Cruising Into The Arctic Circle to Find The Northern Lights

Normally when you embark a cruise you’ve got to make sure that you’ve packed your summer clothes for the beach and maybe some swimwear so that you can jump straight in the pool. That isn’t what happened on my last cruise though. When we embarked the ship I was hoping that I had remembered to pack enough pairs of thermal trousers and most importantly I hoped that I had packed enough seasickness pills.
On this cruise, I was heading up 1700 miles up into the arctic circle to the very top of Norway to try to find the ever mysterious Northern Lights. The place that I was cruising to is actually so far north that they have a continuous night for two months of the year where the sun never rises above the horizon. It’s safe to say that this wasn’t your regular cruise and that things didn’t always go smoothly. That’s an understatement.
I always thought that to see the northern lights you’d have to stand around for hours in the cold on a mountain or take a trip on a small postal boat so when I saw a mainstream cruise line that I recognised making the trip I knew that this was my chance. I’d heard that seeing the lights by ship was even better than on land, so I crossed my fingers as tightly as I could. I knew that there was a high chance that we wouldn’t see anything and that even if they did come out to play, I might not be able to capture them in a decent photo.
Checking in for the cruise was straightforward and as we embarked I started to wonder who else would be on a cruise line this. The cruise ship that I’d booked this cruise on was Fred Olsen’s Bolette and Fred Olsen are a traditional cruise line that tend to have an older-than-average passenger demographic.
I didn’t want to stand out being in my 20s but for me this cruise really was about the itinerary and if I liked the cruise line that would be a bonus. The cruise was 9 nights long so I really hoped that I would enjoy it, especially since our cruise had 4 sea days and I’d driven 330 miles to board the ship. I drove from the biggest cruise port in the UK may I add, all the way to the top of England to board this cruise.
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[@patsgarage8593]

I forget how lucky we are here in Saskatchewan to constantly see something so beautiful like the northern lights on a regular basis. A few nights ago they danced with multiple colors. So beautiful

[@itzel1735]

I didn’t see them in Greenland or Iceland. (Too cloudy) But I’ve seen them on my last 4 trips to Saskatoon area. (July-October)

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh my, wow! ❤️

[@incurableromantic4006]

As someone who grew up in a secluded rural community - I had no idea how lucky I was until I moved away and had to live in grimy anonymous cities.

[@pileofstuff]

Hi Neighbour. The northern lights have been pretty spectacular out here on the prairies this year, haven't they.

[@itzel1735]

@@pileofstuff Extra visible in Ontario and Michigan this year too.

[@petshopgirl39]

I was so lucky to see the Northern Lights 2 nights ago, at 35,000 ft on an Air Canada flight from Calgary to London. It turned out to be a 4 hour extravaganza from Hudson Bay all the way to just past Greenland. The Northern Lights have been on my bucket list for years. And all included in the air fare too!

[@DavidSmith-lp5tz]

Did you choose a port side window seat?

[@tamib64]

Same. We were going from CLT to LHR. We got bumped up, so we were having a wonderful dinner in first class while watching the undulating lights near Greenland

[@YouTube]

the northern lights must be next level 🤯

[@EmmaCruises]

KZbin commenting on my video is next level 🤯

[@bensquires2819]

@@NotJarredPlayz4220Bit nosey love.

[@LizardGulps]

​@@Justanotherperson274 I'm just guessing but it wouldn't be difficult with a day job + loyalty programs + youtube monetization + not having children. Inheritance or marriage are also obvious possibilities.

[@christophergrace1085]

Living in Alaska, I'm lucky enough to have seen the lights multiple times now. Every time I get to see them, I turn into a kid and just stare at em. They are awe-inspiring and so far it doesn't get old seeing them.

[@EmmaCruises]

Yesss! Love this 😀❤️

[@chrisgreenwood8188]

Awesome

[@paulcaskey]

I was thinking the same thing. I lived in Alaska in the '70s and we would just walk outside and the sky was on fire.

[@natehill8069]

I lived in Iceland for a couple of years and never saw them :( Of course I also wasnt willing to get up at 1 AM to look either.

[@Sally-up8xe]

"This is what dogs smell like if you don't wash them. And they live outside. They smell. 🙁" This is the travel commentary we're here for. Thank you for taking us with you on this great trip.

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha, gotta be honest about that smell! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ABonRMS]

It’s what happens to you when you eat raw fish and don’t wear a lobster bib. Dogs do that all the time.

