northern lights cruise from south africa

 

j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'? '+'js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); Cruise Critic's guide to Northern Lights cruises in the Arctic Circle. window._wp_rp_static_base_url = 'https://wprp.zemanta.com/static/'; A few weeks before departure Hurtigruten advised us that the trip would be cutailed due to a mechanical fault. God reise! Charming and postcard pretty, Stavanger is an idyllic coastal town, famous for its perfectly preserved wooden buildings (some dating back to the 18th century) and miles of pristine white sand. '//www.googletagmanager.com/gtm. And right in the middle of it, you, standing silently serene in the chilly night air, taking it all in. Copyright © 1999-2021 Travelstart Online Travel Operations Pty LTD. While at night the prospect of the Northern Lights is enough to tempt you from your stateroom into the crisp, still, darkness beyond. It’s spread across a series of islands, best seen from the city’s famous Fjellstua viewpoint. • Race through the frozen Arctic landscape on a snowmobile safari, followed by some local reindeer biltong and a hot drink enjoyed in a traditional Sámi lavvo (tent). Northern Lights Cruises Aurora Borealis - Mother Nature’s ultimate light show! window._wp_rp_plugin_version = '3.6.4'; We booked a return Northern Lights cruise from Bergen to Bergen for March 2020. This is a difficult question to answer, as sightings are more dependent on cloud cover and luck than anything else, and the weather is so varied around the Norwegian coast. From the more sedate traditional dinners with the descendants of Vikings and the Sámi people of the north to Midnight Concerts in the capital of the Arctic, King Crab fishing and RIB Safaris through fjords, you can be as adventurous or active as you wish. You\u2019ll have more opportunities to see the Northern Lights between 21h00 and 01h00 when the Arctic sky is at its darkest.\r\nBest location to see the Northern Lights\r\nWhile the Northern Lights makes an appearance under the Auroral Oval, a 2,500km ring that sits above the magnetic North Pole, it is directly beneath it that the lights are at its brightest and best. Sail through the majestic Norwegian fjords with overnights in remote Tromsø and Narvik. } So, if you’re yearning to combine a sea voyage with a luminous light show, here are some of the world’s best northern lights cruises. The Northern Lights experience was all consuming: we were only aware of the sky and splendor we were witnessing. Hurtigruten also has this sound advice for travellers heading to Arctic climes. You won’t miss a sighting on Hurtigruten. Cunard offers cruises within the Arctic Circle visiting the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is a known place to view the aurora borealis. var Tynt=Tynt||[];Tynt.push('cHVqU-p-0r5lKSacwqm_6l'); dataLayer.push( dataLayer_content );//]]> You can experience an African safari in Tanzania and see the incredible wildlife and scenery of Africa followed by an exciting cruise to some of Europe’s top ports; you can choose from four different European itineraries, all departing from Southampton. Visit Copenhagen's mermaid and the Palace Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Have found 2 companies but wanted to know if anyone had used them - they are Blue Water Holidays and Mighty Fine Cruise… window._wp_rp_wp_ajax_url = "http://www.travelstart.co.za/blog/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php"; The promise is applicable on select voyages between October 1 and March 31. The expedition passes through areas that are home to seals, seabirds, whales, and polar bears, topped off with nighttime viewing of the Northern Lights. window._wp_rp_promoted_content = true; • Best location to see Northern Lights But no more. All you need to do is pack your camera, your sense of adventure and a pair of really good thermal gloves. A Northern Lights cruise on Cunard offers you an unparalleled way to explore Norway’s dreamlike fjords, with the added possibility of witnessing the spectacular enigma of the aurora borealis - nature’s most spellbinding phenomenon. Board your cruise ship in Southampton or Kiel and explore the frosty delights of Northern Europe. Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Northern Lights Exploration - 8 days: Reykjavik, Iceland: 10 Sep 2021: R37,610 Land of the Northern Lights - 5 days: Reykjavik, Iceland: 16 Sep 2021: R16,300 Land of the Northern Lights Comfort - 5 Days: Reykjavik: 16 Sep 2021: R25,230 Solar Eclipse & Antarctica Explorer 2021 - 20 Days: Ushuaia, Argentina: 23 Nov 2021: R269,895 These are probably all top-of-mind now that you’ve decided to satisfy your wanderlust. Few towns are located in as magnificent surroundings as Narvik. Tell us about your experience in the comments below. • A visit to the Snowhotel in Kirkenes, on the Russian border, for shots of Rudolf’s Revenge at Norway’s largest ice bar. • What to wear on your Northern Lights cruise Our trip to the Arctic Circle and the Alaska cruise from Vancouver had been an adventure equal to none, but the gift of the Northern Lights was the “coup de gras.” var dataLayer_content = {"pagePostType":"post","pagePostType2":"single-post","pageCategory":["travel"],"pagePostAuthor":"Travelstarter"}; About the Northern Lights The northern lights, also called the aurora borealis, is the result of electrons colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere . In southwest Africa, the plains and plateaus of Namibia are found between the Kalahari Desert, often visited on cruises that embark in South Africa's major ports of Cape Town and Durban. Whilst Arctic Norway is incredible to experience in the winter, the summer months are also spectacular as the Midnight Sun bathes the coast in shades of gold. You'll need to stray from the city lights to see them - head to Hella or Borganes for the best view. These are probably all top-of-mind now that you\u2019ve decided to satisfy your wanderlust.\r\n\r\nWhile it may seem like you\u2019re travelling to the ends of the earth, your 12-day Hurtigruten expedition actually starts in Bergen, only 14-15 hours\u2019 flight away, via Amsterdam, Switzerland or Germany.\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s a quick snapshot of what you\u2019ll need to know before you go:\r\n\u2022 Best time to see Northern Lights\r\n\u2022 Best location to see Northern Lights\r\n\u2022 What to wear on your Northern Lights cruise\r\n\u2022 Northern Lights excursions on land\r\n\r\n\r\nBest time to see the Northern Lights\r\nThe best time to see the Northern Lights is in winter, which starts in October and ends in March. window._wp_rp_num_rel_posts = '3'; Viking Cruises (vikingcruises.co.uk) joins the Northern Lights circuit … Northern Scandinavia and, particularly the coasts of the Norwegian counties of Troms and Finnmark, are where its occurrence is greatest.\r\n\r\nYou won\u2019t miss a sighting on Hurtigruten. Instead of returning to Bergen the ship would now remain at Trondeim for repairs. • Northern Lights excursions on land. South Africans wanting a guaranteed sighting of the Northern Lights need to look no further than Hurtigruten, the global leaders in expedition travel, and available through Travelstart. Northern Lights and Arctic cruises from the UK. Cruise through the dramatic landscapes of the fjords and the far north, stepping ashore to explore remote towns by day and then returning to the ship to gaze skywards in search of the magical illuminations by night. Cruises to Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic, should give you a decent chance. Rebuilt after a fire in 1904, Alesund is uniquely art nouveau in style (something of a rarity in Norway). Hurtigruten\u2019s Northern Lights Promise, guarantees a free cruise if you haven\u2019t seen anything during your 12-day voyage. South Africans wanting a guaranteed sighting of the Northern Lights need to look no further than Hurtigruten, the global leaders in expedition travel, and available through Travelstart. As the global leaders in exploration travel, Hurtigruten offers a diverse range of activities on land to suit every interest. With mountains and fjords, as far as the eye can see, a trip on Narvik’s cable car offers stunning views, 650 metres above sea level. Balmoral offers dedicated Northern Lights cruises that sail to … mark, ins { Also, wear a warm hat and proper winter shoes. 7 Unexpected Things You Can Do on a South Africa Cruise. Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland. Northern Lights View voyage details Go in search of the ethereal Northern Lights with Queen Victoria on this 13-night adventure to the far north. Layers, layers, layers. If the Northern Lights do not appear on your Roundtrip coastal Norway cruise, we will give you another 6 or 7-day Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE. You’ll have more opportunities to see the Northern Lights between 21h00 and 01h00 when the Arctic sky is at its darkest. // text-decoration: none; The best places to see the Northern Lights are all located in the “Auroral zone” – an area that stretches around the Northern Hemisphere at a latitude of about 66 to 69 degrees north – including parts of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Finland, Alaska, Iceland and more. window._wp_rp_post_title = 'Northern+Lights+cruising+%E2%80%93+all+you+need+to+know'; So confident is Hurtigruten that you will encounter the