Northern Lights

[luv2ndhalf]

Pointers please 🙂

Looking at a Northern Lights cruise March 2025. Due to time constraints, we’d like to do either 6-7 days. Looking at either Hurtigtuten or Havila. Do we go north to south or vise versa? Tips? TIA

[Desdichado62]

March (depending on when in March) is borderline late to see northern lights.
As for North to south or south to north - the further north you go the greater the chance to see northern lights. However there are other factors (out of your control) such as solar activity and weather that in the end will be de deciding factor as to if you will see northern lights or not.

[hallasm]

I prefer from Bergen to Kirkenes - chances for Northern Lights after Bodø. Look at the timetable to see which cities the long stops are northbound and southbound - same timetable for Hurtigruten and Havila. Depending on possible excursions is also a factor. Different excursions whether you choose the north or south voyage.

Plan for some extra days in Bergen and Kirkenes.

[kaisatsu]

Northbound tends to be more popular among one-way tourists, in large part due to the longer calls and daytime arrivals in several of the cities. If you're in it for the scenery rather than the ports, the shorter times in port are less of a concern. The southbound route does have more daytime in Lofoten Islands.

 

Since you're keen on the Northern Lights, you could also consider booking a shorter port-to-port trip to or from Tromsø and spending a few days in the city to chase the aurora. There are a lot of great aurora operations that track the surrounding microclimates and will drive you out to areas with clear skies when it's cloudy over the city.

[Senga]

People we know took a Viking cruise specifically to see the Northern Lights in February.  Not only did they NOT see them, their cruise was cut short due to rough seas.  😢

[hallasm]

4 hours ago, Senga said:

Not only did they NOT see them, their cruise was cut short due to rough seas

I think it was a wise decision by Viking after the problems with Viking Sky in Hustadvika, Norway In March 2019 - Viking were not the only ones who had to change itinerary or cancel the sailing.

[Senga]

1 hour ago, hallasm said:

I think it was a wise decision by Viking after the problems with Viking Sky in Hustadvika, Norway In March 2019 - Viking were not the only ones who had to change itinerary or cancel the sailing.

We were on Sky Princess last May and, due to 30ft. waves in the North Atlantic, we missed our Iceland ports.  We couldn’t believe how angry people were!  Our safety is more important.  We’re trying again in June this year.  🤞🏻