The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise

Did you know? Alaska is more than just a travel destination. This 49th state of America is a vast, untamed natural paradise waiting to amaze you. We’re talking about stunning ancient glaciers and abundant wildlife. It offers sights that you must witness to truly believe, including a natural spectacle known as the northern lights. 

A cruise to Alaska provides a fantastic opportunity (pun intended) to witness the northern lights while enjoying all that this glacial haven has to offer. Continue reading to uncover the secrets of a natural wonder that’s simply extraordinary! 

What Are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights—scientifically referred to as the aurora borealis—are akin to a vibrant dance party in the heavens. And honestly, it’s the best kind of celebration! To catch a glimpse of these enchanting lights, your best options are locations near the Arctic Circle, like Alaska. This is due to the consistently weak magnetic fields at the Earth's North and South Poles, allowing the sun’s charged particles to speed into our atmosphere. And when they do, they certainly know how to make an entrance! 

These charged particles engage in a dance with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, heating them up and producing the stunning lights we’ve come to adore: the aurora borealis. The colors differ based on which gas is being excited. If you spot green, that means oxygen is heating up, while nitrogen generates beautiful blue, pink, and purple shades. 

What Are the Optimal Cruise Dates to Witness the Aurora Borealis?

To see the northern lights, it’s essential to be in the right place at the right time. Trust us—cruise dates are crucial! If you're cruising to Alaska, you can find cruises available in April, August, and September. Here’s a handy tip: choose August or April cruises for the best odds of spotting the northern lights. And if you're not naturally a night owl, remember to practice staying up late before the event! The lights typically make their appearance in Alaska between midnight and around 3:00 am.

Experts are forecasting that this year could showcase the most spectacular northern lights we've seen in two decades. Here’s the science behind it: the sun is at the peak of its 11-year cycle and will undergo increased solar activity. If you’re eager to witness the aurora borealis, now is the perfect moment to make your reservations!

Advice for Observing the Northern Lights

So, you find yourself on your Alaskan cruise. Bundled up for the occasion, you've brought your camera, a snack, and a heart full of patience, ready for the possibility that the lights may not make an appearance that evening. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you’ll catch the display—the spectacle could be overshadowed by a cloudy sky, a full moon, or even a weaker solar cycle. On the bright side, the crisp Arctic air and the starry night sky will likely enhance your experience. Even if the lights elude you, you’ll still have countless opportunities to relax and enjoy all that makes Alaska a worthy cruise destination.

Essential Tips for Planning Your Alaska Cruise

 Here are some helpful tips for booking your first Alaska cruise, straight from us to you.

1. Reserve early.
   • Unlike destinations with year-round warm climates (hello Caribbean!), Alaska’s cruise season is quite brief, making it trickier to secure your preferred dates. 
2. Select your excursions promptly.
   • Keep in mind that Alaska shore excursions tend to sell out faster than typical cruise activities.
3. Dress in layers.
   • Bring plenty of layers—remove them as temperatures rise in the afternoon and add them back on when it gets cooler in the evening. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and waterproof gear.
4. Don’t leave behind your…swimsuit? 
   • Trust us: on a warm afternoon, the ship’s pools and hot tubs will look extra tempting.
5. Big views are best enjoyed from a balcony.
   • With breathtaking glaciers, stunning fjords, and wildlife sightings, having your own balcony might just be the best choice you could make.
6. Long days and short nights mean more time for adventure. 
   • During summer, Alaska enjoys daylight for up to 18 hours, so book plenty of excursions and expect ample time to take in the views from the ship. Be sure to explore at each port of call to make the most of those amazing daylight hours!

Top Shore Excursions in Alaska

With an abundance of exciting options available, selecting your excursions can be a challenge. Our top tip: review your schedule and see what fits into your itinerary. Stick to what you enjoy, and get ready for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re diving into indigenous history or spotting Alaska’s incredible wildlife, you truly can’t go wrong! Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Experience the Yukon Railway in a vintage rail car, followed by a deluxe motor coach ride through Canada’s Yukon Territory.
• Soar through the treetops at Klondike Zipline Adventure Park.
• Witness wildlife and the iconic Mendenhall Glacier on a 3-hour cruise.
• Take a dog sled ride and discover the history of Alaska’s mushers.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers and Alaska’s stunning landscapes from a floatplane.
• Observe Bering Sea crab fishermen at work on a commercial fishing boat.

  If an Alaskan cruise is on your horizon, prepare for the ultimate wild adventure. Epic days and nights? Check. Opportunities to see the northern lights? Highly likely! Memorable fun, no matter your definition? Absolutely. 

If an Alaskan cruise is your dream, prepare for the ultimate wild adventure. Epic days and nights? Absolutely. Chances to witness the northern lights? Very likely! Unforgettable fun, however you define it? You bet!

Explore our Alaska sailings and begin planning your journey today.