holland america cruise boston to iceland

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Holland America: up to 45% OFF and up to $300 OBC*

Holland America: Included Drinks, Tours, Specia...

Holland America Canada & New England cruises from $1,084*

11 Ships in the Holland America Line fleet

Ship:  .

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Volendam Overview

Bright and fresh like the flowers that can be found all over this ship, Holland America’s ms Volendam is a delight for all her passengers. This ship also uses the freshest ingredients in the delightful dishes on their renowned menus like the Cod Puttanesca served at the Canaletto Restaurant and the Chilled Peach and Ginger Soup at the Rotterdam Dining Room. You’ll feel especially refreshed if you treat yourself to a hot stone massage or some time in the Turkish baths at the ship’s Greenhouse Spa & Salon. The ms Volendam is the perfect ship to recharge your batteries and take in the beautiful sights that surround you. 

• Passenger Capacity: 1,432 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1996
• Last Refurbished: 2019

Volendam Cruise Destinations

Holland America Line prides itself on offering a superb variety of destinations. This cruise line visits 7 continents and over 320 ports worldwide while embarking from all types of ports, from convenient close-to-home ports to far-away exotic departure ports. You can plan a special romantic cruise to the Greek Isles or an enriching vacation in Asia. In addition, Holland America's connections with Alaskan hotels and their ownership of Half Moon Cay (their private Caribbean island) have differentiated them in Alaska and the Caribbean. 

From the changing of the seasons to clam chowder that defies reason, cruising to Canada and New England is an unforgettable vacation experience.

Eastern Caribbean

Spend some time in the sunshine and fill your nights with tropical delights in the Eastern Caribbean.

New Foundland

Enjoy finding a new land in Newfoundland, one of Canada's most beautiful destinations with Holland America.

Southern Caribbean

From snorkeling to smoothies, cultural treasures to creatures of the jungle—cruising to the Southern Caribbean is an incredible vacation option.

From the Alaska to Australia, Bahamas to Burma, and everywhere in between—choose a Grand Voyage or World cruise and see it all.

Volendam Departure Ports

Sail to the world’s hot spots with Holland America. This revered cruise line has sailings from cities around the world like Ft. Lauderdale, Valparaiso, Barcelona, Sydney and Montreal.  All of their departure ports are convenient to get to with major airports and public transportation. Get ready for an amazing cruise vacation with Holland America, your first step is to call us at The Cruise Web to speak with a consultant and find your perfect itinerary. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal combines Old World style and New World cosmopolitan inspirations, along with a French culture, for a beautiful all-encompassing city and cruise destination.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

Ijmuiden, Netherlands

Ijmuiden offers cruisers a great spot from which to travel all over the northern part of The Netherlands, making it a popular port for cruisers seeking a more in-depth Northern European experience.

Volendam Deck Plans

Dolphin deck, lower promenade deck, promenade deck, upper promenade deck, verandah deck, navigation deck, sports deck, volendam staterooms.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower.

Inside (MM)

Large Interior Staterooms: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower.

Large Interior Staterooms: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. (Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (E)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. (Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (FF)

Oceanview (ee).

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. (Fully accessible rooms have roll-in shower only. Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (DA)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. (Fully accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (G)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All G-category staterooms have portholes.(Fully accessible rooms have single side approach to the bed, bathtub & roll-in shower. Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.)

Oceanview (H)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All H-category staterooms have partial sea views.

Oceanview (HH)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. All HH-category staterooms have fullly obstructed views. Ambulatory accessible rooms have roll-in shower only.

Oceanview (C)

Oceanview (d).

Oceanview (CA)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Sliding glass doors lead onto the walk-around Lower Promenade Deck.

Oceanview (DD)

Large Ocean-view Staterooms: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

Oceanview (F)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows .

2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows .(Fully accessible rooms have single side approach to the bed, bathtub & roll-in shower.)

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, 1 sofa bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, 1 sofa bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. (Fully accessible rooms have single side approach to the bed, bathtub & roll-in shower.)

Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower, living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, guest toilet, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Photo Gallery for Volendam Cruise Ship

Are you a visual learner? Check out this photo gallery of the Holland America experience. Here you can see the amazing dining venues, spacious staterooms and beautiful destinations the ship sails to. 

Gym onboard the Volendam

Frans Hals Show Lounge

Penthouse Verandah

Top 10 Volendam Cruises

• Volendam 7-DAY CANADA & NEW ENGLAND DISCOVERY Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (May 2024 - Sep 2024)
• Volendam 7-DAY HISTORIC COASTS Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jul 2024)
• Volendam 14-DAY SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Dec 2024)
• Volendam 21-DAY ULTIMATE CARIBBEAN Departing From Miami, Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 100-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 133-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 47-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jan 2025)
• Volendam 53-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Buenos Aires, Argentina (Mar 2025)
• Volendam 86-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Buenos Aires, Argentina (Mar 2025)
• Volendam 33-DAY GRAND VOYAGE: POLE TO POLE Departing From Ijmuiden, Netherlands (May 2025)

Learn More About Holland America Line

Accessibility

Learn about Holland America's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities, including hearing impairment, service animals and oxygen needs.

Savor dining aboard Holland America, including the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind, Lido Restaurant, Master Chef's Room, main dining room, room service and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Holland America's onboard entertainment, including BB King's Blues Club, an onboard theater, casino, indoor and outdoor movie screens, bars and lounges.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Holland America's onboard activities, including culinary classes, digital workshops, regional experiences, art galleries, pools, sports courts, duty-free shopping and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Holland America's friendly staff take care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Holland America's cruising awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax in Holland America's greenhouse spa, salon, fitness center and fitness classes. There are also Hydrotherapy pools on some Holland America ships.

Special Events

Make the most of your Holland America Line cruise with exclusive special events and signature experiences in select cities.

Explore Holland America's deluxe cruise staterooms, including Pinnacle, Neptune, Signature and Vista Suites, along with balcony, ocean-view and inside staterooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Holland America. Youth programs provide supervision and activities for children ages 3-17, along with babysitting programs.

Cruise Type

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Holland America Canada and New England Cruises to Iceland, Newfoundland and More

If you’ve wanted to visit Iceland, but didn’t want to fly there, Holland America has your ticket. In 2022, Holland America adds new cruises to Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland to some of their Canada and New England cruises. 

Holland America Canada and New England cruises to Iceland and beyond in 2022.

For the first time, a Pinnacle Class ship will be positioned for Canada and New England cruises. Beginning in 2022, Nieuw Statendam will cruise more than 2,100 nautical miles from Boston to Iceland with entirely new itineraries on the Atlantic coast of North America.

Also in 2022, Holland America’s Zaandam will sail seven-night cruises to Canada and New England, plus longer repositioning cruises at the beginning and end of the season. 

A series of six- and eight-day “Canada and New England Discovery” cruises will be offered throughout the season. One special 24-day voyage aboard Nieuw Statendam will include all three distant North Atlantic regions; Newfoundland, Greenland and Iceland.

New Canada and New England Cruises in 2022

Nieuw Statendam Cruise Details Nieuw Statendam will depart on August 3 as the first Pinnacle Class ship to sail to Canada and New England. Departing from Boston, the ship will head into the North Atlantic to circumnavigate Iceland. 

In addition to six port calls on its cruise to Iceland, the next ports in the North Atlantic include Greenland, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Along the way, ports visited will be Bar Harbor, Maine ; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Saint-Pierre, St. John’s, Red Bay, St. Anthony and Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) and Nanortalik (Ilivileq), Greenland; and Reykjavík (evening stay), Djúpivogur, Seydisfjörur, Akureyri, Isafjörour and Grundarfjörour, Iceland.

Other Nieuw Statendam Canada and New England cruises in 2022 include six- and eight-day “Canada & New England Discovery” cruises between Boston and Québec City, with weekend departures.

Ports include Bar Harbor, Charlottetown, PEI, Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia. The eight-day cruise adds Saint John, New Brunswick.

