Look to the skies
Few experiences rival chasing the Northern Lights and seeing them dance across the Arctic. For those aboard a cruise ship sailing along the Norwegian coast, this natural phenomenon is a bucket-list experience – a symphony of light and motion.
Astronomy Voyages
Eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis, Hurtigruten offers dedicated Astronomy voyages. These are led by renowned astronomers such as Tom Kerss, John Mason, Sadie Jones and Darren Baskill.
They are designed to provide guests with a deeper understanding of the Northern Lights, the Arctic sky, and the wonders of our solar system.
Guests on these exclusive voyages will have the opportunity to participate in intimate lectures delivered by their onboard astronomer, covering a range of fascinating topics.
From the science behind the aurora to the exploration of distant galaxies, these sessions offer a rare chance to engage with experts in the field.
As an added highlight, guests will embark on an exclusive excursion to the Planetarium in Tromsø, where they can further immerse themselves in the wonders of the Northern Lights.
Meet Tom – Chief Aurora Chaser
In a groundbreaking move, Hurtigruten appointed astronomer Tom Kerss as its Chief Aurora Chaser. This marks the first such role in the world of travel.
With his expertise and passion for celestial wonders, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Each journey aboard Hurtigruten, with Tom, will be a truly enlightening experience.
Norway is the home of the Northern Lights, and sailing on Hurtigruten, with its unique vantage point and expertise, offers travellers the best chance to witness this marvel of nature. Photos and video don’t do justice to it. It’s like watching an eclipse on the television. It’s muted. Plain. When you watch an eclipse in real life, you understand why people would get on their knees and pray. Seeing the aurora in person is like witnessing the birth of something supernatural. You feel it in your soul. That human and humbling sensation of feeling small in a world of absolute wonder.
As you cruise into the Arctic, guided by Tom’s expert eye, guests can anticipate an immersive voyage that promises to unlock the mysteries of the northern lights.
Embark on an Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious traveller eager to witness nature’s grandeur, chasing the Northern Lights with Hurtigruten promise an adventure like no other.
Cruise beneath the shimmering aurora, guided by the expertise of Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom and a team of passionate astronomers. You will embark on a journey that will leave you spellbound, as you witness the magic of the Northern Lights in the company of fellow adventurers.
Northern Lights Promise
If you have your heart set on witnessing the Northern Lights, Hurtigruten make you a promise you can’t refuse. Set sail along the Norwegian coast between September and March, on a voyage of 11 days or more, and…
If the Northern Lights do not occur within sight of your ship during your voyage, Hurtigruten will give you a 6-day southbound or 7-day northbound Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage FREE OF CHARGE*.
With Hurtigruten, the voyage is just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure, with different astronomers onboard:
Tom Kerss
28th September 2024
Dr John Mason MBE
23rd September 2024
Dr Sadie Jones
25th November 2024
Dr Darren Baskill
23rd March 2025
Ready to start looking for your own Northern Lights cruise? Call us on 02380 658 386 or start your search here.
Northern Lights Promise T&Cs
Why Hurtigruten can make this promise
Where Hurtigruten sail on the Norwegian coast is directly beneath the Auroral Zone. This is an area of consistent and heightened Northern Lights activity.
Your ship is a floating, mobile observatory that moves between areas to find the perfect conditions for auroras to appear.
How Hurtigruten help you to see the aurora
All the cabins and suites on their ships have an ‘Northern Lights alert’. This will tell you whenever the crew spot sightings of the aurora. This means you can rush to your window/outside to catch them.
The crew will announce occurrences of the aurora to your cabin or suite. This can happen at any time of the day or night. You can switch these announcements on and off as you prefer.
Subject to the following ‘Terms and Conditions’ in 2024/25
- This offer applies to all new bookings of voyages of 11 days or more along the Norwegian coast aboard The Original Coastal Express and The North Cape Express. It applies to North Cape Express voyages departing between 20 September 2024 and 31 March 2025 and The Original Coastal Express voyages departing between 20 September 2024 and 31 March 2025.
- A Northern Lights occurrence is defined as a sighting from the ship which is recorded by the ship’s deck officers and which is announced to passengers on board. An occurrence can last anything from a few minutes to a matter of hours, and the ships decision as to whether the Northern Lights occurred is final.
- We announce occurrences of the Northern Lights on board the ship and you have the option of announcements direct to your cabin or suite. We hope that you will experience seeing the Northern Lights whilst on your voyage with us of 11 days or more, but we cannot be held responsible if you don’t.
- We promise that in the event of there being no Northern Lights occurrence as defined above, you will receive a 6 or 7-day Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage, departing between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026 in an unspecified inside twin cabin on a full-board basis free of charge. You may upgrade to another grade of cabin subject to additional costs and availability.
- We reserve the right to withdraw or amend the offer at any time. Please check at the time of booking as to the current status of the offer. The offer must be claimed and booked within 28 days from your return date. A choice of departure dates will be given.
- The offer excludes flights, transfers, all onboard expenses, excursions, and luggage handling. The offer does not apply to re-scheduled or cancelled cruises. Bookings are non-transferable, non-changeable, and have no cash value.
