IT is a bumper year for the aurora borealis with stunning displays already spotted across the UK skies this year. It’s down to intense activity around the sun, which happens only every decade or so. And if you want to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon , now is the time.
A cruise through Norway gives you multiple chances to do just that. From sailings through fjords to sparkling voyages around Iceland , Sophie Swietochowski shares her five top Northern Lights cruises. 1.
CHRISTMAS ON THE COASTAL EXPRESS THIS festive season you could be sailing the Norwegian fjords , marvelling at one of the world’s most magnificent spectacles. Your surroundings will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit, as you admire the frosty mountain peaks and trudge through snow at the various ports of call. READ MORE ON CRUISES When you are not gazing up at the mystical sky, this 11-night voyage calls at Svolvaer, where you can get lost among the incredible ice sculptures at the Magic Ice Lofoten gallery, which tells the story of the Lofoten fishermen and Vikings .
On board Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol, you will have access to three restaurants and outdoor decks with hot tubs, allowing you to soak up the sky views while relaxing in the bubbles. The cruise costs from £1,626pp, based on two sharing an outside cabin, departing Bergen in Norway on December 18 and calling at Floro, Molde, Kristiansund, Rorvik, Bronnoysund, Svolvaer, Stokmarknes, Skjervoy, Oksfjord, Berlevag, Batsfjord, Mehamn, Tromso.