iceland and greenland cruise reviews

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Cruising Iceland and Greenland - Iceland Forum

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5 replies to this topic

Do expect rain every day. Be thrilled when you get a sunny day.

Yes it can be cold, especially on deck. The seas can be very rough in the Denmark Strait, so be prepared if you suffer with motion sickness.

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Greenland & Iceland Cruises

The land of fire & ice and greenland’s hinterlands inspire unforgettable arctic circle adventures.

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Majestic Landscapes

Our Greenland & Iceland cruises bring you to the edge of the Arctic Circle and fill your days with magnificent fjords, dramatic natural wonders and outdoor adventures on these remote North Atlantic island countries. Cruise Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, to experience the famed Blue Lagoon, the popular Golden Circle route, Reykjavik’s Viking Settlement Exhibition, stark lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers and much more. Meanwhile, the shores of Greenland give way to sparsely populated hinterlands, impressive fjord systems, the colonial harbor of Nuuk and Paamiut’s rich Inuit culture.

Greenland & Iceland Special Offers

From insider tours of this region’s boundless natural wonders and immersions in local communities to fascinating historical explorations, our Greenland & Iceland shore excursions bring you the best of the local attractions, culture and history. More extended evening stays across the region give you the chance to immerse yourself in Greenland & Iceland with in-depth explorations, adventures ashore and leisurely, meaningful touring.

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Extend your stay before or after your Greenland & Iceland cruise at one of these luxurious hotels, carefully selected for their superb location, ambiance, world-class standards of service, cuisine and amenities. Our hotel packages include free air date changes up to 3 days before or after your cruise; free transfers between the airport, hotel and ship; and porterage. You’ll also enjoy the services of our exclusive Oceania Cruises hospitality desk at each hotel.

Featured Greenland & Iceland Hotels

Grand Hotel Reykjavik

Reykjavik, iceland.

Grand Hotel Reykjavik is a first-class hotel for travelers who demand excellent service and facilities. As the largest hotel in Iceland, Grand Hotel Reykjavik features more than 300 rooms and is situated in an ideal location in the city – a quiet area and yet close to services, restaurants and recreation. All of the hotel rooms are very spacious and equipped with desirable amenities. The hotel restaurant, Brasserie Grand, offers a varied menu to suit every need. The chefs create both international delights and mouth-watering, fresh Icelandic seafood specialties. The wine list includes a wide range of internationally recognized choices.

LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE

New york, united states.

With a nod to its illustrious past, Lotte New York Palace has taken an ambitious leap into the future by combining old-world elegance with present-day luxury. Lotte New York Palace turned an iconic New York City property from a historic Madison Avenue gem to Midtown’s premier modern hotel. This Midtown Manhattan hotel features 909 rooms and suites – including 176 spacious Towers accommodations – which provide the perfect setting for relaxation and inspired stays in New York City. Unique dining venues, such as the newly opened VILLARD Restaurant and Pomme Palais, offer everything from imaginative breakfast dishes to signature pastries and sandwiches. The hotel’s famed Villard Mansion built in 1882 is recognized as a New York City landmark and gracefully blends with a contemporary 55-story tower. The Madison Avenue Courtyard provides a dramatic entryway to the hotel’s grand lobby.

Our Iceland Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs invite you to immerse yourself in the culture and spectacular natural beauty of this region. These multi-day, in-depth Land Programs include exclusive tours, premium hotel stays, airport transfers when arriving and departing the day your program begins and ends, and often times locally inspired meals and porterage too.

Greenland & Iceland Land Programs

Super Jeep Adventure: The South Shore

Set off on a thrill-seeking exploration of the Icelandic wilds in a 4x4 Super Jeep and a snowmobile. This four-day adventure is punctuated with visits to hot springs, ancient glaciers, lagoons, roaring waterfalls and mountain lakes in Thingvellir National Park, Langjökull, Hafnarfjörður and several other unique locations in the Icelandic highlands.

• 2 nights at the Hilton Hotel or similar
• 1 night at the Land Hotel or similar (standard room)
• Lunches (1 drink included)
• Day tours and admission fees per the program itinerary
• Excess luggage storage in Reykjavik

Today’s Featured Greenland & Iceland Cruises

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15 Night Iceland & Greenland Cruise

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Day 1: southampton, england.

