Situated in the far north of Norway, Alta is a prime spot to experience the mysterious northern lights. And with our tips from resident photography expert Tor-Ivar Næss, dust off your lens and go in search of this natural phenomenon

Alta, Norway - The town of the Northern Lights

Explore Topics

The Norwegian town of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/alta-norway">Alta</a>&nbsp;is the largest town in the newly created county of Troms og Finnmark (formed when two formerly separate regions, Troms and Finnmark, merged in 2020.) Located in the extreme northeast of <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/northern-lights">Norway</a> at a latitude of 70°N, it sits well within the Arctic Circle and is one of our most northerly ports of call, making it an excellent base for a northern lights hunt.
&nbsp;
It was in Alta in 1899 that the Norwegian physicist Kristian Birkeland chose to open the world’s first observatory with the specific aim of researching the aurora borealis. In fact, the town is so well placed for viewing the famous phenomenon that it has earned itself the nickname of ‘the northern lights town’.

Being a natural phenomenon, displays are never guaranteed. But many locals have become experts in analysing weather forecasts and working out which locations will be best for viewing them on a given day. Our&nbsp;Northern Lights cruise holidays&nbsp;feature two evenings in Alta as well as shore excursions run by locals in the know to give guests the best possible chance of catching this beautiful light show.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On the&nbsp;In Search of the Northern Lights shore experience, an expert guide will lead you away from the town to a Sámi camp called a&nbsp;lavvu&nbsp;where you can enjoy hot drinks and warm facilities while you scan the dark skies for signs of the lights. For the avid photographers, don’t forget to step out from behind the lens for a while and enjoy this breathtaking natural phenomenon with your own eyes – you won’t want to miss any of this magical experience.

With two evenings in port there is plenty of time to explore the town’s other attractions. Learn about the local culture and see the ancient rock carvings at Alta Museum before looking around the striking Northern Lights Cathedral, inaugurated in 2013 and shaped like a spiral coiling upwards, representing the aurora borealis.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Alta is a playground for winter adventures, too. On the&nbsp;Alta Husky Adventure shore experience*&nbsp;you have the opportunity to experience the thrill of a husky-driven sled adventure through the winter wonderland of northern Norway, followed by comforting hot drinks around a log fire in a cosy Sámi tent, while on the&nbsp;Sámi Camp and Reindeer Sledging you can soak up the romance of a traditional reindeer sledge ride while learning about the Sámi culture.

Another popular attraction in the area is the Igloo Hotel, which is made entirely from snow and ice and is only open from mid-January to mid-April. It is rebuilt every year to a different theme to create bedrooms, a bar, lounges and even a chapel. During the day you can pay a visit to the hotel to explore the rooms and admire the incredible ice sculptures before having a drink in the bar – served in a glass hand-carved from ice, of course. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, guests can also spend a night at the hotel, sleeping on a bed made entirely from ice on the&nbsp;Overnight at the Igloo Hotel shore experience. The temperature will be well below freezing, but with arctic sleeping bags and reindeer skins to keep you warm, we hear it’s a cosy experience.

title

description

Article Info Model

OFFER ENDS 26 AUGUST 2025

You’ll shortly receive an email from us to confirm your sign up. Please click on the link contained within this email to start hearing more from us. If you are unable to find this email in your inbox, please check your junk mailbox.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Landscape with Assos village on Kefalonia, Ionian island, Greece"}}

Set your sights on Greece

Dreaming of cobbled streets, ancient treasures and sun-kissed shores? On a P&O Cruises holiday to Greece, you can wake up to a new view of paradise every single day

Holiday your way on Arcadia and Aurora

A beautifully balanced holiday awaits, with cruises for all ages now available on our two smallest ships.

Sail in style on a holiday exclusively for adults

If you’re looking to explore, indulge and truly switch off, an adults-only cruise holiday might be just the ticket. 

Sail in style on a holiday exclusively for adults 

Four islands, one holiday | P&O Cruises

Why visit one island when you can visit four? Find your perfect match on a P&O Cruises holiday to the Canary Islands and Madeira

Four islands, one holiday

Find out what’s new at P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, is excited to catch you up on all the new news and brand highlights as we head into the summer season. 

