\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What Are the Northern Lights?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The northern lights\u2014 known to science enthusiasts as the aurora borealis\u2014 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\u2019s North and South Poles are consistently weak enough for the sun\u2019s charged particles to enter our atmosphere at high speed. And boy, do these particles make an entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The charged particles dance with gasses in the Earth\u2019s atmosphere, heating them up and creating the magical lights we\u2019ve come to know and love: the aurora borealis. Colors vary depending on which gas is being put on the burner. If you\u2019re seeing green, oxygen is getting some heat, while nitrogen produces more blue, pink and purple hues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why Choose an Alaska Cruise to View the Northern Lights?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014 all the perks of a resort, with none of the rugged logistics of doing it all yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Catching a glimpse of the northern lights means being in the right place at the right time. Trust us\u2014 cruise dates matter! The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is April, August and September. Here\u2019s a pro tip: opt for late August or April cruises<\/a> for the best chance of catching the lights.<\/strong> If you aren\u2019t a night owl at heart, don\u2019t forget to practice staying up late before the show! They tend to appear in Alaska from midnight until about 3:00 am.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n How Does Solar Activity Affect the Northern Lights?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re dreaming of a northern lights cruise to Alaska, now is the time to book!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n What Factors Influence Aurora Visibility on a Cruise?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, you\u2019re on your <\/a>Alaskan cruise<\/a>. You\u2019re all bundled up. You\u2019ve got your camera, a snack, and a heart full of patience, just in case you don\u2019t see anything that night. The less fun news is that there\u2019s no guarantee you\u2019ll see the lights\u2014 the show could easily be upstaged by a cloudy sky, a full moon, or even a weaker solar cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t catch a glimpse, you\u2019ll still have every chance to kick back and experience everything that makes Alaska such a cruise-worthy destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some factors that can get in the way when trying to view Alaska’s northern lights: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cloudy Skies<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n No clear skies, no lights. Light Pollution<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stick to dark decks and avoid ship lights when scouting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Full Moon<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n A big bright moon can dull the aurora\u2019s glow. Timing<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The aurora tends to appear between midnight and 3:00 a.m., so early sleepers might miss the show. Solar Cycle Lows<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2025 is expected to be strong, but years with less solar activity mean fewer opportunities to see the aurora borealis. Ship Movement<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some tips for booking your first Alaska cruise, from us to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike locales with year-round warm weather (hello Caribbean!<\/a>), Alaska\u2019s cruise season<\/a> is relatively short, meaning that dates can be more challenging to secure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind when planning your trip that Alaska shore adventures sell out quicker than your average cruise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pack lots of layers\u2014 remove when the temperatures rise in the afternoon, and add when they dip at night. You\u2019ll also want to bring a hat, gloves and rain gear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Trust us: if a warm afternoon hits, the ship\u2019s pools and hot tubs will look extra inviting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Glaciers and fjords, jaw dropping changing scenery and wildlife sightings mean having your own balcony might just be the best decision you could make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alaska\u2019s 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Top Shore Excursions in Alaska<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s available on your itinerary. Stick to what you love, and prep for unforgettable memories. Whether you\u2019re learning about indigenous history or catching a glimpse of the state’s amazing wildlife, you really can\u2019t go wrong! Here are some of our top picks: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ride the Yukon Railway<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel the Yukon Railway<\/a> aboard a vintage rail car, then board a deluxe motor coach to see more of Canada\u2019s Yukon Territory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Zipline Through Klondike Forest<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fly across the treetops at Klondike Zipline Adventure Park<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cruise to Mendenhall Glacier<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spot wildlife and the famous Mendenhall Glacier<\/a> on a 3-hour cruise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mush Like You Mean It<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Join a dog sled ride<\/a> and learn about the history of Alaska\u2019s mushers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Floatplane Over Glaciers<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get the ultimate bird\u2019s-eye view of glaciers and the area’s natural beauty from a floatplane<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Floatplane Over Glaciers<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch Bering Sea Crab fishermen<\/a> at work on a commercial fishing boat. If you\u2019re 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\u2019s likely! Memorable fun no matter how you define it? Absolutely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out our Alaska sailings<\/a> and start planning your trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n RELATED ARTICLES:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Northern-Lights-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>
\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/northern-lights-alaska-water.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n\n\n![\"snow](\"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/alaska-denali-glacier.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n