Prehistoric Adventure

A Port of Importance

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Day 5 - 6: reykjavik, iceland.

Reach for the Sky

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Day 8: Qaqortoq, Greenland

Take Your Bath Outside

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Veranda Suite

Approximate total space: 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m.) including veranda of 75 sq. ft. (7 sq. m.)* Suites on Seabourn Venture feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; extra-large walk-in closet for expedition gear; personal safe; interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom with double vanities, tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Penthouse Suite

Approximate total space: 527 sq. ft. (49 sq. m.) including veranda of 97 sq. ft. (9 sq. m.) All Penthouse Suites feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Panorama Penthouse Suite

Suites 513-516, 611-614, 711-714, 802-805; Total space: 417 sq. ft. (39 sq. m.) incl. veranda of 85 sq. ft. (8 sq. m.) All Panorama Veranda Suites feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; walk-in closet; personal safe; interactive TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom, separate tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, luxury health and beauty products, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets. *Some veranda sizes vary.

Owners Suite And Above

Suites 700, 701 Total space 1,023 sq. ft. (95 sq. m.) incl. veranda of 484 sq. ft. (45 sq. m.) Owner's Suites on feature a comfortable living area; private veranda; queen-size bed or two twin beds; extra-large walk-in closet for expedition gear; personal safe; interactive flat-screen TV with music and movies; fully stocked bar and refrigerator; writing desk with personalized stationery; makeup vanity; spacious bathroom with double vanities, tub and shower, plush robes, slippers, hairdryer and 110/220V AC outlets.

Your Ship: Seabourn Venture

To reach some of the most coveted, remote destinations in the world, Seabourn Venture will be constructed with the hardware and technology necessary to operate capably while delivering a guest experience filled with luxury comforts that leaves travelers wanting for nothing.

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Onboard Activities

Each day on board offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment and enriching activities.

BarsandLounges

The Bow Lounge provides the closest access to water level making it the perfect spot for guests to spend some time watching for marine life.

Located on Deck 6, at the forward-most part of the vessel, the Bow Lounge provides the closest access to water level via the foredeck, making it the perfect spot for guests to spend some time watching for marine life. Within a few steps, guests can be outside, with a vantage point that is ideal to watch the ship’s course, spot wildlife, or take in the beautiful natural scenery.

The Bow Lounge introduces some technological enhancements, providing guests with a first for Seabourn with touch screens showing the ship’s plotted location, as well as navigational charts and scientific information used to help guide the ship on its journey. Large screens project live footage from mounted cameras outside the ship, and from a drone when conditions permit, while the touch screen monitors invite guests to explore on their own with a live map, weather information, and notes detailing upcoming expeditions. Expedition Team members will be available within the Lounge throughout the day to interact with guests, answer questions, provide interpretation and aid in spotting wildlife.

The space provides direct access to the Bow Sprit on Deck 6 forward (when conditions permit) to give guests the sensation of standing in front of the ship and views of waves parting and ice sloughing off the bow at the waterline.

*Only on Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit

Constellation Lounge

Featuring stunning 270-degree views the Constellation Lounge offers guests a breathtaking perspective on the remote destinations in the world.

The Constellation Lounge is the highest indoor viewing point on each ship. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrap around the space, offering guests stunning 270-degree, outward-facing views as far as their eyes can see, heightening their expeditionary spirit while bringing them closer to wildlife and wonders at sea and in port.

In addition, the expedition team will be in the lounge regularly to help identify points of interest, wildlife and geological wonders. Imagine glimpsing killer whales, waddling penguins, and sea lions in Antarctica; sleepy-eyed sloths, sprightly monkeys, and colorful parrots in the rainforests of South and Central America; and icebergs bobbing in the seas and waterfalls rushing over cliffs in the far reaches of the Arctic and Northern Europe – all from the comfort of the Constellation Lounge.

The Constellation Lounge offers Seabourn’s popular Early Morning Riser continental breakfast, while afternoons features the line’s popular and recently enhanced Afternoon Tea service. Steeped in the tradition of proper English tea service, yet as fresh and memorable as a newly brewed pot, the elegant daily tea service incorporates the finest luxury tea brand TWG Tea. As the sun dips and the night sky lights up, live piano entertainment delights guests as cocktails and tapas are served both before and after dinner. 