Also planned, Nieuw Statendam has new “Newfoundland & New England Discovery” cruises sailing between Boston and Québec City. Included on the 10-day cruise are Baie-Comeau and Havre-Saint-Pierre, Québec; and Corner Brook, St. Anthony, St. John’s, Halifax and Bar Harbor.

The 11-day cruise includes calls at Portland, Maine ; Saguenay, Québec; and Saint John, Halifax, Corner Brook (evening stay), Charlottetown and Baie-Comeau.

READ NEXT:  What to Do in Charlottetown, PEI on a Cruise Day in Port

Zaandam Canada and New England Itineraries

While Zaandam isn’t offering longer cruises to Iceland and beyond, the smaller ship will offer seven-night cruises. With weekend departures in summer and fall, Zaandam will cruise between Boston and Montréal, Québec, Canada. Ports visited include Bar Harbor, Maine and in Canada, Québec City, Québec; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

RELATED:   What to Do for Fun in Popular Canada Cruise Ports

Holland America Culinary Tours

Partnered with FOOD & WINE, the Canada and New England cruises highlight both the culture and cuisine of the regions. In Quebec, it’s their famous poutine plus everything maple syrup-flavored. More Canadian cuisine includes fresh-from-the-sea oysters, mussels and succulent steamed lobster. Back in the U.S., there’s more seafood to enjoy. Try an authentic Maine “lobstah” bake in Bar Harbor, Maine. 

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Hi Susan, Thank you for your comment. I only write about Holland America and other travel topics. You will need to find a travel agent or call Holland America to have your questions answered. The route to Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland is offered again, as mentioned in my article. Good luck and have a wonderful cruise adventure! Sherry

WE HAVE TRAVELED WITH HOLLAND AMERICA QUITE A BIT AND YOU ARE ALWAYS OUR FIRST CHOICE. FOR TWO YEARS WE HAVE TRIED TO DO THE ROTTERDAM CRUISE INCLUDING ICELAND, GREENLAND AND NEWFOUNDLAND AND ENDING IN HALIFAX OR BOSTON. THIS WAS CANCELLED ONCE BECAUSE YOU SOLD THE SHIP. I KNOW SO MANY WHO WERE BOOKED ON THE TRIP TWO YEARS IN A ROW…COVID THROUGH THAT FOR A LOOP AS WELL. WILL THERE EVER BE THIS ROUTE OFFERED AGAIN? WE HAVE BEEN MOST PLACES AND THIS IS ONE TRIP TO WHICH WE WERE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD. BEFORE I DO ANY PLANNING FOR 2022, I WANT TO FIND OUT, AS THIS WOULD BE OUR FIRST PRIORITY.

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Holland America Line cruises from Boston

Holland America Line offers cruises from Boston to Canada & New England and Iceland . See the detailed schedule of departures below.

The Holland America Zaandam's features include America's Test Kitchen cooking shows & workshops, Explorations Central, O the Oprah Magazine, Greenhouse Spa, The Mainstage theater, casino, Explorer's Lounge, Club HAL for kids age 3 to 17, fitness center, and Ocean Bar. Read a Holland America Zaandam cruise review .

7-day Canada & New England cruise on the Volendam. Round-trip from Boston to Portland (Maine), Saint John (New Brunswick), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Bar Harbor (Maine). • 2024 departure: July 20.

7-day Canada & New England cruises on the Volendam. One-way from Boston to Montreal (Canada). Visit Bar Harbor (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Quebec City (Quebec). • 2024 departures: May 11, May 25, June 8, June 22, July 6, September 28.

7-day Canada & New England cruises on the Zuiderdam. One-way from Boston to Quebec City (Canada). Visit Bar Harbor (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island). • 2024 departure: August 24, September 7, September 21, October 5.

11-day Canada & New England cruise on the Volendam. One-way from Boston to Montreal (Canada). Visit Portland (Maine), St John (New Brunswick), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Saguenay (Quebec) and Quebec City (Quebec). • 2024 departures: August 20, September 10.

14-day Repositioning cruise on the Zuiderdam. One-way from Boston to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Bermuda, St Thomas, St Maarten, St Lucia, Barbados, Curacao and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: November 9.

