subject: Astronomy Cruises In Norway [print this page] The skies above Norway play host to the spectacular Aurora Borealis every winter between October and March. On the Astronomy Cruise, passengers are introduced to the science behind them, as well as some of the legends that surround the Northern Lights. Guests can look forward to a holiday that is both fascinating and relaxing at the same time.
Setting sail from Bergen, the ship takes its passengers on an epic voyage along the rugged Norwegian coastline, where snow-capped mountains pierce grey skies and immense fjords are littered with icebergs calved from glaciers. Holidaymakers can enjoy the dramatic scenery in warmth and comfort from the ships Panorama Lounge which benefits from enormous windows.
Calling at intriguing coastal towns and cities such as Alesund with its unusual Art Nouveau architecture, Trondheim with its strong Viking ties and Tromso, Norways Arctic capital, travellers will gain a real sense of the culture and way of life in these remote northerly settlements.
The ship also sails through the Lofoton Islands, a stunning archipelago which boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Norway. Whilst weaving its way northwards through the islands, the ship will cross the Arctic Circle, an event that is met with great ceremony for guests entering the Arctic for the first time.
In between ports of call, passengers are invited to attend lectures by renowned astronomers to learn more about the causes of the Aurora Borealis and why scientists believe that the winter of 2012/2013 will be a great one for sightings of the phenomenon. Based either in the ships lecture theatre or weather permitting, out on deck, the knowledge that is imparted by these expert astronomers is truly fascinating. Not only this, guests can learn more about historical explanations of the Northern Lights and how different cultures had delightfully different ways of explaining their presence.
At any point during the cruise, the Northern Lights could grace the skies, treating passengers to one of the worlds most bewildering natural phenomena. Guests can even request a wake-up call to their cabin should the Aurora Borealis appear late at night, so that they dont miss a moment of its beauty. After the Astronomy Cruise, passengers will see the night sky in a whole different light.