Northern Lights during one of their 12-day sailings along Norway’s northern coastline, they’ll throw in a six- to seven-night cruise free of charge if the lights fail to appear during peak Northern Lights season. The lights are also more vivid because there’s no ambient light at sea. The ship makes onboard announcements, and the aurora appears directly above the ship. Among our preferred excursions offered by Hurtigruten to see the Northern Lights are: A Northern Lights cruise is a great way to see the spectacular but elusive phenomena known as the Aurora Borealis. On Celebrity, cruises to Alaska and Iceland just might yield sightings of Aurora Borealis. background: #ffffff; [CDATA[ South Africans wanting a guaranteed sighting of the Northern Lights need to look no further than Hurtigruten, the global leaders in expedition travel, and available through Travelstart.\r\n\r\nSo confident is Hurtigruten that you will encounter the Northern Lights during one of their 12-day sailings along Norway\u2019s northern coastline, they\u2019ll throw in a six- to seven-night cruise free of charge if the lights fail to appear during peak Northern Lights season. } In winter, the ethereal Northern Lights dance above, as you bundle up on deck for a front-row seat to Mother Nature’s heavenly show. Ready to head north? PLA12-21 The Spitsbergen and Northeast Greenland cruise sails waters filled with breath-taking scenery. If you’re embarking on an excursion like snowmobiling or RIB boat safaris, you’ll likely be given a thermal suit to keep warm. var $ = jQuery; Though scientists may dispassionately explain the Northern Lights as sun particles hitting the earth’s magnetic shields, those of us who’ve seen this ethereal natural phenomenon first-hand prefer romanticised Viking tales of Valkyrie warriors going to battle. Africa cruise vacations from Princess Cruises. Elegant and thoughtfully designed, a cruise to the North on Queen Elizabeth transports you to a classic era of ocean travel. By day, you’ll visit some of Norway’s most enchanting coastal towns, discovering the region’s rich culture and scenery. • Best time to see Northern Lights When visiting the Arctic you need to start with a wool layer, followed by another wool or fleece layer, then a thick woollen sweater, followed by a thermal jacket, which should be wind- and water-proof. A cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, Sweden or Iceland, for example, can take you away from the light pollution of big cities and civilisation and enhance your chances of seeing ‘the lights’. God reise!\r\n\r\nVisited the Northern lights before? The rest is luck! Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll need to know before you go: From the more sedate traditional dinners with the descendants of Vikings and the S\u00e1mi people of the north to Midnight Concerts in the capital of the Arctic, King Crab fishing and RIB Safaris through fjords, you can be as adventurous or active as you wish.\r\n\r\nAmong our preferred excursions offered by Hurtigruten to see the Northern Lights are:\r\n\u2022 A visit with the S\u00e1mi people near Troms\u00f8, where you\u2019ll learn the art of ice fishing.\r\n\u2022 A visit to the Snowhotel in Kirkenes, on the Russian border, for shots of Rudolf\u2019s Revenge at Norway\u2019s largest ice bar.\r\n\u2022 Race through the frozen Arctic landscape on a snowmobile safari, followed by some local reindeer biltong and a hot drink enjoyed in a traditional S\u00e1mi lavvo (tent).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nReady to head north? 2021, 2022 and 2023 South Africa Princess cruises to Cape Town, East London and Durban, South Africa. {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"http:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/northern-lights-cruise\/#blogposting","url":"http:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/northern-lights-cruise\/","inLanguage":"en-GB","mainEntityOfPage":"http:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/northern-lights-cruise\/","headline":"Northern Lights cruising \u2013 all you need to know","description":"Longing to see the Northern Lights? However the lights can be obscured by clouds and can be drowned out by strong moonlight, so choosing a clear night at the right part of the lunar cycle gives you the best chance. https://www.travelstart.co.za/servlet/newsletter-signup. A luxury Northern Lights cruise. In summer, the Midnight Sun illuminates your epic voyage through magnificent fjords and past towering snow-capped peaks that seem to rise straight up from the water. That way, if you’re out on the deck in sub-zero temperatures, you’ll be warm, and when you venture back inside the ship, you can simply peel off the layers until