21-day Caribbean Escape cruise on the Zuiderdam. Round-trip from Boston to Kings Wharf (Bermuda), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), Curacao, Aruba, Cartagena (Colombia), the Panama Canal (partial transit), Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Key West (Florida), Bimini (Bahamas) and Port Canaveral (Florida). • 2024 departure: October 19.

25-day Iceland & Canada cruise on the Volendam. Round-trip from Boston to Sydney (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Red Bay (Labrador), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Seydisfjordur (Iceland), Djupivogur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Grundarfjordur (Iceland), Nanortalik (Greenland), St Anthony (Newfoundland), St Johns (Newfoundland), Halifax (Nova Scotia) and Bar Harbor (Maine). • 2024 departure: July 27.

35-day Voyage of the Vikings cruise on the Zuiderdam. Round-trip from Boston to Bar Harbor (Maine), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Red Bay (Labrador), Paamiut (Greenland), Nanortalik (Greenland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Eidfjord (Norway), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Cork (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Djupivogur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), St Anthony (Newfoundland), St Johns (Newfoundland) and Halifax (Nova Scotia). • 2024 departure: July 20.

Have fun. Explore the world. Take a Holland America Line cruise from Boston .

• Holland America Line

Round Trip Boston/Iceland 24 Days

By DFWGUYZ , April 9, 2021 in Holland America Line

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https://thepointsguy.com/news/holland-america-boston-iceland-cruise/amp/?fbclid=IwAR0YE0YSg9QgWyeTlOU0IJg4hZ1pgY3N2ZYzHH2BozTGa5Uv2yByX_zvSKA  

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FlorenceItaly

We are booked on this.  I believe it is almost sold out.  The prices have skyrocketed.  We have a wonderful, active Roll Cal.

Iceland was one of our favorite places.  We prefer to do land trips as so much to see is not near the ports.  We love traveling way down the gravel roads in the West-fjords or EastFjords.

3 hours ago, KirkNC said: Iceland was one of our favorite places.  We prefer to do land trips as so much to see is not near the ports.  We love traveling way down the gravel roads in the West-fjords or EastFjords.

Iceland is a favorite of mine also.  I’m currently trying to plan a Ring Road trip for July/August as I have a credit to use from a canceled Icelandair vacation package from last year.

Sue from Canada

11 hours ago, FlorenceItaly said: We are booked on this.  I believe it is almost sold out.  The prices have skyrocketed.  We have a wonderful, active Roll Cal.

I booked this cruise two days after it was open for bookings.  Yes, the prices have jumped.  Looking at the cruise, only inside and some balcony cabins are left.  I've been to Iceland and Greenland twice and can't wait to go again. 

This is my dream trip.  Maybe some day I will go.  

I am booked on this cruise too.  Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time.  If I enjoy visiting Iceland will probably go back on a land tour.

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Holland America’s Unique 24-Day Cruise to Iceland and Greenland

• March 25, 2023

Holland America Line’s new 2024 Canada & New England season includes a unique 24-day voyage to Iceland and Greenland.

Sailing roundtrip from Boston, the cruise takes place onboard the Volendam and includes a complete circumnavigation of Iceland, in addition to ten visits to Greenland, Maine and Canada’s Nova Scotia, Labrador and Newfoundland.

Sailing on July 27, the itinerary also features six ports of call in Iceland: Isafjord, Akureyri, Seydisfjordur, Djupivogur, Reykjavik and Grundarfjordur.

In Greenland, the destinations set to be visited include Qaqortoq and Nanortalik.

Another highlight of the cruise is a visit to Red Bay, an unusual cruise call in the Labrador Peninsula. In addition to the Volendam, the destination is set to receive only three calls from major cruise lines in 2024.

According to Holland America Line, the 24-day voyage to Iceland and Greenland is part of its “homeport initiative,” which is said to allow guests to “see the world from their doorstep.”

With a total of 29 sailings, Holland America Line’s complete Canada & New England 2024 season will feature two ships.

In addition to the Volendam, the Zuiderdam is also set to offer several departures in the region between April and October.

