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Tune in to nature's greatest light show
Embark on a magical journey to witness the stunning Northern Lights. Experience the Aurora Borealis like never before with breathtaking landscapes, cosy onboard comforts, and the thrill of natures most spectacular light show.
The Northern Lights are natural light displays across the Arctic sky, caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the Sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

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You might be surprised to learn that the Northern Lights are happening all the time – yes, even right now. But, of course, that doesn’t mean you can see them all year long. While this phenomenon happens constantly, they’re&nbsp;only really visible mostly between September and April in the best places to see the Northern Lights. And this is especially true in the Nordic region when the nights are at their longest.&nbsp;

How often do the Northern Lights appear?

The main thing you need to consider when you pack for your Northern Lights holiday is, of course, the weather. It’ll probably come as no surprise to learn that Norway can be quite chilly in the winter months when the Northern Lights are at their peak. To make sure you’re protected from the elements, pack lots of warm layers such as fleece jackets and woolly jumpers, which will shield you from the crisp and frosty temperatures. And don't forget to bring along gloves, hats, scarves and thermal socks so you can stay warm as you search for the Northern Lights under Norway’s dark skies.

What do I pack for a Northern Lights cruise holiday?

Known as the aurora season, the best time for taking a cruise holiday to see the Northern Lights is between September and April. This is when the nights are at their longest in the auroral zone. However, the equinox months of September and March are the peak months for catching the aurora borealis as the magnetic fields of the Earth and the Sun’s solar wind are in sync then. And, luckily for you, we have a number of Northern Lights cruise holidays during these months to maximise your chances of spotting this mesmerising light show in all its glory.&nbsp;

What is the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights?

There’s a chance of seeing the Northern Lights anywhere within the auroral zone – a 1,500-mile radius of the magnetic north pole. Based right at the heart of this zone is the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is widely regarded as the world’s best place to see the Northern Lights when the conditions are right. And with stops at this dramatic destination on a Northern Lights holiday with P&amp;O Cruises, you can go in search of the aurora borealis as you sail along the stunning Norwegian coastline.

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?

Frequently asked questions about the Northern Lights

Reasons to visit

Seeing the Northern Lights tops so many travellers’ wish lists. If you’re lucky enough to witness it, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. Dancing arcs of green, pink, and purple streak the sky in technicolour – like nature’s own neon laser show.&nbsp;

By day, Northern Lights cruises reveal landscapes that feel straight out of a fairytale. Glide past icy fjords, snow‑covered villages, and frozen waterfalls. Each view from the deck is a postcard moment, bewitching you with its beauty.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Vivid and active aurora on a full moon night."}}

Northern Lights appear in Alta, the biggest northernmost city of Norway.

A Northern Lights cruise through Norway isn’t just about the sky, it’s about the culture too. Step ashore to explore charming coastal towns, sample Nordic cuisine, and experience the traditions that make a holiday in the Arctic circle unforgettable.

Cruise holidays

Aurora Borealis in the north; Shutterstock ID 543301885; Project: moments

Find your favourite Northern Lights cruise holiday

Andalsnes opens Norway’s fjordland with peaks, rails and riverside charm.

'The town of the Northern Lights' boasts the best views of the unpredictable Arctic light show.

Snow topped mountains in the port of Tromso, Norway

A rich tapestry of Nordic culture and history begging to be unravelled.

Shore experiences

Cottage in Norway with Northern Lights in the background

Experience the Northern Lights like never before

A classic cruising experience with a focus on relaxation, world-class dining and a stylish atmosphere.
Cruise type
12-14 night Southampton round-trip

Ships

Where we sail

Explore our Northern Lights cruise destinations

A shore experience on a Northern Lights cruise makes your time in Norway even more magical. Enjoy a bucket list moment, riding a snowmobile across frozen landscapes. Toast to holiday adventures with a glass made of ice in the Igloo hotel or soar 400 metres above sea level in just four minutes on Tromso’s cable car.