[@mango8918]

I've been a long-time subscriber to Emma's channel and am always impressed with her trip reviews. I'm envious of her adventures and wish I could be there with her.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@jjs2351]

Emma, your editing and presentation keeps getting better and better. Thanks from a long-time viewer.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much, I try to get a little better each time, or so I hope 😀🙏

[@middleagedcouchpotato677]

As someone who lives in a place where you see northern lights semi regularly, it’s interesting to me that there’s whole trips for people to see something so normal to me. When they pop up here we may stick our head out the door and have a quick look but then we just shrug and go back inside 😂 I’m sure people who live in beach towns, etc., feel similarly.

[@WokOverEasy]

I can’t even imagine getting used to natural beauty like that! However I live in New York and have no idea why anyone would come here except maybe our food so I guess there is that.

[@AshleySpeaks09]

One of my best discovered YT channels of 2023. I love your energy have a wonderful 2024 (cruising of course).

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much you are very kind! 💕

[@beckyw9000]

Moved to tears. Not joking. So happy for you! Keep up the great work, Emma. You are a wonderful storyteller! Can’t wait to see where your travels take you next.

[@EmmaCruises]

I love that. Thank you 🥹❤️

[@jn7812]

Despite the long drive north, extreme seasickness, freezing artic temperatures and care home like surroundings you managed to smile from start to finish. Well done. You did it!

[@EmmaCruises]

😂😂😂😂

[@markfullarton4157]

"care home like surroundings"? Bolette is a beautiful ship!

[@aingealstone8457]

I live in the Canadian sub-arctic and I can see the aurora from my backyard. It is an amazing experience even if it is common for me.

[@TomPauls007]

Definitely a "bucket list" item. My son and I had a brain-quake when we went to the N. USA and saw a maximum solar eclipse. Only time I've seen a massive crowd go silent (in awe). Good stuff, Emma!

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh my wow! ❤️

[@davidrle23]

Agree with your observations on Huskies. We went dog sledding in Whistler. The operator only ever made dogs that want to run pull us. Some dogs who weren't even attached to the sled decided to run alongside us anyway! One even decided to sit in with me 🤣

[@SinisterMD]

The signage for the bathrooms at 4:08 is fantastic. Sorry to hear you had a rough trip but the Northern Lights are definitely on my bucket list.

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha 🤣❤️ Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@kathyradford7187]

Haha it took me a while to go to 4:08 and stop long enough to see them. They are so cute!😅

[@Ozymandias1]

I see that signage on toilets alot in the Netherlands where I live. Maybe it’s a thing in countries whose names start with an N. 😆

[@willatv3021]

Emma this video is so funny haha! I love all the jokes and silly graphics. Plus all the charm and articulated knowledge we always get from your videos

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much. Takes me ages but makes me laugh I think it’s worth it’s😂😂😂

[@lmamakos]

Emma, if you enjoyed seeing the northern lights, you must absolutely plan to observe a total solar eclipse. It's a whole other level of amazing and awe-inspiring. This is surely a "bucket list" thing to do in your lifetime. I saw my first total eclipse from a cruise ship in the Caribbean some years back, as the ship could cruise out to the center-line of the path of the eclipse. It was a trip organized by "Astronomy" magazine, so there were a few hundred of us in and amongst all of the "muggles" who had no idea what was to happen, and were just taking a cruise. We had pulled into port the morning of the eclipse, and the captain made an announcement that the ship would be leaving for a bit for the eclipse observation and then return to port. Now many of us emerged with our cameras, tripods and other equipment and set up on deck for the observation. This was much to the strange looks from many other passengers that had just stayed on board. But they were all caught up in it as the sun slowly began to disappear. And then during the short period of "totality" when the sun is completely covered by the moon.. that's the experience! Just 3 or 4 minutes long, but after experiencing it you know why people travel halfway across the world to see one. Being on the ship was a double-edge sword. As it could move around, we could try to dodge the cloud cover. On the other hand, it did move around a bit. But it was a great experiences, despite the sunburn from hanging out on the deck for the hours leading up and after the total eclipse. I'm very excited for the third total eclipse observation of my life, coming up in a few weeks here in the US! These things happen some years apart, some not total eclipses. Keep an eye out, and maybe some cruise line will organize something if these happen to cross an ocean.

[@EmmaCruises]

I'd love that! Sounds incredible. Thanks for sharing! 🥳👏🏼

[@kendrawaterbury2328]

We occasionally see northern lights here in Vermont (USA) and I’ve seen them mostly as blues, purple and pink. They’re fascinating and awesome to witness!

