The 49th State is a wild, untamed natural wonderland just waiting to blow your mind. We’re talkin’ breathtaking ancient glaciers. Magical cities like Fairbanks and Juneau. Wildlife galore. Bucket list sights you’ll have to see to believe. Including (and especially), a little natural wonder you may know as the northern lights.  

A cruise to Alaska is a stellar (pun intended) way to see the northern lights and experience everything this glacial getaway has to offer, including iconic destinations like Denali National Park. Keep reading and get ready to learn about a natural phenomenon that’s truly out of this world! 

 

What Are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights— known to science enthusiasts as the aurora borealis— are like a colorful dance party in the sky. Which, by all accounts, is the best kind. Your best bet for catching these magical lights is in locations close to the Arctic Circle. AKA, Alaska! This is because the magnetic fields of Earth’s North and South Poles are consistently weak enough for the sun’s charged particles to enter our atmosphere at high speed. And boy, do these particles make an entrance.  

The charged particles dance with gasses in the Earth’s atmosphere, heating them up and creating the magical lights we’ve come to know and love: the aurora borealis. Colors vary depending on which gas is being put on the burner. If you’re seeing green, oxygen is getting some heat, while nitrogen produces more blue, pink and purple hues.

Why Choose an Alaska Cruise to View the Northern Lights?

You could book a cabin deep in the Alaskan wilderness to see the lights, but that kind of trip isn’t everyone’s cup of hot chocolate. Enter: the cruise ship. It’s a comfortable, scenic and effective way to chase the aurora borealis! Travel through prime viewing territory, with well-planned itineraries that maximize your chances of seeing the lights (especially during peak aurora months). We think cruise ships should also get bonus points for turning aurora hunting into a full-on vacation experience— all the perks of a resort, with none of the rugged logistics of doing it all yourself. 

When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska?

Catching a glimpse of the northern lights means being in the right place at the right time. Trust us— cruise dates matter! The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is April, August and September. Here’s a pro tip: opt for late August or April cruises for the best chance of catching the lights. If you aren’t a night owl at heart, don’t forget to practice staying up late before the show! They tend to appear in Alaska from midnight until about 3:00 am. 

How Does Solar Activity Affect the Northern Lights?

Experts are predicting that some of the most impressive northern lights in recent history could be on the horizon. With some of the most recent displays being nothing short of stunning, thanks to rising solar activity. As we’ll be even closer to the peak of the sun’s 11-year cycle, leading to even stronger chances of aurora sightings. If you’re dreaming of a northern lights cruise to Alaska, now is the time to book! 

What Factors Influence Aurora Visibility on a Cruise?

So, you’re on your Alaskan cruise. You’re all bundled up. You’ve got your camera, a snack, and a heart full of patience, just in case you don’t see anything that night. The less fun news is that there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights— the show could easily be upstaged by a cloudy sky, a full moon, or even a weaker solar cycle.  

The good news? The fresh arctic air, low light pollution and the bright night sky alone will likely fill your cup. Even if you don’t catch a glimpse, you’ll still have every chance to kick back and experience everything that makes Alaska such a cruise-worthy destination. 

Here are some factors that can get in the way when trying to view Alaska’s northern lights: 

Cloudy Skies 

No clear skies, no lights. 
 

Light Pollution  

Stick to dark decks and avoid ship lights when scouting.

 

A Full Moon  

A big bright moon can dull the aurora’s glow. 
 

Timing  

The aurora tends to appear between midnight and 3:00 a.m., so early sleepers might miss the show. 
 

Solar Cycle Lows 

2025 is expected to be strong, but years with less solar activity mean fewer opportunities to see the aurora borealis. 
 

Ship Movement 

While ships offer great access to dark skies, they can also shift your view just when the lights start dancing. Patience pays off! 
 
 

6 Tips for Planning Your Northern Lights Alaska Cruise Itinerary

Here are some tips for booking your first Alaska cruise, from us to you. 

1. Book early. 

Unlike locales with year-round warm weather (hello Caribbean!), Alaska’s cruise season is relatively short, meaning that dates can be more challenging to secure.  

2. Choose your excursions ASAP. 

Keep in mind when planning your trip that Alaska shore adventures sell out quicker than your average cruise. 

3. Layer up. 

Pack lots of layers— remove when the temperatures rise in the afternoon, and add when they dip at night. You’ll also want to bring a hat, gloves and rain gear. 

4. Don’t forget your…swimsuit?  

Trust us: if a warm afternoon hits, the ship’s pools and hot tubs will look extra inviting. 

5. Remember that big views are better from a balcony. 

Glaciers and fjords, jaw dropping changing scenery and wildlife sightings mean having your own balcony might just be the best decision you could make. 

6. Long days and short nights = more room for adventure.  

Alaska’s summer days last up to 18 hours, so book excursions and expect plenty of time leftover to enjoy views from the ship. Be sure to get off at each port of call to soak up all those amazing daylight hours! 

Top Shore Excursions in Alaska

With so many fun-filled options to choose from, choosing your excursions can be tough. Our hot tip: scope out your schedule and see what’s available on your itinerary. Stick to what you love, and prep for unforgettable memories. Whether you’re learning about indigenous history or catching a glimpse of the state’s amazing wildlife, you really can’t go wrong! Here are some of our top picks: 

Ride the Yukon Railway 

Travel the Yukon Railway aboard a vintage rail car, then board a deluxe motor coach to see more of Canada’s Yukon Territory. 

Zipline Through Klondike Forest 

Fly across the treetops at Klondike Zipline Adventure Park. 

Cruise to Mendenhall Glacier 

Spot wildlife and the famous Mendenhall Glacier on a 3-hour cruise. 

Mush Like You Mean It 

Join a dog sled ride and learn about the history of Alaska’s mushers. 

Floatplane Over Glaciers 

Get the ultimate bird’s-eye view of glaciers and the area’s natural beauty from a floatplane. 

Floatplane Over Glaciers 

Watch Bering Sea Crab fishermen at work on a commercial fishing boat. 
 

If you’re dreaming of a cruise to Alaska, buckle up for the best kind of wild ride. Totally epic days and nights? Check. Sightings of the northern lights? It’s likely! Memorable fun no matter how you define it? Absolutely. 

Check out our Alaska sailings and start planning your trip. 

RELATED ARTICLES: 

• 6 Best Alaska Cruise Tips for Travelers 
• You Won’t Want to Miss the Northern Lights in 2024: Here’s Why
• Must-Try Foods While You’re in Alaska  

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