In Search of the Northern Lights with Fred. Olsen and Go Stargazing
Tuesday 19th November 2024 to Friday 29th November 2024
Departing from Newcastle Cruise Terminal
Port of Tyne, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, NE29 6EE
Embark on a meticulously curated cruise, masterfully crafted by our team, to capture the enchanting beauty of northern Norway during the Northern Lights season. This journey is a symphony of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences that will resonate in your heart.
As you step aboard Balmoral, you’ll be greeted by an air of excitement and anticipation. The Northern Lights, a celestial ballet of dancing lights, become your companions as you navigate the Arctic waters. From the comfort of the ship and during an extended stay in Alta, you’ll witness this mesmerising phenomenon, a sight that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
This cruise is an exploration of nature’s splendours and humanity’s connections. Join us as we venture into the Arctic’s embrace, where Northern Lights illuminate the night sky and a world of wonders awaits your discovery. Let this journey unfold as a chapter in your own Arctic story.
On this Northern Lights Cruise, you’ll be joined by an experienced astronomer from Go Stargazing for guided night sky tours under light pollution-free skies as part of Fred. Olsen’s Sky at Sea signature experience.
- Explore the night skies on deck with an astronomer from Go Stargazing.
- Learn how our ancestors interpreted the sky with a laser-guided tour of the constellations.
- Given the current high activity of the Sun (close to the ‘solar maximum’), it’s the best time to see the Northern Lights for several years. Displays may be intense and bright, especially if the skies are cloud-free!
- We should notice that the stars in the northern part of the sky get higher up as we cruise north – by observing the famous pole star (which would be directly overhead at the north pole), we can work out our latitude!
- Saturn will be visible as soon as the skies darken until it sets in the West around midnight. Binoculars may allow viewing some of the planet’s Moons and famous ring system.
- Jupiter will shine bright and can be observed as soon as darkness falls. See the Moons of Jupiter using binoculars and watch how they change position in relation to the giant planet during the cruise.
- Mars will rise from the Eastern horizon later in the evening, its bright colour making it unmistakable. On 20th November, the red planet will be joined by the Moon close to the Beehive cluster, a conjunction that will look splendid in binoculars!
- There are lots to see in the autumn skies, including the constellations of Cygnus, Pegasus, Cassiopeia, Perseus and Taurus, all well placed.
- Later in the night, the recognisable constellation of Orion will rise from the East, signalling the coming of the Winter constellations.
- View the most distant object that can be seen with just your eyes — the Andromeda Galaxy. Our astronomer will show you how to find it using binoculars, a trick you can take home!
- Shooting stars or meteors are always a possibility if the sky is clear! On the first night of the cruise, you may even glimpse some Leonids meteors after the shower peaks on 18th November.
The map plots the course of this cruise. As you travel away from light pollution, a breathtaking canvas of stars unfolds above. The sky becomes a sanctuary of twinkling constellations, captivating stargazers with its celestial wonders. Guided by a Go Stargazing astronomer, you'll learn to navigate the skies and immerse yourself in their beauty.
Cruise organiser
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is organising this cruise
Please contact Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly for more details regarding this cruise.
Email: [email protected]
Website: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Twitter: @FredOlsenCruise
Facebook: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Cruise booking
For full details on how to attend this cruise, including how to book, please see the cruise's official website.
Visit cruise websiteCruise darkness
The below chart shows if and when the skies will be at their darkest during this cruise. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing.
Tue 19th Nov
Wed 20th Nov
Thu 21st Nov
Fri 22nd Nov
Sat 23rd Nov
Sun 24th Nov
Mon 25th Nov
Tue 26th Nov
Wed 27th Nov
Thu 28th Nov