[@ABonRMS]

I have great trouble when it comes to seeing the color Green. The US Coast Guard Academy bumped me out when I failed their colorblind testing. I have failed to see the green sky prior to a tornado. I have seen what others have called the Northern Lights but I do see the yellow quite clearly. If your unfamiliar with common color blindness, some see colors but not what you see, it’s like a tone deaf singer. Oh how they love to sing! 😏

[@edwingonzalez5185]

I have been stalking KZbin for the last several days waiting for this video lol

[@EmmaCruises]

Haha!! Thanks so much. 😂❤️

[@PaisleySnail1932]

Nothing beats your content, Emma! You’re so informative👌 Sorry to hear you had rough seas, I hope seeing the Northern Lights was worth it!

[@EmmaCruises]

Hey Amy!! Thanks so much that’s very kind of you to say. 🥹❤️

[@lulucolby8882]

Beautiful photos of an amazing experience seeing the northern lights! I absolutely love what you said about seeking out the feeling of awe.

[@oopik0059]

I lived up in the suburbs Arctic, and the best time to see the “Lights” was in September and October. It’s not too cold then. It was always too cold the rest of the year. We also had more blizzards and stormy weather than I can count. Very stormy place.

[@madlorraine16]

I was blessed to see the Northern Lights in a winter Alaska trip. So beautiful.

[@madlorraine16]

Forgot to say it was -20 degrees Fahrenheit so I paid my cold dues to see them.

[@EmmaCruises]

Brrr!!!!£ Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@cbpd89]

I had high hopes to see the northern lights on an Alaska trip a few years ago, but no such luck! What we did manage to do was toss some warm water in the air and watch it turn to snow before it hit the ground! I think it bottomed out at -40 at night 🥶

[@Meitti]

For any foreigners, you don't have to sail that north to see a night where sun doesn't come down. You can experience the same in Baltic Sea cruises and ferries. You can also experience Northern lights in Baltic Sea Cruises and ferries if you get lucky. If you book the Tallink- or Silja Lines Emma has visited during midsummer season, you can experience the summer night just the same.

[@S.E.C-R]

How cool! I was going to say that night mode on our iPhones should get some great photos, I was glad to see you used it. I love taking pictures of the stars and night sky. If you edit the photo and choose auto adjust and slide the slider up and down it will adjust the colors in the photos and really bring out the stars and should for the the northern lights also!

[@gratefultube]

Thank you, Emma, for sharing these wondrous lights with us.

[@lesliefranklin1870]

Congrats on seeing the Northern Lights. The best time to see them is about 9pm to 3am. They are also most active around the equinoxes.

[@car7605]

Emma, I don’t know if you realized, but you gain more than 2k subscribers PER WEEK ! Continue the great work !

[@EmmaCruises]

I can’t even think about that my brain can’t understand haha! Took me 18 months to get my first 1k. 😂🙏

[@car7605]

@@EmmaCruises 😂

[@bobbidulanski4158]

That was absolutely amazing to see the northern lights, thanks for sharing your photos and experience.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@paulgrable7096]

I love the skepticism...maybe the cruiseline is shining a green light...🤣

[@EmmaCruises]

😂😂😂😂

[@Sarah9677]

Went on the Fred Olsen's Bolette late last year for a week round northern western europe, absolutely loved the experience! Found the staff to be very friendly, never had to fight for sun-beds or chairs, live music throughout the whole day. Crossing the north sea was quite rough though. Me and my partner as both in mid 20's and didn't feel excluded, my other half said he preferred Fred Olsen to NCL! Would happily cruise with them again.

[@EmmaCruises]

Love that!! Yes! I’d do it again for sure. ❤️

[@wolfgangberendes4711]

I know Fred Olsen as a ferry service between the Canary Islands. The northern lights I once saw from a plane between Seattle, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska in february. Thank you for your impressive report.

[@andrewglancey]

Great video, my wife and I were on this cruise and the whole experience was brilliant. We loved Bolette and seeing the Aurora was a tick in the bucket list. Would definitely book with Fred Olson again, the whole experience felt a little special and less like a resort on water. Keep the vids coming I shall be checking out potential future cruises on how you perceive them.

[@TrashHunt]

Wow!! I’ve never had any desire to go on a cruise until watching your Arctic Circle trips.

[@mindyruizgallagher1593]

I'm so happy you found the lights, Emma! It sounds like it was an incredible experience (minus the sea sickness).

