Reasons To Cruise To See The Northern Lights In Alaska
Experience the Glaciers, Wildlife and Aurora Adventures of Alaska
By Simone Cheri Harvin | Published on November 4, 2025
The Aurora Borealis is undeniably one of the most stunning displays of nature. Many travelers head to countries like Iceland, Norway and Sweden to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, but the U.S. has its own prime spot — Alaska. Royal Caribbean cruises help turn those bucket-list adventures into reality, offering numerous once-in-a-lifetime itineraries to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
While cruising is often linked with warm weather and Caribbean beaches, here’s why your next sea trip should be a Northern Lights coolcation cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Can You See The Northern Lights In Alaska From A Cruise Ship?
As the northernmost American state, Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes offer unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Watching glaciers and whales is impressive by itself, but many visitors come to see the Northern Lights in person, making it a highlight of their trip to the Last Frontier. Travelers exploring Alaska by cruise can view the Northern Lights while enjoying quality entertainment, dining and activities on board.
Cruising is actually one of the best ways to see the Northern Lights because ships often travel away from city lights, which makes it harder to experience on land. Still, factors like the ship’s location, weather and time of year influence your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.
A quick planning tip: Alaska cruises with Royal Caribbean typically run from May to September when the weather tends to be better. Although Northern Lights sightings are less common during these months, choosing a September itinerary can add a special touch to your trip and still provide plenty of activities both on and off the ship.
Where Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean currently offers hundreds of Alaskan adventure sailings seven days a week, giving guests the chance to see the Northern Lights up close. Visitors can choose between port-hopping on 6-8 night itineraries or opt for longer multiday Cruisetour sailings, which combine a week-long cruise with land excursions before or after your voyage.
Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises generally sail from two main ports: Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Seward, Alaska, is also a key departure point for many Cruisetour itineraries, providing guests with a combined land and sea vacation experience.
Alaskan cruises offer a variety of experiences, from adventure to wildlife, but the specific destinations you visit depend on the cruise you choose. Many itineraries travel through the Inside Passage, a 500-mile coastal route that extends from Olympia to Skagway, comprising over 1,000 islands and islets, fjords, coves and charming seaside towns. Some itineraries also highlight the Tracy Arm Fjord, a 30-mile glacial inlet known for scenic snow-capped peaks, glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls and wildlife sightings.
In Alaska, Royal Caribbean guests can look forward to stops at popular destinations like the capital city, Juneau, or Skagway, known for its 19th-century Gold Rush history. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the remote town of Sitka features a rich blend of Tlingit and Russian cultures. Likewise, Ketchikan is renowned as the Salmon Capital of the World — and both towns are favorites among cruise travelers and seafood enthusiasts. The adventures extend into Canada, with some itineraries beginning and ending in Vancouver, while others include stops in Prince Rupert and Victoria, British Columbia.
Best Time To See The Northern Lights In Alaska
While it would be nice to think that you can travel to Alaska any time of the year to see the Northern Lights, they aren’t necessarily visible year-round. For the best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, visit during late fall and winter, from late August to mid-April.
Marked by the end of the midnight sun season, this period offers the best conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Some travel experts say that, within that timeframe, December through March is the peak time for Northern Lights viewing, when the skies are usually clearer and the hours of darkness are longer.
Northern Lights Cruise Viewing by Month
Varying conditions throughout the year influence the best times to see the Northern Lights. Alaskan cruises with Royal Caribbean usually occur during the warmer months, from May to September, when salmon are abundant in the waterways and wildlife is active — but spotting the Northern Lights can be more difficult. To help you plan your trip, discover what each month of the Alaska cruising season offers to guests below.
May
Since May falls within Alaska’s midnight sun season, when extended daylight hours prevent darkness, guaranteed Northern Lights sightings are almost impossible. During this period, wildlife takes center stage. With temperatures from the 30s to the mid-50s, layering clothing is ideal to stay warm while observing humpback whales, bald eagles and puffins from the deck.
June
As summer arrives, temperatures rise, ranging from the upper 40s to the mid-60s. Winter’s frost melts away as lush green meadows reappear. Although the sky doesn’t darken enough to see the Northern Lights due to 18-hour daylight days, June cruise highlights include exploring Alaska’s wilderness. Popular activities this month include hiking, scenic rides on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, helicopter tours and dog sledding.
July
The 18-hour sunny days of northern summer continue into July, making it hard to see the Northern Lights near the end of summer. Instead, go outdoors to explore Alaska’s stunning icy landscapes. With temperatures ranging from the 50s to the low 70s, this month is perfect for taking a glacier hike, going salmon fishing and enjoying plenty of wildlife and whale-watching moments.
August
The latter half of August is the earliest time cruise guests should expect to see the Northern Lights, as the weather begins to change. The increased darkness later in the month creates the right conditions to view the natural light display. However, you might face crowds or limited availability since August is one of the busiest months for cruises. It’s also warmer and less rainy than September.