you’re comfortable. If you love to cruise and want to add the northern lights to your next itinerary, there are ways to make it happen. [{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"WebSite","@id":"http:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog#website","headline":"Travelstart Blog","name":"Travelstart Blog","description":"Travelstart Blog","url":"http:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"http:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}, The Northern Lights are caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth's magnetic field, and isn't affected by our normal weather systems. The lights are also more vivid because there\u2019s no ambient light at sea.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat to wear on your Northern Lights cruise\r\nLayers, layers, layers. (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': The aurora borealis is near impossible to predict, but sightings are more likely on clear nights between October and March, and odds increase the further north you travel. Whether taking your box at the theatre or passing an afternoon playing croquet, you’ll find being on board as captivating as exploring the ports you call at. That said, even if you don’t see the Northern Lights during your cruise, there’s plenty to fall in love with in these exciting destinations, from incredible dog-sledding competitions to hiking along stunning fjords. Also, wear a warm hat and proper winter shoes.\r\n\r\nThat way, if you\u2019re out on the deck in sub-zero temperatures, you\u2019ll be warm, and when you venture back inside the ship, you can simply peel off the layers until you\u2019re comfortable.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re embarking on an excursion like snowmobiling or RIB boat safaris, you\u2019ll likely be given a thermal suit to keep warm. Cruises from the UK in search of the Northern Lights take in the rugged Norwegian coast before crossing the Arctic Circle. window._wp_rp_post_id = '70628'; Check out our Hurtigurten package for more info. It's also not available on Small Group trips. In addition to northern lights cruises, Celebrity Cruises also offers other Celebrity Explorations. Northern Scandinavia and, particularly the coasts of the Norwegian counties of Troms and Finnmark, are where its occurrence is greatest. A general rule is that the further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. (function(){var s=document.createElement('script');s.async="async";s.type="text/javascript";s.src='http://tcr.tynt.com/ti.js';var h=document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];h.parentNode.insertBefore(s,h);})(); The dancing glow of the Northern Lights captivates star-gazers and thrill-seekers alike. Our professionally run expedition cruises honour the seafarer heritage and take you to places often unreachable by land, to discover rare wildlife and extraordinary sceneries. November and December can be good for sightings too, but we suggest wrapping up extra warm! Britannia Inside stateroom from ","articleBody":"Though scientists may dispassionately explain the Northern Lights as sun particles hitting the earth\u2019s magnetic shields, those of us who\u2019ve seen this ethereal natural phenomenon first-hand prefer romanticised Viking tales of Valkyrie warriors going to battle.\r\n\r\nEither way, the magical blue and green lights that dance across the dark Arctic sky have seemed so out of reach for many, that they feature prominently on the bucket-lists of travellers the world over.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut no more. The Vikings believed the Northern Lights were the result of reflections from the armour of the Valkyrie warrior virgins. [CDATA[ Either way, the magical blue and green lights that dance across the dark Arctic sky have seemed so out of reach for many, that they feature prominently on the bucket-lists of travellers the world over. It tops so many travellers’ wish lists: to experience the Northern Lights, the mysterious dancing arcs, ripples and rays of light that cast an eerie glow across the Arctic sky. Queen Victoria’s warmth and appeal is palpable the moment you step aboard. Famous for its deep fjords, Norway is a vast magical land with unlimited possibilities to explore. Northern Lights Promise on Select Original Coastal Norway Cruises. The sensational Aurora Borealis is one of Mother Nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, a magical multi-coloured light show that presents those lucky enough to witness this simply unforgettable, must-see spectacle with memories that will last forever. Norway is perhaps the most popular country for a Northern Lights cruise, though Iceland is also a good choice. //