Norwegian Northern Lights cruises with their incredible natural light displays are considered by many to be ‘the most beautiful voyage in the world,’ reports the Daily Mail.
With 2012 seen as a particularly important year for solar activity according to NASA, it may be the best time and place to see the beautiful shimmering lights in 50 years.
The north coast of Norway is ideal for a Northern Lights cruise as it is warmed by the Gulf Stream, unlike Canada or Alaska. Although one cannot predict exactly when the glowing ghostly whisps of color will appear, being at sea, away from the bright lights of cities, will certainly improve visibility.
Norway’s Hurtigruten line offers the most established Northern Lights cruises. Part-ferry and part-cruise liner, the ships carry passengers and supplies to Norway’s coastal settlements all the way up into the Arctic Circle. For 2012,
Hurtigruten is offering a five-night ‘Arctic Highlights’ trip from Tromso. The ship travels up past North Cape to the border with Russia.