*Only on Seabourn Venture & Seabourn Pursuit

In-Suite Dining

Around the clock for service in your suite. Dinner from The Restaurant menu is served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

Seabourn is pleased to offer a varied menu available around the clock for service in your suite. You may also order dinner from The Restaurant menu and have your meal served, course by course, in your suite or on your veranda.

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These Cruises Might Be the Best Way to Visit Iceland This Summer

Looking for a summer vacation in Iceland with great value? These cruises might be the answer.

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This is the summer of travel. Numbers are up across the board, but they're especially high in Europe. According to a survey by insurance company Allianz Partners , the number of Americans traveling to Europe this summer will increase 55 percent from last year.  And one of the trendiest European destinations this summer is Iceland , with its capital, Reykjavik, ranking No. 5 on the Allianz survey's rankings of the most popular destinations.

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Iceland is expensive, and it has been since long before pandemic rebound travel shot prices sky high. (Kayak reports that hotels are 5 percent more expensive and flights are 35 percent more expensive this summer than last summer.) And that means you should definitely pad your budget when you plan a trip to the Nordic country.

The best value for an Icelandic vacation this summer might actually be  luxury cruising . While Iceland cruises are certainly expensive on their own, their rates typically include meals (and sometimes alcohol), excursions, and, of course, lodging. And though, in most cases, you'll still have to pay for airfare to get to Iceland, cruise lines sometimes offer discounts on airfare.

Fiippo Vinardi/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises 

Though cruises often book up quickly, there are still sailings available this summer (and you can sometimes even snag a deal on last-minute bookings). Here are four Iceland luxury cruises you can book right now for your summer vacation to the land of fire and ice.

Silversea: Reykjavik to Reykjavik

Matteo Imbriani/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises 

This summer, Silversea's 596-passenger Silver Moon will sail multiple itineraries in Iceland, including this 10-day adventure that includes a visit to the nearby Faroe Islands. Silversea's cruises are all-inclusive — and that even means butler service for every cabin. There are two rate options: one that is door-to-door and covers airport transfers and flights, and one that is port-to-port if you'd prefer to arrange transportation on your own.

Rates from $4,950 per person; silversea.com

Lindblad Expeditions: A Circumnavigation of Iceland

Lindblad Expeditions will use three of its ships on this 11-day Icelandic itinerary this summer, including its two new polar ships, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution. There will be fewer than 150 guests on each trip, making the experience ideal for non-cruisers, and excursions will be a mix of active adventures, like hiking, scenic 4x4 rides, and cultural experiences.

Rates from $12,280 per person; expeditions.com

Viking: Iceland's Natural Beauty

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Viking Star will be Viking's ship-in-residence in Iceland this summer, with departures just about weekly from June through August for up to 930 guests per sailing. The eight-day itinerary circumnavigates the island, offering at least one free excursion in each port (you can upgrade to more exclusive excursions like horseback riding and Zodiac cruises past icebergs). But make sure you take time to enjoy the ship — Viking is famous for its onboard spas.

Rates from $3,799 per person; vikingcruises.com

Seabourn: Legend of the Icelandic Sagas

Over the course of 14 days, this itinerary takes guests not just around Iceland, but also up to eastern Greenland. Guests will sail aboard Seabourn Venture , Seabourn's first expedition ship, which holds just 264 passengers. Something that makes this particular sailing stand out is that the ship offers submarine excursions, providing guests a rare glimpse of the frigid underwater world of the North Atlantic.

Rates from $8,609 per person; seabourn.com

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Cruises to Iceland and Greenland

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Discover Arctic vistas and marvel at dramatic scenery on one of our cruises to Greenland and Iceland, where you’ll be surrounded by natural wonders and quaint colonial towns at every turn. These twelve-night journeys are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Combine quiet days at sea with exciting stops in breathtaking ports of call like Akureyri in Iceland and Greenland’s Qaqortoq, where you’ll experience adventure, beauty, and relaxation like never before.

Itineraries

Departure ports for greenland & iceland cruises.

