There is nowhere better to view the Aurora Borealis than from a cruise ship - and Viking passengers have recently been witnessing some of the best displays of the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle for many years.
The reason for these spectacular night-time skies has been down to the peak of an 11-year cycle of solar activity says Viking's resident astronomer, Howard Parkin MBE, who is hoping for 'another dramatic outburst of auroral displays' during the sun's declining phase of this cycle.
He said: 'The sun emits a solar wind which comprises of charged particles that interact with the Earth's upper atmosphere around the magnetic poles and causes auroral displays. 'The peak of Solar Cycle 25 was last year, but in November 2025 the Sun emitted six X-class flares, including one very strong X5.1 flare. 'These flares covered 93 million miles to the Earth in three days and led to another dramatic display. 'Scientists are now speculating there could be a double peak of activity, known as a "Gnevyshev peak". 'What we do know, through history and statistics, is that we have been witnessing the most dramatic northern lights for many decades. 'Being inside the Arctic Circle is the perfect viewing point and, added to that, in 2026, Viking Neptune will be sailing at one of the best times to see Aurora - close to the Equinox on March 20.
A view of the stunning Aurora Borealis with a Viking cruise ship nearby in Norway
Viking's resident astronomer, Howard Parkin MBE, explains why the natural phenomenon is so prominent recently
'The sailing from London Tilbury to Bergen, in Norway from March 16 to 23 certainly ups the chances. 'And the beauty of being on the ship means little light pollution and travelling to a different place each night means guests can go on an excursion to a location where the Aurora is expected to emerge. 'Sometimes viewing the lights from the ship has been like watching a genie escaping Aladdin's lamp. 'We have seen pulsating auroras that constantly glow and fade; swirling green bands which seem to flutter across the clear, dark night sky before bursting into a fantastical light show and what looks like magenta and green theatre curtains opening and closing. 'Once, on a Viking snowmobile trip from Alta, high above the Arctic Circle where snow-dusted spruce trees looked like they had come off a Christmas card, the whole sky was green. 'Back on board there was such a buzz around the ship with everyone saying they would never forget these this amazing experience of a lifetime - and neither will I!'
Howard Parkin's book 'Space for Dark Skies' is available at howardparkin@icloud.com.
TRAVEL FACTS
The 12-night London Tilbury to Bergen 'In Search of the Northern Lights' cruise on Viking Neptune departs on March 16, 2026 with calls to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands; Narvik, Tromso and Alta in Norway.
Price from £4,490 pp including return flight to select UK airports, all on board meals including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, included excursion in each port, wifi and tips (viking.com).