Want to see the Northern Lights? Try a Fred. Olsen cruise

At a glance

• Fred. Olsen offers dedicated sailings designed to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights
• Itineraries are timed carefully around the peak season for Northern Lights sightings
• Destinations above the Arctic Circle, such as Tromsø and Alta, offer prime viewing locations
• Onboard, guests can expect cosy lounges, enriching talks and astronomers from Go Stargazing

The Northern Lights top bucket lists across Britain, and it’s easy to see why. This dazzling natural phenomenon results from solar wind interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, but to the human eye, the ribbons of green, violet and pink dancing across the sky appear truly otherworldly.

Seeking out this ethereal, elusive spectacle is rarely straightforward. Enter Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, whose experts have perfected the art of aurora hunting.

While there is no 100 per cent guarantee when it comes to this unpredictable natural wonder, the specialists at Fred. Olsen have handcrafted itineraries designed to give you the best possible chance, at a price that’s more accessible than you might expect.

Why is a cruise the best way to experience the Northern Lights?

The more you think about it, the more a cruise feels like the natural choice for seeing the Northern Lights. Out on the water, the sky feels impossibly vast, with wide horizons acting as a canvas for nature’s most spellbinding display. Crucially, you’re far from the air and light pollution that often obscures the aurora borealis on land. The pitch-black nights you experience at sea make the kaleidoscopic colours appear all the more brilliant.

And unlike a nature lodge, for instance, a ship moves. You’re not stuck in one place if cloud cover rolls in – cruises have the power to pursue clear skies, giving you the best possible chance of witnessing this fleeting spectacle.

How Fred. Olsen maximises your chances of seeing the Northern Lights 

Timing: Fred. Olsen schedules its Northern Lights itineraries to align with the peak season for sightings. Its experts often take this a step further by planning around natural events like the lunar cycle – darker skies during a new moon can make the Northern Lights appear even more lustrous.

Location: These itineraries take you directly from the UK (no flights required) to the ports along Norway’s northern coast, renowned for sightings. Expect stops above the Arctic Circle, in destinations such as Tromsø and Alta.

Live announcements: Go Stargazing astronomers keep watch onboard, with live announcements when the aurora is spotted, meaning you’ll never miss an opportunity, even if you’ve been inside enjoying dinner or a show.

How Fred. Olsen turns Northern Lights sighting into lasting memories

The team at Fred. Olsen doesn’t just give you the chance to witness this astral phenomenon; they also make sure the experience is one for the books. As well as scanning the skies for celestial sights, onboard Go Stargazing astronomers act as your guides to the heavens, leading informal yet informative talks, sharing myths and legends of old and giving laser-guided tours of constellations.

On most sailings, you’ll also be joined by a photography expert who can share top tips and tricks as you capture shots of the aurora borealis above.

What else to know before booking a Fred. Olsen Northern Lights cruise

The itinerary

‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruises sail from a variety of southern and northern UK ports, including Southampton, Liverpool, Portsmouth and Newcastle. As well as the Northern Lights, passengers are drawn to these itineraries for the chance to experience pristine Arctic landscapes, such as the Seven Sisters mountain range and Norway’s majestic fjords.

Popular destinations on various itineraries include Torghatten, Narvik, Tromsø, Bodø, Alta and Leknes.

Shore excursions

A Northern Lights sighting is unlikely to be your only bucket-list experience on this voyage. Top excursions include snowshoe hiking, snowmobile rides, husky sledding and opportunities to learn about Sámi culture, from storytelling in a traditional lavvu tent to seeing reindeer herding in action.

The onboard experience

Aboard one of Fred. Olsen's ships, you’ll experience a level of comfort that acts as the perfect counterbalance to days spent adventuring in the Arctic. Expect cosy lounges and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to soak up between sightings.

The Freedom Fare includes everything from à la carte dinners and a late-night supper club (perfect if you’re staying up for the lights) to evening live shows, enriching lectures, cookery demonstrations and relaxing hot tubs.

Why now’s the time to book your Fred. Olsen Northern Lights cruise

Scientists predict that 2025 through 2027 will see particularly intense aurora activity, making the next few years an excellent time to chase the Northern Lights.

Booking well in advance is highly recommended for several reasons. Northern Lights cruises are extremely popular, so if you wait, you risk missing out on your preferred sailing altogether. This is especially true if you’re interested in specific dates, for example, a sailing that falls over Christmas, or one of the adults-only voyages. If you have a particular accommodation category in mind, such as a suite or solo stateroom, it's even more important to plan ahead.

Fares also tend to be at their most attractive when you book early, though last-minute deals are sometimes available for the more spontaneous traveller.