Find out what’s new at P&O Cruises | P&O Cruises

Historic destinations in the Mediterranean 

Looking for a historic getaway that includes sunshine and sea breezes? Choose a P&O Cruises Mediterranean fly-cruise in 2028, and let the world’s ancient wonders come to you.

Award-worthy destinations: Your winners

We asked you to vote for the destinations you think deserve a winner’s gong. And now, the results are in. Did your favourites come out on top?

What's new for Summer 2028

From new destinations to exciting overnight calls, our summer 28 cruise collection has a holiday with your name on it. Whether you’re dreaming of fjords, sunshine or a bit of both, here’s what’s waiting for you.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Martinique Anse d'Arlet; Shutterstock ID 737227504; Project: Adobe"}}

Martinique shore experience top tips

What makes Martinique such a magical Caribbean island? We ask our shore experience partner David Baude to tell us what he loves most about this fascinating French-influenced isle.

Sail along with Arcadia’s 2026 World Cruise

2026 Caribbean adventures, BAFTA excitement and much more | P&O Cruises

Paul Ludlow: 2026 Caribbean adventures, BAFTA excitement and much more

Woman  in yellow and red outfit photographing  Lysefjorden from Kjerag mountain

Most picture perfect places in the Norwegian Fjords

5 sense-sational holiday experiences 

Most Instagrammable places to visit in Spain and Portugal 

What's new for winter 27/28

We're going bigger, bolder and more in-depth in our next winter launch, with new ports added to our itineraries. Plus amazing new experiences both on board and on shore.

This photo taken on the island of Sommaroy, Tromso, Norway

Discovering Scandinavia

From Norway’s landscapes to Sweden’s cities, Scandinavia enchants at every turn. Join us for a holiday worthy of a fairy tale

Set your sights on Central and Northern Italy

Lush landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and iconic sights: this is the Italy of romantic films, artistic masterpieces and many a daydream. These four Central and Northern Italian ports of call will turn your reveries into reality.

Set your sights on Southern Italy

Discover the vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history of Southern Italy's most captivating ports with P&O Cruises.

Caribbean beyond the beach

Beyond the beaches, the Caribbean is a vibrant hub of music, history, food, and art. Dive into the local culture with P&O Cruises and discover the true spirit of the islands.

A taste of Barbados

Savour the flavours of Barbados on your next Caribbean adventure on P&O Cruises. Discover exclusive local chef events, curated dining experiences, and signature cocktails on Arvia and Britannia.

We're off to a flying start with Norse Atlantic

Come fly with Amy Hart as she soars to Barbados on our first-ever flight with our new airline partner, Norse Atlantic Airways.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"default"}}

Highlights of our 2027 summer holidays

Take a look at our unforgettable summer 2027 holidays—from sunny escapes to hidden gems. Get inspired for your next adventure!

Follow Arcadia around the world

Our Arcadia cruise ship has set sail on her 2025 epic World Explorer cruise. Follow along each month as we dive into her 99-night world cruise adventure.

You're invited to pop by...

Our travel experts will be on hand in a number of cities to answer all of your burning questions and tempt you with some exciting offers.

Your travel bucket list

Make it the year your wildest holiday dreams come true. These ten travel highlights are a good place to start – which will you tick off your list first?

Loyal P&O Cruises guest? Welcome to the club

We’ve recently added more cruises to our Peninsular Club offer, giving you more chances to save. So whether you’re new to the club, a longstanding member or just curious about how it all works, read on…

Magical castles in Scotland: history and heritage

Welcome to the enchanting world of Scotland, where history and heritage come alive amidst breathtaking landscapes. In this guide, we invite you to embark on a journey through the majestic castles and scenic wonders that make Scotland a must-visit destination. 

The 2027 Round World Cruise by numbers

From nautical miles to nights on board, Arcadia racks up some impressive stats on her 2027 World Cruise. Discover what makes this holiday one extraordinary adventure.

10 things to do in Ireland

Offering captivating landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, there's plenty for you to explore and discover on a P&O Cruises holiday to Ireland.

