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artic days and northern lights

Fernandoj

We are booked on the Artic days and Northern cruise fro March 2, 2026. Is someone on this tour? We are concerned about the very low temperatures and if it really would be worth being exposed to such harsh weather. Has someone taken this cruise at this time of the year that can please share some comments. Thank you

Comments

British

I think only you can decide if it is worth it. There is a chance you might not see any lights.

Smiling Sam

This is a new tour so no one has experience.

OurTravels34

I went with another company and yes, the Aurora is worth it. It’s not a guarantee that you will see the lights anywhere. It’s one of those once in a lifetime trips. We were given the necessary outerwear for warmth to borrow while in the Arctic circle for 4 days. Watch Eugene Levy on the Reluctant Traveler when he’s in Finland. I’m 72 and I would do it again although in another area.

BKMD

Watch Eugene Levy

Bueller...

Wan

Not a Tauck trip, but we were in the Yukon Territory (Canada) this past February for the lights. The temps at night got to about 20 degrees F plus or minus. We were provided heavy jackets to wear. Interestingly, they were manufactured for the refrigeration industry and worked really well. The problem is hands and feet. We brought along thermal packs to wear inside boots and gloves, provided for us. We did use our own gloves which had some functionality to work an iPhone for photos. This in fact was the biggest challenge: How to take photos while wearing gloves. If you can work this out and practice before you go, you will be golden. I could not tolerate having my gloves off for more than about 20 seconds. A tripod will help, but we stubbornly did not use one. Most auroras you see will be wisps of light green or white and will only look colorful through your camera and photos. It is only the stronger auroras that can be seen colorfully with your eyes. Those are not common. And don’t forget the pesky clouds.

Regarding is it worth it: Before we went on our trip, the only people I ever knew who saw an aurora had either seen it by accident or were raised in a place where it was seen regularly. I had never met anyone who tried on purpose and saw it. There is more aurora activity this year and next so you’d probably have a good chance of seeing it. But for me it was important to think about the whole package trip rather than just the aurora, in case we didn’t see it. How hard is it to get there? What daytime activities are there? What will the accommodations and food be like? How expensive? Seeing an aurora is awesome but I personally did not want to go all the way to Norway (from California). If your trip looks good to you regardless of seeing the aurora, then it is probably worth it. The cold can be managed.

British

A great analysis Wan. We saw some from our own home a couple of years ago when everyone seemed to be lucky in lots of the country. For us it was pink. It was indeed way more colorful when you looked at the photos.

kfnknfzk

I agree with Ourtravels34. I have sailed from Kirkenes, Norway (~ ten miles from the Russian border) through the Lofoten Islands and on to Tromsø, Norway. The Aurora Borealis’ beauty is beyond description.

It is the wind that is brutal but with the right clothing and layers, it is manageable.

Sealord

I have seen the aurora several times from my airplane cockpit. Best viewing place. Nice and warm, and little ambient light when you turn all the cockpit lights off. Clouds are not normally a problem above thirty thousand feet. I’m not sure the view was that great from the passenger windows, but I woke them up anyway. I find it interesting that on my recent flights the Captain only rarely talks to the passengers. My flights were more like a travelog, at least during the daytime. The business travelers were probably annoyed, but the leisure crowd seemed to love it.

Mary Margaret McClure

Sealord,

I used to work the TWA red-eye flights from SEA-ANC turnaround. Not only did we get to experience the Northern Lights, we had the pleasure of St. Elmo's Fire on the cockpit windshield. What an absolute thrill!

cherylszczesniak

we are on the march 2nd trip as well. packing alot of merlino wool, hats, scarfs, wool socks. Hopefully we will be able to see the lights!!

OurTravels34

On another note regarding clothing, there are heated socks you can buy and monitor the warmth with a remote you can keep in a pocket or backpack. There was a couple on our trip with heated vests. In fact, I just bought one for my husband on Amazon. He wears it on very cold days in northern California. The vendor starts with a letter “V”. I might even get myself one.

connorlaker

We are getting ready for this March 2nd trip also after having gone on a similar trip last March with a different cruise line. Yes, you need to be prepared with good warm clothing for extended time outside and for outside deck viewing of the Northern Lights. Otherwise, normal winter ware is fine. Among other things, we enjoyed reindeer led sled riding and visiting the ice hotel while, this time, we have other activities booked. We took several nice pictures of the northern lights with our iphones without any special apps or equipment (leaving the tripod at home this time since it seemed to be more of a burden than anything). All in all, we thought that this trip was worth repeating. See you on board! .

connorlaker

Here are some tips for observing and taking pictures of the Northern Lights:
I'm pretty much a point and shoot person with an iPhone and did quite well last year with the night setting switched on (see https://support.apple.com/en-us/102519 ). However, there were a number of suggestions that were offered for those interested in getting the best pictures possible. The "NightCap Camera" app was recommended for the iPhone and more technical information was given for a regular camera: Equipment; DSLR/Full frame, Remote shutter, Tripod, Spare batteries, Warm clothes....Turn off stabilization, SHOOT IN THE RAW. Settings: Manual, BULB, F1.8-F5.6, ISO 400-3200, Manual Focus, White Balance (3000-5000 Kelvin), Exposure 3-10 seconds.
For up-to-date aurora information the Glendale app was recommended from https://aurora-alerts.uk/
I know. More information than you need to know. Just enjoy the sights.