sea and the occasional gasp when a green glow arcs across the sky.

Smaller ships can also go where others can’t. They can sail deep into narrow fjords, slip between snow-dusted islands, and dock at smaller Arctic ports where light pollution is low and the skies are vast.

It’s these remote places – Tromsø, Alta, Bodø, the Lofoten Islands – where the aurora most often appears at its brightest and most dramatic.

And there’s something wonderfully sociable about a smaller ship, too. You’ll get to know your fellow passengers and the crew, swap sightings and compare photos over breakfast, and feel part of a little community of aurora-chasers at sea.

It’s all part of Fred. Olsen’s charm – a warm, friendly experience that feels more like travelling with friends than being lost in a crowd.

Why a Fred. Olsen Cruise is Ideal for Aurora Chasing

Fred. Olsen’s Northern Lights cruises are crafted with this phenomenon in mind – and they go far beyond simply providing a good view.

On many sailings, astronomers from Go Stargazing join the voyage, leading fascinating sessions under the open sky. You’ll learn how to identify constellations, understand what causes the aurora, and pick up insider tips for spotting faint light before it flares into a full celestial performance.

It’s not just about looking up, though. The itineraries are packed with Arctic adventures ashore, giving you a real taste of life in the far north.

You can mush a team of huskies across a frozen plateau, visit a reindeer farm and meet the Sámi people who’ve herded them for generations, or feel the rush of snowmobiling through white wilderness.

There are also gentler options like snowshoeing or sampling cloudberry jam in a cosy café by the harbour.

Back on board, Fred. Olsen keeps the Arctic magic alive in style. Expect enriching talks about the wildlife and folklore of the north, menus that feature locally inspired dishes, and a spa where you can warm up and unwind after a day in the cold.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching the snow fall outside while you soak in the Atlantis Spa’s warmth with a view of the fjords drifting past.

It’s a thoughtful balance of discovery, learning and relaxation – everything you’d hope for from a voyage designed to celebrate one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Northern Lights Cruise

Dress for deck time

The aurora tends to appear when it’s coldest, so layers are your best friend.

Bring thermals, warm socks, gloves and a good hat – the kind you won’t mind wearing at two in the morning when the sky decides to put on a show.

Get to know your camera

A cruise is the perfect place to practise low-light photography. Use manual settings if you can: a wide aperture and a long exposure work wonders. Do a few test shots at dusk to find the right balance before the real show begins.

Keep an eye on the sky

The lights can appear without warning, so make a habit of stepping outside for a quick look before bed. If the night looks promising, linger a little – the best displays often come just when you’re about to give up.

Be patient and flexible

Part of the magic of the Northern Lights is their unpredictability. If you don’t see them straight away, don’t worry.

Enjoy the journey – the fjords, the wildlife, the Arctic towns, and the crisp night air. The aurora will feel even more special when it does appear.

Savour the whole experience

A Northern Lights cruise is about so much more than the lights themselves. It’s the gentle hum of the ship, the hush of snow-covered mountains, and the warmth of coming back inside after the chill of the deck.

Even on nights when the sky stays dark, you’ll still feel like you’ve witnessed something extraordinary.

The Best Way to Chase the Aurora

No one can ever promise you’ll see the Northern Lights – but there are smart ways to maximise your chances.

Choosing a smaller ship means quieter decks, clearer skies, and access to those remote Arctic locations where the aurora shines brightest.

Fred. Olsen’s blend of expert-led stargazing, authentic Arctic adventures and signature small-ship charm makes their Northern Lights cruises one of the most rewarding ways to chase the aurora.

Because when the sky finally flickers to life in waves of green and purple, and the entire ship falls silent in awe, you’ll know you did it right – from the best seat in the house, out at sea.

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