Winter Cruises: 10 Tips For A Memorable Experience In Norway

27.02.2024 - 10:31 / forbes.com

From enjoying a spectacular pink-orange sunrise over snow-covered mountains to taking part in an exhilarating snowscooter tour before the thrill of a mesmerizing northern lights display overhead, winter cruises in Norway are unique from any other kind of cruising.

However, bad weather, packing mistakes, and other misconceptions can ruin the experience. More important than anything you pack, a flexible attitude is what’s required when cruising Norway in the winter.

Start with these 10 must-know tips and you’ll be well prepared to enjoy everything the Scandinavian winter has to offer.

There’s more choice than you might expect. British-focused lines Ambassador, P&O Cruises, Saga, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines are among the companies offering regular nothern lights itineraries. Travelers could also consider the Norwegian coastal route.

When planning your trip, decide on your big goal first. Is it to see the northern lights and nothing else, or is it to gain a fuller appreciation of the winter including the Arctic landscapes, wildlife spotting, exploring remote communities, and exhilarating shore experiences?

To maximize your chances of an aurora sighting, you need to spend as many days as possible north of the Arctic circle. The best itineraries for northern lights sightings spend at least four nights in the region.

Mid-September to early November and early February to the end of March are generally considered the ‘best’ times for a northern lights sighting, combined with far more daylight to enjoy the Arctic scenery, wonderful sunrises, and daytime activities.

If seeing the northern lights isn’t your number one priority, consider a Christmas-themed cruise, or a cruise with onboard wildlife experts to help you spot whales, sea eagles, and more.

A winter cruise goes hand-in-hand with the risk of poor weather. Temperatures of below freezing are a given, but wind chill can make it feel much colder. If you’re sailing during a cold snap, temperatures in destinations such as Alta and Kirkenes can fall below -25°C (-13°F).

Winter storms involving high winds and rough seas are also possible. If you suffer from travel sickness, think carefully about whether the higher chance of rough seas is worth it. If so, it’s worth booking a cabin on a lower deck, as close to midship as possible. Avoid premium suites located at the very front or back of the ship.

Also bear in mind that poor weather can result in the outside decks being closed for safety concerns.

Missed ports are not uncommon in the cruising world, but the chance of it happening in the winter is significantly higher. Winter storms and rough seas can result in delays to arrivals or departures, or even port cancellations. Keep this in mind if you’re booking