Explore long-duration New England and Canada cruises

What you need to know if you are considering a cruise holiday as a family for the first time from the UK. Incl. ships, on-board life and destinations!

Caribbean honeymoon destinations for sun-lovers

Have you ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of your favourite movie couples? These five romantic destinations – all of which can be visited on P&O Cruises holidays – offer the perfect chance to relive the iconic moments and soak up the amorous vibes of some of the dreamiest settings in the world.

Our new winter 2026/27 holidays are here

Want to switch your winter plans up? Whether you’re looking to ditch the grey for a bit of sun or are looking to embark on incredible experiences, we have lots of destinations that you’re sure to fall in love with. 

Celebrate with Britannia

Britannia’s 10-year Anniversary Celebration cruise is now on sale. This journey of discovery around our stunning British Isles will take in sensational cities, amazing landscapes and the best of British, on board and ashore, from 6 – 20 June 2025.

Paul Ludlow shares all the latest

After Britannia’s extensive refit, our president, Paul Ludlow, shares exciting news about the fabulous features guests can now enjoy on board. Watch Paul’s video, where he also reflects on last month’s BAFTA sponsorship and spectacular holidays in the Caribbean, and looks ahead to a summer of exciting adventures. 

Set your sights on… Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

In a land far, far away, otherworldly landscapes and beautiful beaches meet proud cultures and epic adventures. Hop aboard Arcadia on an Exotic fly-cruise holiday to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and live out your own enchanted story down under.

Holiday Like Never Before: behind the scenes of our latest TV ad

Find out how we created ‘frozen moments’ for our TV ad in the sun-kissed Caribbean

Paul Ludlow: Celebrating culture and community

There’s a lot to look forward to in 2024 with P&O Cruises, as Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow explains... Rediscovery is on the agenda, as P&O Cruises returns to 12 ports for the first time in several years.

Woman sat on the edge of a pool in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Set your sights on… a grown-up gap year in Central and South America

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? All aboard Aurora for extraordinary adventures to a land of lush landscapes, captivating cities and bucket-list travel experiences. Start dreaming of your grown-up gap year to Central and South America today…

Get to know Ventura, the fun all-rounder

Get to know Ventura, our family-friendly, fun all-rounder. 

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Arcadia in Sydney"}}

Around the world with Arcadia

A P&O Cruises World Cruise is more than just a holiday… it’s the trip of a lifetime! Your chance to experience unique cultures, taste exotic dishes and visit the world wonders you’ve seen on TV. 

Set sail for your greatest adventure yet on a World Cruise

Things to do in Grenada

Nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the enchanting island of Grenada beckons travellers with a mixture of experiences that cater to all passions. 

Things to do in Mykonos

Glamorous Mykonos has it all: beautiful beaches, dazzling seas, a vibrant town and nearby mythological sites. Discover the things to do in Mykonos to spark inspiration.

Paul Ludlow: Looking ahead with rediscovery on the agenda

Cruise with ease from Southampton

Your holiday begins the moment you step onboard when you choose to cruise from Southampton. On a no-fly cruise, you can say goodbye to luggage restrictions and navigating airports. Even though you don’t take to the skies, your no-fly cruise holiday will start, and finish, on a high.

Folio Images+46 8 720 56 00info@folio.se

5 ways to do a child-free holiday in style

While Arcadia and Aurora are our ships designed exclusively for adults, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy child-free time on board our whole fleet. From exploring lesser-known destinations to taking up a new hobby, we’ve got the inside track on how to do a child-free holiday in style.

Top tips: parents travelling with children

We're incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for Best Cruise Line for Family Holidays at the 2023 British Travel Awards. Here are some top tips for travelling with children from parents who have travelled with us recently.

Paul Ludlow: Exciting Adventures Ahead

Our president, Paul Ludlow, looks forward to the many exciting adventures ahead including vibrant destinations and inspiring partners.

