Northern Lights

[Teddy123]

I've been to Alta with P&O twice, done a total of 4 excursions and seen the Northern Lights every time (varying in intensity, of course), as well as on the ship when leaving Alta.  I'm now considering a cruise on Queen Anne, with the principal aim of seeing the Lights again, but I'm hesitant because Cunard don't go to Alta, but instead visit Tromso and Narvik.  Does anybody have good/bad experiences of seeing the NL from these two? Thanks.

[PORT ROYAL]

39 minutes ago, Teddy123 said:

I've been to Alta with P&O twice, done a total of 4 excursions and seen the Northern Lights every time (varying in intensity, of course), as well as on the ship when leaving Alta.  I'm now considering a cruise on Queen Anne, with the principal aim of seeing the Lights again, but I'm hesitant because Cunard don't go to Alta, but instead visit Tromso and Narvik.  Does anybody have good/bad experiences of seeing the NL from these two? Thanks.

The results are in the lap of the actual weather conditions, which can change hourly.  Did both on the same cruise (to ensure sighting), but only Narvik delivered the Aurora.  

Do not consider the ship’s over hyped “exclusive small party” dog slay “Chase the NL”.  A total waste of money, poor guest reception, smoke filled holding cabin, lousy food, limited drinks (weird Tea & Coffee only) and no fresh milk, very short and disappointing ride on the slays, borderline dangerous.  One slay overturned causing a broken arm to one of our party. .  And no NL. Rubbish!

 

If one wishes to do a proper slay NL, then contact a noted operator in Tromso and go private.  

 

Take the least expensive ship coach tour as the guides are knowledgeable and know how to alter the focus on the guests cameras, including smart phones when owners did not download a NL App.  Delicious hot chocolate and cookies served throughout were a welcome surprise.

Interesting to note that those who declined tours, had a glimpse and photos from the ship.

Also, the ship’s photographers had selections of decent NL photographs for sale.

 

Edited August 3, 2022 by PORT ROYAL
Chocolate

[LadyL1]

In March of this year on QE,  both ports mentioned were on itinerary. We saw the lights on a few occasions: perhaps the best was in the early hours when we were at sea on a perishingly cold night in the Arctic Circle. At least we had the “gear” to withstand this on the open top deck.

 

[PORT ROYAL]

3 minutes ago, LadyL1 said:

In March of this year on QE,  both ports mentioned were on itinerary. We saw the lights on a few occasions: perhaps the best was in the early hours when we were at sea on a perishingly cold night in the Arctic Circle. At least we had the “gear” to withstand this on the open top deck.

 

Wow…

Taken with a Nokia, without App or tripod on a Narvik Tour.  The guide fine tuned the phone.
 

[Teddy123]

I use video rather than still, and have managed to capture quite a lot of movement in the lights.  I can also zoom in quite a bit.  This is an example still from the video, taken from the ship