Begin or end your cruise in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik, a fascinating city that is at the top of the bucket list for adventurous travelers. Depending on your itinerary you’ll either depart or disembark in this stunning port, where you should make sure to spend an extra day or two exploring its endless natural wonders, including the towering Gullfoss Waterfall, the Vatnajokull Ice Caves, and Reykjavik’s famous Blue Lagoon.

Cape Liberty

On cruises to Greenland and Iceland, you can depart from the port of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, which is located near Newark airport and less than an hour’s drive away from Manhattan. Plan on getting there a few days early and discover everything the Big Apple has to offer, including its world-class restaurant scene, Broadway shows, and top-notch shopping. Then set sail from this convenient port and soak in unrivaled views of the New York City skyline and the iconic Statue of Liberty before heading out on your vacation across the Atlantic. 

Ports of Call

Mother Nature’s beauty is on full display in Isafjordur, a small, scenic town in the Westfjords that serves as a gateway to Iceland’s unspoiled terrain. Take a walk around its picturesque old town, where you’ll find cute shops and local restaurants. Visit the Dynjandi Waterfalls, known as “the jewel of the Westfjords.” Or go on a hike up Kaldbakur, the tallest mountain in the Westfjords, where you’ll enjoy majestic landscapes. 

You’ll get even more of a taste of Iceland’s stunning nature in Akureyri, a small town with impressive mountainscapes that is known for being one of the best places to catch the Northern Lights. Head to the lava fields of Dimmuborgir and take photos amongst the unusual formations. Travel to Godafoss, a towering cascade that is also known as the “waterfall of the gods.” Or relax and soak in the healing properties of the mud baths at Lake Myvatn or the hot springs of Hverir.  

Explore the tiny town of Qaqortoq during one of our cruises to Greenland and Iceland, where you’ll get a sense of the Arctic climate and wilderness. Admire the serene beauty of Lake Tasersuaq, where you’ll see unbeatable views of Qaqortoq and the mountains beyond. Learn about Nordic history at Hvalsey Church, ancient ruins that span back thousands of years. Or go on a reinvigorating nature walk through Qaqortoq’s hillsides, where you’ll marvel at scenic fjord views and charming colonial homes in bright colors. 

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Review: Greenland on 'Scenic Eclipse II' Expedition Cruise

W e came bursting out of our cabin doors, pulling cameras from their bags faster than an Arctic gyrfalcon diving for prey. Only moments earlier, Captain Erwan Le Rouzic had come onto the ship's loudspeaker and said, "You all must come to the outside decks. There's not 10, not 20, not 50, not 100, but probably several hundred whales here. They're all around us." We had to see it.

He wasn't exaggerating. From our perch on the Observation Deck, it looked like the Fountains at the Bellagio had been stretched across the horizon, thanks to the blowhole sprays of several hundred fin and humpback whales.

"This is so rare, even for Greenland," an expedition guide told us, adding that whales don't typically travel in pods anywhere near this large and that they'd likely been enticed into this bay by an abundance of food. "It makes you feel like a real explorer."

"That's exactly why we've come," I think. In a world that's been explored to the point of overtourism, Greenland stands out. Though it's the planet's largest island (roughly three times the size of Texas), the mostly Indigenous population is made up of just 57,000 residents, and prepandemic, only about 68,000 people visited annually. (For context, Times Square sees nearly twice as many total visitors on an average day.)

Granted, visitation will likely increase in the coming years-advancements in polar sailing, such as a growing number of ships with ice-breaking abilities, are making exploration of this region more accessible. In recent years, a slew of cruise companies have launched their first trips to Greenland.

What it's like sailing on the "Scenic Eclipse II"

In fact, this was the first time the ship we were aboard, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II , the latest discovery yacht in Scenic Luxury Cruises ' portfolio, which launched in April 2023, had sailed to the ice-covered isle.

The new 10-deck ship has no shortage of comforts. All cabins (which range from the two-person 344-square-foot entry-level suite to the four-person 2,745-square-foot penthouse suite) boast private balconies, mini-bars that are restocked daily, a flat-screen TV, beds with remotes that allow you to adjust pressure and position, and butler service.

