Scandinavian cruises are attracting growing interest from South African travellers but agents are being warned against confusing a cruise through the region with one that offers a realistic chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
In a recent Travel News poll, 40% of respondents identified Scandinavia as the destination outside the Mediterranean experiencing the strongest growth in cruise interest.
However, industry experts are cautioning that a Scandinavian cruise does not guarantee a sighting of the Northern Lights, with seasonality, itinerary choices and weather conditions all influencing the experience.
“The Northern Lights have become a bucket-list experience for many travellers but it’s helpful to separate interest in Scandinavian cruises from interest in a cruise planned around seeing the aurora. Both can be memorable trips but they are different products,” said Nirosha Sidat, Country Manager Africa, Norwegian Cruise Line.
Timing makes the difference
Charmaine Lawrenson of Dream Destination, said the best time to see the Northern Lights was during the darker months, typically from late September to late March or early April.
“The success of these bookings depends on good advice, realistic expectations and careful planning. Flights, visas, winter conditions, budgets, itinerary selection and the limitations of sighting guarantees all need to be discussed openly,” she said.
One common misconception is that any cruise to Scandinavia offers a good chance of seeing Northern Lights.
“The season, route, and available darkness all matter; visiting a particular port does not guarantee a sighting. Travellers can also underestimate the total cost of a winter trip, including flights, accommodation, and optional experiences,” said Shirley-Ann McQuade, Regional Manager – Western Cape, Flight Centre South Africa.
Gaynor Neill, Owner of Cruise Vacations, said it was important that clients choose a cruise they would enjoy even without the lights.
“Many sail during the brighter summer months. Equally, sightings do not require deep winter; autumn can offer excellent opportunities. Agents should explain the seasonal differences and establish whether the client’s priority is the cruise experience or the aurora,” said Neill.
Sidat said travellers could also confuse the midnight sun, a summer phenomenon in Norway’s far north, with the Northern Lights.
Guarantees
Although cruise lines cannot guarantee Northern Lights sightings, some operators have promises on qualifying sailings. “These offers differ by cruise line and itinerary, so it is important for agents to understand exactly what is included,” said Henuti Purshotam, Product & Marketing Specialist for Whitestar Cruise & Travel.
Hurtigruten offers a Northern Lights Promise on qualifying Norwegian coastal voyages of 11 days or longer during its defined auroral season. If the lights are not officially recorded during the voyage, eligible guests receive a complimentary qualifying voyage, subject to the offer’s conditions.
“It is important to distinguish between a guarantee of seeing the lights and a guarantee of an alternative experience if they are not seen. Agents should verify the exact terms of any offer before presenting it as part of the booking,” said Purshotam.
