Gemini1961 Posted August 25, 2018 #1 Share Posted August 25, 2018 We will be traveling on the Pearl - to Alaska - leaving 9/30 - which is the last cruise of the year - Has anyone ever seen the northern lights on this cruise? We are hoping by going as late in the year as possible we will increase our odds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD29P5 Posted August 25, 2018 #2 Share Posted August 25, 2018 The biggest problem you will have is weather and latitude. The furthest north the Pearl goes in Skagway. While it is entirely possible to see it from Skagway the further north you go the better the chance in Alaska. Here is a link to a good site that will give you some indication of if you'll be able to see it or not. http://auroraforecast.gi.alaska.edu/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luv2gonow Posted August 25, 2018 #3 Share Posted August 25, 2018 Anything possible but I would imagine not likely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casofilia Posted August 25, 2018 #4 Share Posted August 25, 2018 I would be very dubious that you woulds see at that time of year only as far north as Skagway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tombec1 Posted August 25, 2018 #5 Share Posted August 25, 2018 My wife & I were in Alaska for a few days in 2016 (not a cruise). We didn't see any lights while driving around Alaska. We had a 9pm flight on 10/2 out of Anchorage - heading back to the East Coast. We saw the lights for several hours once our plane took off. It was really cool. So you may luck out if you've got a late evening flight after the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted August 26, 2018 #6 Share Posted August 26, 2018 It may very well be tough to see the Northern Lights even in the darkest regions of Alaska WHILE AT SEA and with twilight reflection off the waters All the deck and mast lighting would have to be extinguished - way too much ambient lighting. Much like living like I do in a major metropolitan area the Northern Lights can be seen but one must be out in the urban rural areas far and away from the - city lights - street lights - parking lot lighting - mall lights - and the list goes on and on. That little house on the prairie would be ideal. The lights when seen put on a dazzling show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherbertscamper Posted August 26, 2018 #7 Share Posted August 26, 2018 We were on a cruise several years ago and the lights were great! I was too lazy to get up and dressed that late, but there were several photos posted on the ship to show the beautiful colors! They were spectacular for at least 2 nights. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casofilia Posted August 26, 2018 #8 Share Posted August 26, 2018 Why don't you ask the HD if they will start a phone call set up for people who want to be woken should the Lights appear. They did that for us but there were no lights at any time. I got the idea from a hotel in Fairbanks that offered that service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunarias Posted August 26, 2018 #9 Share Posted August 26, 2018 We got to see the lights on a cruise 4 years ago in late April, but they were not very bright from the ship (even in the dark areas up on deck) but the photographer on board took some spectacular photos. It's possible, not probable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Von & John Posted August 26, 2018 #10 Share Posted August 26, 2018 Gemini - It's possible - if there's a clear sky & there is minimal light pollution from the ship. Even in the summer there are solar flares - which are seen as far south as Texas. Once you eliminate the weather & the light pollution, the strength of the solar flare & overall activity will determine your potential. As others have mentioned - lights seem to be more prevalent in Alaska in the late night hours. We generally look out the window anytime we wake up during the night, to see if we have any Aurora Activity. Good Luck on seeing our gorgeous Northern Lights... Cheers -- Von & John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskan_Kate Posted August 27, 2018 #11 Share Posted August 27, 2018 Entirely possible. Juneau had a great show of lights last night. You will need to get to the darkest place that you can be anytime after it gets dark. Try to look towards the north. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLH Arizona Posted August 27, 2018 #12 Share Posted August 27, 2018 We will be traveling on the Pearl - to Alaska - leaving 9/30 - which is the last cruise of the year - Has anyone ever seen the northern lights on this cruise? We are hoping by going as late in the year as possible we will increase our odds.Here is a thread on Celebrity: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2671917 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted August 27, 2018 #13 Share Posted August 27, 2018 Why don't you ask the HD if they will start a phone call set up for people who want to be woken should the Lights appear. They did that for us but there were no lights at any time. I got the idea from a hotel in Fairbanks that offered that service. Bad idea to depend on someone calling you. Far superior to be proactive and get yourself out frequently. You need to DAILY check the prediction stats needing at least-active. The you need clear dark skies. Meaning you can see stars. I’ve seen aurora numerous times but only once from a cruise ship. (With over 60 Alaska cruises) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casofilia Posted August 27, 2018 #14 Share Posted August 27, 2018 Far superior to be proactive and get yourself out frequently. Unfortunately when I go to bed I go to sleep!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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