Then there are the eight dining options, which include two reservation-only tasting-menu restaurants (the French-themed Lumiere, where caviar, escargot, and champagne are givens, and the Night Market, which features different Asian cuisines each night), and the invite-only Chef's Table (which boasts a 14-course gastronomic experience, complete with wine pairings). Then there's the main bar, on the lobby level, that features a wall of more than 100 complimentary whiskeys and bourbons. (If you tell your butler which you prefer, they'll arrange for a decanter of it to be left in your room.)

Other amenities include a library, a gym, a spa complex (with massages, facials, and nail and hair treatments and gendered sauna, steam, and salt therapy rooms, which are always available to guests), a laundry room (free for guests to use), and a heated plunge pool. We spent much of our time in the theater, where expedition staff give daily lectures on everything from Arctic animals to how climate change is reshaping Greenland.

As amazing as the onboard areas and offerings are, the real appeal of the ship is its ability to access wilder areas.

Because the ship doesn't need to be anchored (it holds position with stabilizers), it can tuck into areas that other, larger ships can't. And onboard toys, like kayaks and Zodiacs (eight-person inflatable, motorized boats), get passengers even closer to nature. (Although it wasn't available on our sailing, all future cruises will also have access to a custom-built submersible called the Scenic Neptune II, which can dive 650 feet.)

One day, in an Edenic bay off the coast of the Nansen Fridtjof peninsula, we loaded into a Zodiac to zoom between bits of glacial ice. Roughly 80 percent of Greenland is covered in ice. During the summer, when it's warmer, large chunks break off and float along the shore. The pieces come in all sizes, ranging from massive tabular icebergs, as big as aircraft carriers, to smaller, baseball-sized bergy bits that float like corks in the choppy water. They also come in all kinds of surrealistic shapes, like a child's winsome doodle come to life.

Another ship amenity, a pair of Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, helped us take in the landscape from on high. With Scenic Eclipse II parked before the lolling tongue of a massive tidewater glacier in the Skjoldungen Fjord, three other passengers and I were swept into the sky. From 1,000 feet, we followed the river of ice, marred with veins of crevasses hundreds of feet deep and sprinkled with pools of water so otherworldly blue that they looked like a portal into another realm through the mountain pass. Soon, we found ourselves flying over the Greenland Ice Sheet, a pure white mass that's more than 1,200 miles long and 500 miles wide, so the horizon goes on endlessly. It's a landscape that feels both lunar in its starkness and more dazzling than the brightest sunset.

We were lucky to have that window to fly. Later in the trip there were few opportunities for airborne pursuits; the cloud ceiling was too low.

The unpredictability of cruising in Greenland

On the first day, following a lecture on being responsible visitors (including avoiding trampling plant life, not petting wild dogs, and being respectful of local communities), expedition leader Xavier Garcia told all the passengers that flexibility would be key to having a memorable and enjoyable trip. Sure, we'd be stopping in a few towns (Narsaq, Nuuk, and Ilulissat), where activities like visiting with a local family over a meal of smoked Arctic char or touring museums to get a better idea of how locals have lived in such a harsh environment were planned. But our excursions outside of port towns would be determined somewhat on a day-to-day basis.

While that's true of all expedition sailings, which are characterized by visiting remote regions where the weather often scrambles plans, it's especially true on sailings to Greenland.

Unlike other expedition destinations, such as the Galápagos islands, Svalbard, and Antarctica, which have been regular offerings from cruise companies for decades, Greenland is somewhat of a newcomer to the scene. Companies are still learning where along the 27,000 miles of coastline they can stop for activities like hikes, Zodiac rides, and polar plunges. (We did a polar plunge near the spindly finger of a tidewater glacier, where the water was just above 40 degrees-most jumpers came up shivering and swearing.)

For Garcia, who'd only been to Greenland once before our sailing, that meant reading about the history of the land and ice we'd pass, looking at navigational charts, and scouting out areas with the helicopter ahead of time. They're still learning, but those itineraries will only get better as time progresses. In 2024, this itinerary will be called the Greenland Explorer- it will start in Reykjavík before sailing to Fjallfoss in Iceland's Westfjords and then onward to Greenland for 11 days. (Three days are in towns, while the rest could be spent anywhere along Greenland's coast between the Fridtjof Nansen peninsula in the southeast and Upernavik in the west.) Afterward, guests will be flown to Copenhagen, where the journey will conclude.