Explore our Northern Lights shore experiences

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"The Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway"}}

Scenic photo of winter fishing village with northern lights. stunning natural background. Picturesque Scenery of Reinefjord one most popular place of Lofoten islands. Norway. ideal resting place.; Shutterstock ID 1901492866; project: olly; job: ; client: pocruises; other: 

'It was our first cruise but will not be our last. Hoping to see the Northern&nbsp;Lights&nbsp;and fulfilling my bucket list dream by seeing them 4 nights in a row was incredible.'

'Wonderful Northern Lights cruise. Loved the ports we visited. Had the opportunity to see the northern&nbsp;lights&nbsp;and participate in husky sledding.'

'This was my first cruise and I have enjoyed it very much. Aurora is a beautiful and majestic ship, and the staff were just excellent. And yes, we saw the Northern&nbsp;Lights!'

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Each of our ships has a unique selection of things to do, but all of them offer fantastic venues for eating and drinking, swimming pools, spectacular shows, a spa and salon, a gym and sports court, live music and comedy, a cinema, a casino, places to dance, fitness and well-being classes, shops, an art gallery and so much more. Our family-friendly ships all include children’s clubs with zones for different age groups. And if you look in more detail, you’ll notice the individual features that each ship has. For example, Arvia has an outdoor activity zone, Arcadia has Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill and Britannia has the buzzing Live Lounge venue.

What can you do on a P&O Cruises ship?

The short answer is: almost everywhere in the world! From the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and the Caribbean to the Norwegian Fjords, USA and Canada, you can choose from a variety of exciting regions. We offer Short Breaks to captivating European destinations as well as holidays taking in the best of the British Isles. And, of course, we have World Cruises for the ultimate adventure.

Where do P&O Cruises ships go?

Southampton is our home port and all our holidays that start in the UK sail from here. We also offer fly-cruises, though, so you might jet to a sunny destination such as Barbados, Valletta, Sydney, Tenerife or Dubai and set sail on your adventure from there.

Where do P&O Cruises ships sail from?

Our newest ships, Arvia and Iona, are the largest in our fleet. At 344 metres long, each of these family-friendly Excel class ships has 15 guest decks and a normal operating capacity of 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew. Of course, the bigger the ship, the more there is to experience. Both Arvia and Iona boast over 30 places to eat and drink, six theatre/lounge venues and five pools – and that’s just a hint of all the entertainment and relaxation available on board.

Which is the largest P&O Cruises ship?

Aurora is our smallest ship and has a suitably intimate feel. With lots of holidays exclusively for adults, she’s 270 metres long and has nine guest decks and a normal operating capacity of 1,874 guests and 850 crew. Some people believe the best things come in small packages, so it makes sense that Aurora has many loyal guests who return time and again to enjoy her classic cruising atmosphere. Her size also means she can visit some destinations that larger ships can’t. And with 18 places to eat and drink, three theatre/lounge venues and three pools, she offers plenty of choice in dining, entertainment and relaxation.

Which is the smallest P&O Cruises ship?

Arcadia and Aurora are our two ships that offer lots of holidays exclusively for adults.

Which P&O Cruises ships are adult only?

Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura and Ventura are our dedicated family-friendly ships. Each one is packed with a huge variety of dining, entertainment, activities and relaxation options for all ages. Arcadia and Aurora also welcome guests of all ages on some selected holidays.

Which P&O Cruises ships are family friendly?

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Northern Lights cruise holidays

Reasons to visit the Northern Lights with P&O Cruises

Chase the Northern Lights

Spellbinding scenery

Cultural immersion

Explore our Northern Lights cruise destinations

Andalsnes, Norway

Alta, Norway

Stavanger, Norway

Find your favourite Northern Lights cruise holiday

Featured Northern Lights cruises

Experience the Northern Lights like never before

Explore our Northern Lights shore experiences

See the Northern Lights on Aurora

Aurora