Top ten Northern Lights cruises
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Cruise holidays to see the Northern Lights are rising in popularity among Brits, and it's not difficult to work out why. Being on the deck of a ship at at sea, far away from artificial light pollution yet a stone's throw away from your cosy cabin and a hot toddy or three, you're in a pretty ideal place for Borealis-spotting.
This year sees a number of new cruises to the Arctic Circle, Greenland and Norway, many with some great deals. And with 2013 predicted to be one of the most active for this natural phenomena, this is a good moment to consider floating away under the colourful sky. Check out our selection of the best offerings below.
Northern Lights cruises
- See Norway with Northern Lights Holidays<p> The new Aurora Borealis cruise though Norwegian waters offered by <a href="http://www.northern-lights-holidays.co.uk/" target="_blank">Northern Lights Holidays </a>promises to take you to some of the world's most impressive viewing points. Highlights include sightseeing in Tromsø; visiting Hammerfest, the world's most northerly town, and the Lofoten Islands, which are inhabited by an array of wildlife, as well as the fascinating town of Bergen. Departures are available year-round and prices start from £1,462 pp,including return flights from London.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
- Visit North Spitsbergen with Transun<p> Transun's seven-night Spitsbergen cruise takes in the uninhabited Svalbard archipelago, where you'll find some of the Arctic's most beautiful scenery and wildlife as well as plenty of opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Departing September 29, 2013, from £1,689 pp, excluding flights. Transun also offers polar bear cruises, with departures throughout 2013 and 2014. Visit <a href="http://www.transun.co.uk" target="_blank">transun.co.uk</a>.</p>
- Sail to East Greenland with Exodus<p> The skies above East Greenland, one of the most isolated regions on earth, provide one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights in their full glory. <a href="http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/pnl/overview" target="_blank">Exodus</a> offers a 14-night voyage taking in the splendour of 'iceberg alley' as well as a glimpse into the lifestyle of the remote residents of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most northerly community in East Greenland. There are also opportunities for some wonderful hiking. From £5,390 pp.</p>
- Take a voyage to the Russian border with Hurtigruten<p> Norweigian cruise specialist <a href="http://www.hurtigruten.co.uk" target="_blank">Hurtigruten</a> offers a whole array of cruises taking in the Northern Lights, departing daily from Bergen. By taking a full 12-day voyage up to Kirkenes, just six miles from the Russian border, and back, you’ll have the most time aboard to scan the night sky. There are opportunities to visit an ice hotel too. A fly package from Manchester on March 9 or Heathrow on March 20, 2013. This ‘Classic Round Voyage’ costs from £1,372 per person half-board.</p>
- Visit the Norweigian Fjords aboard the Ventura<p> <a href="http://www.pocruises.com" target="_blank">P&O Cruises</a> has a seven-night Fjords cruise aboard Ventura departing April 27, 2013 from £649 per person. The price includes an inside cabin, meals, entertainment, children's clubs. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Stavanger, Flamm, Olden and Bergen. Ventura's facilities include four pools, an Oasis Spa with thermal suite, gym, theatre/cinema and a variety of restaurants and bars including The White Room by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White (cover charge applies). </p>
- See Greenland with Quark Expeditions<p> With the sun’s 11-year activity cycle set to be high over the next few years, <a href="http://www.quarkexpeditions.com/arctic-expeditions/greenlands-northern-lights/overview" target="_blank">Quark Expeditions'</a> 14-day tour is selected around the new moon on the 15th September to ensure dark skies to witness the Aurora Borealis. Cruise across the Denmark Strait and up the coast of East Greenland to visit one of the most northerly settlements in the world. Visit Inuit communities preparing for winter and hike frost-sparkled tundra meadows. To ensure pristine conditions, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov ship will be based in remote areas. Departure 16 -29 September 2013. Prices from £4,120 pp excluding flights.</p>
- Spoil yourself on Saga's 14-night cruise departing from Southampton<p> Jump aboard Saga's 16-night cruise 'In Seach of the Northern Lights' in March aboard the Saga Sapphire and you'll pass through the Viking heartland and across the Arctic Circle, taking in Norway's picture-perfect scenery on the way. A selection of special winter activities including snowmobile safaris are available, as well as expeditions into the Arctic tundra. From £4,130 per person with <a href="http://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/ocean-cruises/saga-sapphire/in-search-of-the-northern-lights.aspx#" target="_blank">Saga</a>.</p>
- Take a mini-cruise with Hurtigruten<p> For shorter, fully escorted, Wonders Of The Northern Lights tour, <a href="http://authentic-scandinavia.com/variants/62" target="_blank">Authentic Scandinavia </a><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">offers a two-night cruise on board Hurtigtruten to Kirkenes. Spend one night in Tromso before the cruise. From £350 pp.</span></p> <p> </p>
- Set sail from Portsmouth with Fred Olsen<p> This year, Fred Olsen offers three In Search of the Northern Lights round trips from Portsmouth this year. A 14-night cruise departing March 13, 2013, calling at ports along the Norwegian coast, costs from £1,729pp (<a href="http://www.fredolsencruises.com/places-we-visit/cruise-holiday/in-search-of-the-northern-lights-d1302" target="_blank">fredolsencruises.com</a>). Highlights include visits to the fjord town of Molde as well as Alta, where you can meet the indigenous Finnmark people, an optional tours of Tromso and Bergen.</p>
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