"We're not planning only for this voyage, we're also researching for all the years to come," Garcia told me, before adding that regardless of when guests come or where they stop, his hope for them is that what they leave with isn't just a check on their bucket list, but a relationship with this vast and rugged wilderness. That they become better stewards of this fragile environment, where climate change and the effect it has on nature and wildlife is front and center. That they become modern explorers, not in the sense that they conquered, like the sailors of old, but instead, connected.

Bailey Berg is the associate travel news editor at AFAR, where she covers breaking news, trends, tips, sustainability, the outdoors, and more. When not interviewing sources or writing articles, she can be found exploring art galleries, visiting craft breweries, hiking with her dogs, and planning her next adventure (at present, she's been to 75+ countries and hopes to spend time in every one someday).

Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky might cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green look like something from outer space — and they are. Auroras appear when charged particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Cruise ships can take you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Remember that seeing this phenomenon doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights requires clear and dark skies, late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you invest all your cruise vacation hopes in this one experience.

Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.

Just off the auroral ring is the rest of Alaska. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis.

Cruise lines operating in Alaska — including Holland America , Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures — have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the display. Put your name on the list, and you'll receive a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door if there's aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly, as the lights might only appear for a few minutes. (They could also last considerably longer.)

Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights

If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights."

Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899. A whole industry has sprung up around the lights, including such extravagant shore excursions as an overnight in a tent with viewing windows at a Sami dog-sledding camp. Alta is also home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural landmark.

Tromso is another Norwegian destination known as a hub for aurora borealis viewing. In late January, there's a northern lights arts festival featuring top artists in various musical genres.

Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. However, the peak viewing season is from November to March (see below). Viking also visits but in the winter.

Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada appear on many expedition ships' itineraries during northern lights season, mostly early in the season in August and September. Lines with ships there include Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

When can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

Because of the late-setting and early rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, but solar activity does take place year-round.

If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises.

The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska. An advantage in Norway is that it's dark enough to see them for a longer period during fall and winter.

Do cruisetours in Alaska improve my chances of seeing the lights?

Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

While you might see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, venturing to Fairbanks and points farther north will increase your odds.

Fairbanks tourism folks like to brag that if you visit for at least three nights between Aug. 21 and April 21, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are more than 90%. (That assumes you are out actively looking during the late evening hours.)

Since your cruisetour might not visit for three nights, consider booking extra hotel nights before or after your cruise. Other things to do in this laid-back city (human population: about 100,000; moose population: 16,000) include riverboat tours, gold panning and yoga with reindeer.

You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon Territory, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours.

Related: What's the best way to view the northern lights? We tried to see them by air, land and sea

Should I go on a cruise just to see the northern lights?

Yes, but remember that the phenomenon is dependent on the weather (clear skies required) and hard to predict, despite scientists' best efforts.

Viking has wintertime cruises to Norway from London specifically designed to track the lights in the Norwegian Sea during the peak viewing season — throughout the cruise but especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta (where the sailings stop overnight). It's dark in these locales in winter, increasing your chances.

Hurtigruten is so invested in its northern lights experiences that it has hired famed northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss as its "chief aurora chaser." He will serve as an onboard expert, offering talks and workshops for passengers.

The line is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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13th August 2024

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Come back new from a cruise vacation on the Caribbean Princess, one of the stars of the destination that bears her name.

Take the hassle out of your holiday search and let our knowledgeable cruise agents find you the perfect cruise by phone! Call 02380 658 386

Tailor your experience with a range of upgrade packages. Ask us about upgrading to Princess Plus or Princess Premier to add onboard drinks, wi-fi, tips and so much more!

Your Itinerary

• Date   Port Arrive Depart
• 13/08/2024 Southampton – 16:00
• 14/08/2024 Falmouth 07:00 18:00
• 15/08/2024 Cobh 07:00 17:00
• 16/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 17/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 18/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 19/08/2024 Qaqortoq (Julianehaab) 07:00 18:00
• 20/08/2024 Nanortalik 07:00 18:00
• 21/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 22/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 23/08/2024 Reykjavík 08:00 18:00
• 24/08/2024 Isafjørdur 08:00 18:00
• 25/08/2024 Akureyri 07:00 17:00
• 26/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 27/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 28/08/2024 At Sea – –
• 29/08/2024 Southampton 07:00 –

Extras / What's Included?