[@EmmaCruises]

The best thank you, minus the seasickness and Covid!! 🤣❤️

[@diverx99x]

Get transderm scop seasick patches. They are amazing

[@gabrieleortiz5041]

So glad you were able to experience the Aurora Borealis! You really earned it, with the prior rough seas! 👍🏼

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Amy-o_o-]

🌈💚💒happy Easter 2023!🧸🥀🌹

[@starkiller18]

Seems like a really cool cruise. I also forget that not everyone is as used to cold weather as others. for example here in Utah 14f in the winter is considered a warmer day. and it isn't uncommon to hit the negative F temps here. I personally would love to take a cruise like this as well as a cruise through Norway.

[@suburbanbanshee]

To be fair, on the ocean that would be a damp cold. Brr!

[@JamesPhieffer]

I'm surprised you don't see them more often in the UK. It's not that uncommon to see them in southern Ontario (but much less common than in northern Ontario and the western provinces), and southern England is much further north than Toronto or Ottawa (and actually close to the same latitude as Winnipeg).

[@Courtneyburns90]

Very occasionally like every few years you can see them in Northern Ireland. Scotland I think is the same though maybe more often in the very North.

[@johndonnelly6450]

I'm glad you got to see the Northern Lights on your trip they are something everyone should see. I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska for three years and saw them quite often. I have seen them as far south as Carlisle, Pennsylvania and Bamburg, Germany. The farther south you go the redder the lights are.

[@EmmaCruises]

Sounds awesome. Thank you! 😁❤️

[@tastyneck]

See the Aurora Borealis is on my bucket list. An ex-g/f used to cruise with her family all the time but I was never interested. Your channel has changed my mind and cruising to see the Northern Lights seems like a great way to experience both. And my city is a port for cruise ships so that makes things even easier. So, thank you!

[@sarahjones4364]

Growing up in MN, I was blessed to see the northern lights twice. It's really amazing!

[@beltingtokra]

Amazing, i actually teared up watching this, add this one to my to-cruise list 🥰

[@EmmaCruises]

thank you so so much!!

[@ronw1864]

Thanks so much for sharing your Northern lights experience! That must have been breathtaking for you!

[@myraweinstein396]

Hi Emma. I really love your videos. This video is great. I know I could never take this cruise as I don't like the cold. But seeing the Northern lights had to be very exciting ❤❤

[@rebeccapearce311]

Definitely need to do this! Looks amazing (despite the rough seas and cold weather!) - thanks so much for showing it!

[@johnsmiths9682]

Excellent video, you are a natural orator and the editing funny and informative, well done you

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@stephenhope7319]

We sailed Southampton to North Cape last July and experienced the 24 hour days, no real night time.Cabins had heavy drapes to try to be dark as we slept. It's an experience. Norway has the best ports and Fjords and sights, summer or winter. Great cruises up there.

[@jarfish1968]

Lovely Video as always Emma! cant wait to book now

[@joseph6948]

I love all your reviews!

[@denispotvin6396]

What a wonderful trip it must have been! Thank you for sharing.

[@barbarapearce9738]

Great video thanks Emma! Have done this cruise twice on Bolette so it was lovely to re-visit via your video. Love this ship and Norway!

[@sheilaathay2034]

Thanks for telling me about your video. This looks like a great one. Thanks Emma!🎉

[@sarahcox1805]

I'm so happy you got to see them, especially given all the rough seas. I was supposed to go to Finland to try to see the Northern Lights this month but had to cancel so I really enjoyed this video!

[@peteiswriteingnow]

So glad you got to see them ❤ I remember going over that bridge in Troms in a taxi a few years ago.

[@terrifromm5085]

Amazing. A Northern Lights cruise is on my bucket list!

[@mcgoo721]

The port stays in Norway looked absolutely amazing!

[@jackieaudus9829]

I’m so happy for you Emma that you got to see them… it’s something I’ll always remember.. phenomenal experience

[@fabio-go3976]

Always so enjoyable. You are so gifted.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you so much!

[@micromanagedmarbles]

it’s a dream to see them myself!! definitely on my bucket list.

[@kerrysmedley7745]

So good Emma! Thanks so much for sharing! Absolutely incredible!!! Love your videos!!!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@davidlabedz2046]

Your experience with the northern lights was fun!

[@justdeb6091]

Ooh Emma, I’m so glad you got to see the lights. I have a cruise booked with a similar itinerary in October and I’m very excited. I hope I’m lucky enough to see them too. I’ll give those rough seas a miss though😊.

[@carolfinnis6152]

Brilliant video Emma, thank you so much for sharing

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much for watching Carol! ❤️❤️

[@grooveman222]

Thx, that was very helpful as I'm considering a northern lights cruise.