Lanzarote: an island full of surprises

Travel and lifestyle photographer Zoë Timmers zooms in on Lanzarote to discover an island of stunning surprises 

Wellbeing and Lifestyle Cruise Holidays

Introducing our new destination partner, Time Out

Go deeper into our destinations with Time Out's expert guides to cities across the globe

5 Chocolate Treats to Enjoy Onboard & Ashore

World Chocolate Day falls on 7 July, and what better way to get in the mood than with a sprinkling of chocolate-themed travel inspiration? Which of delicious treats will you add to your must-do list?

5 adrenaline-packed Fjords adventures

Take to the water in a RIB boat, strike out along a mountain pass or soar high above the waterways in a helicopter… the Norwegian fjords are some of Mother Nature’s finest work and a cruise holiday gives you a way to see as much of this incredible region as possible

Escape to Monte Carlo

Discover Monte Carlo, the city full of mega yachts and five-star resorts that glitter in the shadows of the Alpine Mountains.

Why choose a cruise holiday?

Whether sailing from our home port of Southampton, or hopping on a fly-cruise; famous landmarks, hidden gems, unique cultures and some of the best experiences on land and sea are all yours. Let us take you through some of the highlights of cruise holidays...

How do you pick a cruise for the first time?

With so many variables when it comes to itineraries and ships, it can be a bit overwhelming when picking your first cruise holiday.  

Big screen destinations

To celebrate the opening of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival we have taken a delve into our itineraries to see which big screen destinations you can visit on a P&O Cruises holiday.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Fiji"},"metadata_en_AU":{"alt-text":"Fiji"}}

All about Exotic fly-cruise holidays

If you’re looking to discover far-flung corners of the globe, an Exotic fly-cruise can take you on a segment of our World Cruise – flying you straight into the action. From Auckland to Aruba, Petra to Penang… read on to find out more about the places you can visit on an Exotic fly-cruise, how fly-cruises work, and how you can book your next adventure.

An exciting summer awaits

Our president, Paul Ludlow, looks forward to the many exciting adventures ahead.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Photo Taken In Amsterdam, Netherlands"}}

Six great winter escapes

Our winter itineraries offer great escapes to a fabulous range of destinations. We'll start with some sunny adventures around the globe before highlighting our top suggestions for holidays closer to home.

Set your sights on summer

Set your sights on summer and choose a sensational holiday from our new summer 2025 collection. We all know how the seasons come around in no time. Before you can say ‘Britain’s favourite cruise line’ you’ll be watching the sun set in stunning locations and waking up eager to explore. But where might you discover? Here’s a taste of what’s in store…

Landscape with Anfi beach and resort, Gran Canaria, Spain

2023 Summer Holidays

We all have different ideas of what makes a summer holiday great. For some, it’s a leisurely latte in an Italian courtyard; for others, it’s listening to the waves lap the sandy shore of a Canarian beach. No matter how you like to travel, we’ve got a holiday for you. 

Five of the best places to see flowers

The bounty of nature’s blooms are on full display in these flower-filled destinations.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Sydney harbour view"}}

Explore more with evenings and overnights in port

Here are five of our favourites, along with some suggestions on what to see and do when the sun goes down


Destination winter sun: the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are blessed with good weather and warm sunshine for much of the year, and with P&O Cruises winter 2023 itineraries taking in several of the islands in one trip, you’re sure to fit plenty of fun, sun and adventure into next year’s winter holiday.

Escape and explore

Take some well-earned time out and discover exciting destinations on a Taster Cruise holiday

At last! New cruise holidays for summer 2023 and winter 2023/24 have arrived

Two new seasons. Two new cruise holiday collections. Twice as much to look forward to.

5 ways to escape the January blues

Escape the January blues and explore many beautiful blues on a P&O Cruises holiday from the rooftops in Santorini to the colourful houses in Curacao.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"kids enjoying a Christmas market cruise"}}

Wishes come true on a festive cruise  

Give the gift of adventure and discovery this Christmas to your friends, family or yourself. Whether you choose to cruise close to home or around Norway, fly to the Canaries or the Caribbean, it’ll be a Christmas to remember for years to come. 

An Interview With Alison Clixby

Alison Clixby has been the creative eye behind the interiors of P&O Cruises and Cunard’s most stunning ships which now includes our newest ship Arvia.