Choose to upgrade, cabins & prices, ship features.

Suite with Balcony

This Suite staterooms include a spacious cabin and large balcony along with special suite-only benefits. As well as a separate seating area with a sofa bed, and walk-in closet, they feature balcony furniture with room for four, two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs, Complimentary mini-bar set-up, CD/DVD player with access to a complimentary DVD library, Comfortable luxury pillow-top mattress, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Upgraded bathroom amenities and hair dryer, Two flat-panel satellite TVs, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Refrigerator, Writing desk and phone, 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, Daily housekeeping service, and an enhanced nightly turn-down service.

Two Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony

This Suite stateroom includes a spacious cabin and large balcony along with special suite-only benefits. As well as a separate seating area with a sofa bed, and walk-in closet, they feature balcony furniture with room for four, two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs, Complimentary mini-bar set-up, CD/DVD player with access to a complimentary DVD library, Comfortable luxury pillow-top mattress, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Upgraded bathroom amenities and hair dryer, Two flat-panel satellite TVs, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Refrigerator, Writing desk and phone, 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, Daily housekeeping service, and an enhanced nightly turn-down service.

Mini-Suite with Balcony

The luxurious Mini-Suite offers a separate seating area with a sofa bed for lounging or sleeping a third passenger. The bathroom offers a combination tub and shower with Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Other features include, a welcome glass of champagne, Balcony with patio furniture, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Two flat-panel televisions, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk, 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, daily housekeeping service. Some Mini-Suites also have a pullman bed to accommodate a 4th passenger.

The Premium Balcony and Balcony staterooms are appointed with fine amenities such as Balcony patio furniture, Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, Private bathroom with shower and Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk, 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, daily housekeeping service, Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow. Premium staterooms feature a large balcony of 54 to 109 square feet and/or have a rear-facing balcony from which to enjoy dramatic wake views. Some staterooms also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

Featuring a picture window for memorable views, the Oceanview stateroom is richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.

The Interior staterooms are richly appointed with fine amenities such as Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed, Private bathroom with shower, Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk, 110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings, daily housekeeping service, and nightly turn-down service. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers. 

Deck 18 & 19

Other Details

Adults Only: Kids allowed

Childrens Facilities: Available

Nursery: None

Smoking: Some

Gratuities: During your cruise, regardless of which Princess ship you choose, you will meet staff who provide you with excellent service. Crew members often rotate to different vessels within the Princess fleet which helps to maintain our high standards on every s

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Authorities to Limit Arctic Cruises with New Regulations

New rules for polar cruises are intended to protect some of the world’s most remote and vulnerable destinations..

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New restrictions on cruises to Svalbard, Norway, go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Photo by Lloyd Woodham/Unsplash

Svalbard , an archipelago deep in the Arctic Circle known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra, is often referred to as the land of the polar bear. But spotting one of the majestic white giants is expected to get harder next year under new regulations aimed at protecting the region from the growth in popularity of expedition cruising.

Beginning January 1, 2025, only ships carrying 200 or fewer passengers will be permitted to land—and only in select spots—within national parks and other protected areas of the Norwegian territory that are home to walruses, seals, reindeer, and more.

The new rule , among several changes enacted by the government of Norway in February, is even more strict than those for cruises in Antarctica, where ships carrying up to 500 people can make landings, albeit with no more than 100 people disembarking at a time.

It’s one of a growing list of recently adopted or proposed restrictions for the Arctic and the Antarctic that aim to regulate where visitors can go and what they can do when they get there.

Like debates about overtourism worldwide, the attempt to balance environmental concerns with booming travel demand is a tug-of-war that has been going on for years—and one that will no doubt continue to escalate in response to the steady increase in expedition cruise ships being built and deployed.

Here’s a look at the new and proposed rules for polar tourism, and the impact they might have.