[@kristinekirwin229]

Thank you for sharing you experience! Beautiful!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@ShadowJacker]

What a great trip! Thank you for sharing!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@mrstoives2444]

Brilliant Vid, this is now on my cruise list, thank you 👍😊

[@EmmaCruises]

Yess! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@Olbear040]

Love this Emma! Congratulations

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@jcraigshelton]

That is just indescribably beautiful! I cannot even imagine.

[@EmmaCruises]

☺️❤️

[@pyswan]

I grew up in Alberta Canada and was lucky to see the lights frequently. I've since moved across the country and see the lights far less often. I visited Iqaluit and missed seeing them due to asthma issues (it was -40 outside)

[@EmmaCruises]

Oh my wow! That’s crazy. ❤️

[@catherinehawkins1314]

Great video Emma, want to do this more than ever now, skied for years and dog sledded and seen the puppies in Alaska who were training for the Iditarod so know how much fun you had :) 🥰

[@captainjuno1242]

Northen lights are just so pretty i live in Finland so i do see those quite regulary but still every time its still feels awesome.

[@yaronsteinbuch3956]

So cool! Glad you got to see the lights. Great video!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@markbray838]

I vote yes, you did capture the northern lights🎉

[@leeslawnservicesllc3775]

Awesome 👏 I’m glad you guys were able to see them 👍👍

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼

[@kathigee]

amazing ... and really great video. I'm so glad your sea sickness subsided! the Northern Lights are still on my bucket list.. but thanks for the Awe-inspiring glimpse! I think it helped my brain!!

[@EmmaCruises]

YESSS!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jamestnov41945]

I am glad you got to see the lights. I have seen them many times I live in Canada.

[@reneeblack2783]

An absolute dream for me! Hopefully, one day! ❤

[@chak06880]

Love your comment about being in "awe". I had that same feeling during Evensong at Westminster Abbey.

[@clarkindee]

Great video, this cruise sounds wonderful!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@jessikamouchet8046]

You are just so special, Emma! I'd watch anything you put out just to hear ya talk! Greetings from Oslo

[@jimmccork]

A really enjoyable review, and based on this we might consider a similar cruise one winter. So sorry you had such a bad sea journey! We recently (April ‘23) had a very smooth crossing from Newcastle to the Norwegian Fjords on the same ship. So glad you saw the lights!

[@kristinevazquez7840]

Emma, such a great video! I am so glad that you got to see the Northern lights!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@marieleelee]

Your build up to finally seeing the lights was fantastic and I even got a little teary eyed cause I was just so happy you got to see them! What an experience!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@markeaston7353]

Wow what a wonderful adventure! This is on our bucket list so this is very helpful. Thanks Emma for taking us along on the ride.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@brianbuzzen]

wow , so cold , you are an adventurer alrighty. Great video thank you and cheers to the Pepsi.

[@Infernal_Elf]

Lovely video as a Norwegian sailor its quite entertaining to hear someone from Britain experience and explain the Norwegian sea and coldness for the first time. But also fantastic research and facts all spot on :D

[@starfox2737]

so glad you survived your trip one thing about this trip you will never forget it glad to have you back x

[@EmmaCruises]

☺️❤️ Thank you! 😁❤️

[@anastas6179]

Such a fantastic experience, Emma! A northern lights cruise is definitely on my list in the hopefully not too distant future.

[@EmmaCruises]

😀❤️

[@nolansub]

Looked like a great trip, I did see green in the first picture. 🙂

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

Love your northern lights adventure Emma.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@toddbeadell9473]

Your my favorite KZbinr, so real and honest❤

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much 🥹❤️

[@carine4318]

Thank you for giving us the cruise bug ❤

[@margaretthym8234]

What a fantastic experience! You are so so lucky! It is so awesome you got to see the Northern Lights! So happy for you.

[@EmmaCruises]

So lucky. Thank you! 🥹

[@digitalwoodshop]

Another excellent video and story. Glad you got to see the Northern Lights on your trip. :)

[@EmmaCruises]

Thank you! 😁❤️

[@owenhamilton]

Wow, what a great video (as usual). That looked such an amazing experience. The huskies were very cute!

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks so much. Soooo cute!!! 😀💕

[@sineadsmyth846]

In Ireland, we would say can I pet your dog!

[@EmmaCruises]

🥹❤️

[@catherinesmith-allaway8958]

So happy for you that you got to see the northern lights, I'm going to Norway December 2024, I hope to see them too

[@emiliec24]

Thanks for doing this. I hope that you are feeling better today.

[@EmmaCruises]

Thanks lots, yep almost back to normal things. 😀