Discover the secrets of Rome

Travel writer Yolanda Zappaterra explores Rome, off the beaten track. Yolanda is a travel, art and design enthusiast who writes for Time Out and Saga magazine, as well as national newspapers. 

Norway, the ultimate winter wonderland

Let it snow! Bundle up and embrace all that winter has to offer on a cruise holiday to Norway.

The best things to do in Tenerife

With year-round sunshine, dramatic landscapes and a wealth of activities to suit all tastes, Tenerife on a Canary Islands cruise offers something for everyone

Caribbean and the big screen: 5 famous filming locations

These five scene-stealing islands have enjoyed time in the spotlight, and on your next Caribbean cruise holiday, you can bask in their warming glow

Top tips for St Kitts

How do you capture the beauty and intrigue of St Kitts in a day?
We ask our shore experience partner Justin Johnson to share his best-kept secrets for exploring this enchanting island.

Six beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands

In need of a little sun, surf and sand? These Canary Islands beaches will help keep the winter blues at bay.


Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean

From ‘Byzantine Pompeii’ to the world’s smallest town, there’s even more to the Mediterranean cruise holiday than meets the eye. These six hidden gems offer a new perspective on an old favourite.

Christmas comes early

Our popular Christmas market cruises book up quickly, so now’s the perfect time to think about organising your festive fun

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Laurentien Forest, from Quebec"}}

5 reasons to fall for the USA and Canada

There’s something enchanting about autumn in the eastern USA and Canada. The sun takes on a gentle golden glow; leaves turn from green to a riot of reds and yellows; and the air becomes crisp and invigorating.

The 5 best things to do in the Caribbean

Guest Margaret Whittaker shares her experience of the 5 best things to do on a Caribbean cruise holiday.

5 of Europe's cosiest cities

The crunch of fallen autumn leaves as you wander pretty streets and parks... Homely cafés serving steaming hot chocolate… Galleries, museums, breweries and more. Nothing beats exploring a cool-but-cosy European city on crisp autumn day.

Should I book a fly-cruise or sail from Southampton?

If you're a first-time cruiser, you might be wondering if you should fly out to meet your ship or sail to your destination.  There's no right or wrong answer here and a lot will depend on your personal preference, but to help you make up your mind we've put together the top three reasons for choosing each one...

Grand designs from around the globe

We celebrate amazing destinations around the world and discover a colourful kaleidoscope of wonders that are easy on the eye.

4 great reasons to love the Canary Islands

Each of the Canary Islands has a distinctive character. Having fallen for their seductive charms, travel writer Yolanda Zappaterra is longing to return. In the meantime, she reveals why she loves their different personalities… Which one you will fall for?

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Cies Island Vigo"},"metadata_en_AU":{"alt-text":"Cies Island Vigo"}}

Gems of the atlantic coast

A P&O Cruises holiday to France, Spain and Portugal boasts a host of colourful and vibrant cities, as well as lesser-known gems in the Atlantic coast. Explore some of our favourite destinations — each with distinctive characters of their own…

Glories of western Italy • Things To Do

From preserved ancient cities and impressive Roman ruins to Renaissance and Baroque art and awe-inspiring architecture, western Italy is a treasure trove of antiquity and here are the best things to do in western Italy.

Five new experiences to try in the Canary Islands

Whether exploring cities by foot, kayaking through sparkling bays or splashing around in a water park, there are countless ways to take in the beauty and diversity of the Canary Islands. We have dozens of shore experiences to choose from, but these five new ones have gone straight to the top of our bucket list.

Action-packed Norwegian shore experiences for every kind of traveller

A world of adventure for every kind of traveller awaits on a P&O Cruises holiday to Norway.

The four best Caribbean islands

As the nights draw in, we’re turning our thoughts to the Caribbean and its crystal-clear seas, white sands, swaying palm trees and welcoming locals.

Alta, Norway - The town of the Northern Lights

Book your next holiday

Norway & Iceland Cruises

Explore more with evening and overnight calls

Hassle-free holidays start in Southampton

Explore Topics

Your dream cruise might only be an email away...