New rules for cruises in Svalbard

Last year, 32 boats carrying nearly 24,000 passengers visited Svalbard, compared to 25 ships carrying just over 20,000 passengers in 2019, according to numbers provided by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

While larger ships will still be able to visit Svalbard’s only cruise port in Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in the world, it’s just the jumping-off point for sailing deeper into the wild to explore by foot and on Zodiacs and kayaks.

Expedition ships traditionally carry up to 200 passengers, and those small ships make up 70 to 80 percent of the Svalbard sailings, according to industry estimates. But as expedition cruising has grown, so has the size of some of the ships, including some of the luxury entrants into the expedition market. Seabourn and Silversea’s new expedition ships, for instance, carry between 200 and 300 passengers. Scenic’s new ships carry just over 200, but the company keeps polar sailings to 200 passengers.

Come January, only ships carrying 200 passengers or fewer will be permitted to sail in Svalbard.

Tetyana Dotsenko/Shutterstock

Besides restricting passenger counts of ships in the protected areas, the new Norwegian regulations will limit to 43 the number of protected areas where the ships can drop anchor and take their passengers to explore. They will also prohibit people and boats from getting closer than 500 feet to areas where walruses congregate, and prohibit cruise ships from breaking fast ice, or ice that is connected to the shore or seabed—a controversial practice that some employ to give passengers a closer view of polar bears or to allow passengers to walk on ice.

Exactly what impact these rules will have on cruising in the region remains to be seen. But AECO said it “will not only limit operations, but also will put a severe strain on the remaining areas open for shore-landings.”

Howard Whelan, a veteran guide with the Australian company Aurora Expeditions , which only sails ships with fewer than 150 passengers, said he, too, is concerned about the impact of funneling all the ships into limited sites rather than having them spread out and explore more widely across the archipelago. But he applauded the fast-ice rule “because that’s clearly affecting polar bear and seal habitat.”

AECO said it was disappointed the rules were enacted “despite a thorough consultation process, where a united industry has worked on providing solutions in line with the common goal of protecting the vulnerable wildlife and wilderness of Svalbard.”

Now the group said it is working with operators to help them better understand the new rules as they tweak their itineraries.

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian-based company that was a pioneer in expedition cruising, says that while its two ships that circumnavigate Svalbard have a maximum capacity of 200 passengers, it has larger ships that also sail the region.

“Our team of expedition experts await further updates from AECO, and we will work together to adapt our itineraries where necessary,” said Karin Strand, vice president of expedition development at HX, Hurtigruten’s expedition arm.

HX said it will announce new Svalbard itineraries in the weeks ahead that meet the new requirements, and that it is deepening its partnership with sister brand Hurtigruten Svalbard , the oldest and leading ground operator in the destination.

Iceland is considering regulating visits to Dynjandi waterfall.

Thomas Schnitzler/Shutterstock

Proposed regulations for Greenland and Iceland

While the new regulations may push more Arctic cruises south to Iceland and to Greenland’s remote eastern coast, authorities in those countries are also working on proposals that could restrict cruising.

Among those being considered is a tourism law that would create zoning in Greenland to define areas where tourism is restricted or banned, according to AECO. Greenland is also looking at creating cruise-specific zones that define where cruise activities are either fully unrestricted, allowed under certain conditions, or prohibited entirely.

In Iceland, the government is considering regulations for Zodiac landings near the Dynjandi waterfall, the largest waterfall in the country’s Westfjords region and a popular attraction for tourists on land and ship. And it recently passed an accommodation tax for overnight stays, including on cruise ships.

Antarctica looks into further limits, too

One of the hottest tickets for expedition cruising is Antarctica, which reported more than 100,000 visitors last year, mostly on cruise ships. Managing that growth is expected to be a key focus of next month’s annual meeting of consultative members of the Antarctic Treaty, which last year agreed to begin work on a comprehensive tourism management plan.

Among the contentious topics discussed last year were whether to prohibit any expansion of landing sites for cruise-ship passengers and the possible banning of overnight camping and the use of helicopters and submersibles by cruise ships.

Debates for limiting tourism in Antarctica have been going on for years, but changes are much harder to adopt as there is no central government, and 56 countries are party to the treaty that governs the vast white continent.