September
As the nights grow longer and fall sets in, September offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights on a cruise. Alaska’s annual cruising season winds down as winter approaches, bringing colder weather and seasonal closures in port towns. September is ideal for experiencing Alaska because guests can watch bears and moose prepare for winter, enjoy potential savings during shoulder season travel and, most importantly, catch some of the first sightings of the Northern Lights season.
Where Is The Best Place In Alaska To See The Northern Lights?
Alaska ranks among the best dark sky locations in the world for prime Aurora viewing due to its position within the Aurora Oval. Generally, the further north you go, the higher your chances of a successful sighting.
Visibility depends on several factors, but experts highlight Fairbanks as the top spot in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. Known as America’s coldest city, Fairbanks is easily accessible and located in a highly active Aurora zone where long, dark nights are common. The nearby Chena Hot Springs is another popular destination, offering a blend of wellness and adventure. Just a 60-mile drive from Fairbanks, this area provides stunning viewing opportunities while enjoying geothermal hot springs.
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, Coldfoot and Wiseman are north of Fairbanks, and their remote locations with even colder temperatures can increase your chances of seeing the lights. Likewise, favorable conditions and panoramic mountain views at Denali National Park attract over 600,000 visitors annually.
What Are The Odds Of Seeing The Northern Lights In Alaska?
With proper travel planning, you're more likely to see the northern lights in Alaska, especially when conditions are ideal. The chances of spotting the Aurora increase during the Aurora season — from September through March — and with a longer stay, which is guaranteed on a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise.
Although the weather is beyond anyone’s control, nights with dark, clear skies are the best for viewing, with the 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. window being the most ideal, according to Alaska.org. As your trip approaches and once onboard, you can also check the Aurora forecast daily. This weather tracking system, developed specifically for the Northern Lights, is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) and the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
Packing List For Northern Lights Viewing In Alaska
Packing for an Alaskan cruise is quite different from typical clothing and accessories many think of when cruising. Instead of preparing for tropical weather, you should mentally get ready for a vacation that might be cold and wet. With the added factors of being on a cruise ship and outdoors in the Arctic, being well-prepared becomes even more crucial for an enjoyable trip.
Cruise passengers heading for the Northern Lights should focus on warm clothing that can be layered. Think short- and long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, jackets and activewear. This is especially important during early spring and late fall cruises, when temperatures can hover in the 40s and 50s, and sometimes dip down to the 30s.
Regarding accessories, hats, scarves, sunglasses and gloves will also enhance the experience. Travel gear like binoculars and a quality camera can help you see and capture the spectacular display, while a backpack keeps everything secure and easy to carry. For bad weather, waterproof items like raincoats, an umbrella and moisture-wicking socks are best for rainy days.
Along with climate-appropriate clothing, remember to pack formal wear for any special evenings on board. Other items you might want to add to your Alaska cruise packing list include:
- ● Comfortable walking/hiking shoes (and a good grip for hikers).
- ● Undergarments.
- ● Swimwear.
- ● Sunscreen.
- ● First-aid kit.
- ● Insect repellent.
- ● Reusable water bottle.
- ● Collapsible hiking poles.
- ● Camera accessories (memory cards, a battery charger, extra batteries).
Reasons To Choose A Cruise For Your Northern Lights Trip
Adventurous travelers will enjoy a Northern Lights cruise not only for what’s happening on the ship, but also for what’s happening around it. From unmatched viewing opportunities to comfortable nature-watching, here are a few reasons to say yes to a Northern Lights expedition on a cruise.
- ● Landscapes and sky views are more stunning on the open sea. The unique vantage point of the Northern Lights and the surrounding terrain is unlike anything you’ll encounter on land. Cruises can travel farther from the lights of coastal cities in search of darker skies, which is more difficult to do on land.
- ● Higher chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Unlike land-only vacations, a cruise ship can avoid low-activity areas and head toward locations with better conditions and visibility. Alaskan cruise itineraries are planned to maximize viewing chances, and Royal Caribbean understands what you want to see, so the navigation crew monitors activity so you don’t have to.
- ● Enjoy the Northern Lights comfortably indoors. Various lounge areas on the ship are perfect for Aurora viewing, eliminating the need to stand outside for hours. Royal Caribbean ships offer a range of seating options, including some of the most uninterrupted views in the Solarium, a relaxing space found on every ship.
Plan Your Alaska Northern Lights Cruise With Royal Caribbean
Some people wait a lifetime to see the Northern Lights in person. Still, Royal Caribbean makes those long-held dreams come true with exciting itineraries that celebrate the beauty of North America’s northwest. Say yes to the less-traveled path and discover why past cruisers can’t stop raving about their Alaska cruise experience with Royal Caribbean.
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