PHOTO: Few places offer as stunning a view of nature's greatest light show as the open sea. (Courtesy of Hurtigruten)
Are you looking for the Northern Lights?
Imagine watching curtains of green lights dance across the sky. The Northern Lights are a mysterious phenomenon that never ceases to amaze. That's why many cruise lines are getting in on the action and offering exclusive expeditions that give their customers a front row seat. So sit back, relax and let these four polar expeditions guide you into the dancing phenomenon that is the Northern Lights.
Hurtigruten
If you've ever wanted to sail under nature's dazzling veils, here's your chance to enjoy six nights in the Arctic with Hurtigruten. Starting at $879, the cruise line will begin its journey between November and December 2014 as well as January to March 2015 from Tromsø to Bergen and vice versa. Highlights of the excursion will also include sights of the Seven Sisters Mountains and sailing through the Vesterålen and Lofoten Islands. In order to book your reservations, passengers should call (844) 227-8941.
The Hurtigruten experience doesn't stop there. They also offer its famous Astronomy Voyage, where guests are given exclusive lectures from an expert about the Aurora Borealis in addition to a trip to the Northern Lights Planetarium. The cruise starts around $2,579 and will begin in September to November 2014; January to February and October, November and December 2015.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Cruise & Maritime Voyages will also take on the search for the nightly spectacle with an array of trips on the Land of the Northern Light cruise via the Norwegian Coastline in the Arctic Circle. Not only will guests be in the midst of the most spectacular views nature has to offer including glaciers, waterfalls and mountains, but they will also witness the beauty of the Arctic Cathedral.
For 15 nights, the cruise line's Discovery will be departing Bristol Avonmouth on its Land of Northern Lights tour on Oct. 6. Their Marco Polo ship will also leave from the London Tilbury port for 14 nights, and will set sail on Oct. 27, 2014 and Feb. 16, March 2 as well as Oct.10 in 2015. Departing from London Tilbury for 15 nights, Cruise & Maritime Voyages plans to make the journey on Feb. 26, 2015.
Compagnie du Ponant
Witness the Northern Lights French style by sailing with the French-flagged cruise line Compagnie du Ponant, which plans to embark on a 15-day voyage on Sept. 5. Valued at $8,922 per guest, which also includes flights and occupancy, this five-star expedition will venture on its quest to view the dazzling lightshow from Greenland to Quebec.
Along with watching the sky come alive with color, cruisers will also be in the midst of the glorious mountains of Nunavut as well as the rocky islands. The voyage also includes whale watching in the Saint Lawrence Seaway and Baffin Sea, exploring the white bears in the Akpatok Island and visiting Sisimiut, a quaint town in Greenland.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas will begin its 20-night excursion on July 6, 2015 while gracefully vising Denmark, Iceland, Russia, Norway and London while taking the sea by storm. For about $18,220, which also include flights and shore excursions, guests are free to take full advantage of the Seven Seas Voyager while the illuminated sky guides the vessel through the many sights Europe has to offer. With the wide ocean at their guests' feet, the Regent Seven Seas guarantees to be the perfect platform for witnessing the Northern Lights in all of their beauty.
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