According to the company, the ships’ different itineraries were designed to “showcase the region’s delicious seafood, deep maritime history, quintessential charm and natural beauty.”

Sailing between Boston, Quebec City and Montreal, the cruises feature visits to several popular ports, including Bar Harbor, Portland, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Saguenay and more.

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Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky might cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green look like something from outer space — and they are. Auroras appear when charged particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Cruise ships can take you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Remember that seeing this phenomenon doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights requires clear and dark skies, late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you invest all your cruise vacation hopes in this one experience.

Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.

Just off the auroral ring is the rest of Alaska. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis.

Cruise lines operating in Alaska — including Holland America , Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures — have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the display. Put your name on the list, and you'll receive a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door if there's aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly, as the lights might only appear for a few minutes. (They could also last considerably longer.)

Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights

If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights."

Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899. A whole industry has sprung up around the lights, including such extravagant shore excursions as an overnight in a tent with viewing windows at a Sami dog-sledding camp. Alta is also home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural landmark.

Tromso is another Norwegian destination known as a hub for aurora borealis viewing. In late January, there's a northern lights arts festival featuring top artists in various musical genres.

Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. However, the peak viewing season is from November to March (see below). Viking also visits but in the winter.

Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada appear on many expedition ships' itineraries during northern lights season, mostly early in the season in August and September. Lines with ships there include Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

When can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

Because of the late-setting and early rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, but solar activity does take place year-round.

If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises.

The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska. An advantage in Norway is that it's dark enough to see them for a longer period during fall and winter.

Do cruisetours in Alaska improve my chances of seeing the lights?

Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

While you might see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, venturing to Fairbanks and points farther north will increase your odds.

Fairbanks tourism folks like to brag that if you visit for at least three nights between Aug. 21 and April 21, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are more than 90%. (That assumes you are out actively looking during the late evening hours.)

Since your cruisetour might not visit for three nights, consider booking extra hotel nights before or after your cruise. Other things to do in this laid-back city (human population: about 100,000; moose population: 16,000) include riverboat tours, gold panning and yoga with reindeer.

You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon Territory, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours.

Related: What's the best way to view the northern lights? We tried to see them by air, land and sea

Should I go on a cruise just to see the northern lights?

Yes, but remember that the phenomenon is dependent on the weather (clear skies required) and hard to predict, despite scientists' best efforts.

Viking has wintertime cruises to Norway from London specifically designed to track the lights in the Norwegian Sea during the peak viewing season — throughout the cruise but especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta (where the sailings stop overnight). It's dark in these locales in winter, increasing your chances.

Hurtigruten is so invested in its northern lights experiences that it has hired famed northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss as its "chief aurora chaser." He will serve as an onboard expert, offering talks and workshops for passengers.

The line is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Holland America Line Guarantees Glacier Viewings for All Alaska Cruises, Cruisetours

H olland America Line is guaranteeing that guests will see one or more glaciers on their cruise to Alaska , ensuring that all guests will be able to enjoy viewing the majestic natural wonders. 

Called the Glacier Guarantee, the promise is going on now through September 2025. If guests aren’t able to view at least one glacier during a Holland America Line cruise to Alaska, they’re eligible to receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their original cruise fare. 

Holland America Line has more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than any other cruise line, and also offers opportunities to visit College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier and the Tracy Arm Fjord’s Twin Sawyer Glaciers. 

Also new for its 2024 Alaska season, Holland is debuting “Glacier Day” on Alaska cruises as part of its “We Love Alaska” onboard experience. Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, viewing stations, photo opportunities, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Service Rangers and more.

"Our guests, and especially first-time guests, are understandably as obsessed with Alaska's glaciers as we are, and our new Glacier Guarantee underlines our confidence in providing unforgettable glacier sightings on our Alaska cruises and Cruisetours," said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer, Holland America Line. "We know our guests are going to return home from their cruise with special memories of these icy wonders. In fact, we guarantee it." 

In 2024 and 2025, the line will offer six ships sailing along the scenic Alaskan coastline: the Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.