aurora of the seas cruise ship

• CruiseMapper
• P&O Cruises

Cruise line P&O UK (P&O Cruises)

• Southampton (England)

Aurora current position

Aurora current location is at West Mediterranean (coordinates 39.07990 N / 15.31349 E) cruising at speed of 13.9 kn (26 km/h | 16 mph) en route to ITMSN > ITSAL. The AIS position was reported 5 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Aurora

Aurora current cruise is 19 days, round-trip Mediterranean . The itinerary starts on 03 Jun, 2024 and ends on 22 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Aurora

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Aurora Itineraries

Aurora review, review of aurora.

The 2001-built P&O Aurora cruise ship is one of the older P&O UK liners. The drydock refit in 2014 made it the first in the fleet with the company's new hull livery - the Union Jack flag.

In February 2018, P&O UK announced that Aurora becomes an adults-only ship, after the scheduled drydock refurbishment in March 2019. The ship joined the adult-only fleetmate Arcadia on April 8, 2019. Both boats are exclusively for adults.

The vessel (IMO number 9226906) is currently Bermuda- flagged (MMSI 310556000) and registered in Hamilton .

History - construction and ownership

P&O Cruises is a subsidiary company and two brands owned by Carnival Corporation - P&O UK and P&O Australia. In 2000, P&O Cruises became subsidiary of P&O Princess Cruises, which merged with Carnival Corporation in 2003. P and O is the world's oldest cruise company, starting passenger shipping operations in 1822 on the routes connecting England with Iberia.

The 1900-passenger ship Aurora operates some of the best luxury ship cruises from England, with cheap affordable cruises from UK ports. This one is among the most family-friendly cruise ships in the UK, featuring the PO Aurora World cruise deals from Southampton by the UK best cruise line. One of the best England cruise ships, P&O Aurora serves predominantly the British market, with a great variety of itineraries (mainly in Europe). With her classic design and tiered stern, she is more similar to the traditional ocean liners, and just like “the good old ones”, she offers sheer luxury, premium cruising experiences, stylish entertainment, and 5-star hotel amenities. The PO Aurora cruise ship reviews often recommend this vessel and its itineraries as presenting the best and cheap options for birthday celebrations and wedding anniversaries at sea, small family reunions, and for spending quality family time together.

Decks and Cabins

P&O Aurora staterooms (962 total, in 20 grades) including 30x Suites, 381x Balconies, 253x Oceanviews, 288x Inside, 10x Single cabins (Oceanview). Most cabins are sized 150-175 ft2 / 14-16 m2. Most cabin balconies are sized 30-40 ft2 / 3-4 m2. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 22. The largest passenger accommodations are the Penthouse Suites (Duplex Apartments sized 865 ft2 / 80 m2, with terrace 70 ft2 / 7 m2).

The boat has 13 decks , of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The decor of the vessel is not from the most exciting that passengers have ever seen and appeals to the older Brits. There is a 2-sitting fixed dining system in the dining venues and dress codes are enforced in the restaurants and in the basic bars in the evenings. The ship's main dining rooms are two (Medina and Alexandria restaurants), both with open-seating (serving breakfast and lunch) and Club dining at dinner (fixed seating). Alternative/specialty restaurant is Cafe Bordeaux (by chef Marco Pierre White) with Mediterranean cuisine. Dinner reservations are required, and a surcharge is applied. The casual Pennant Grill serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea. Another dining option is the self-service buffet restaurant “The Orangery”. Room service costs extra.

Follows the complete list of Aurora restaurants and food bars.

• Medina Restaurant (forward Dining Room; open seating breakfast 8-9:30 am, Lunch 12:15-1:45 pm, Afternoon Tea 4-4:45 pm, club dining with two fixed Dinner seatings (at 6:30 or 8:30 pm/complimentary)
• Alexandria Restaurant (aft Dining Room, dinner only, with 2 fixed dinner seatings at 6:30 or 8:30 p.m.; complimentary)
• Cafe Bordeaux (120-seat French specialty restaurant by Marco Pierre White; at surcharge; open for Breakfast 6:30-11:00 am, Lunch 11 am - 5:30 pm, Afternoon Tea 5:30-6:30 pm, Dinner 6-10:30 pm, late-night snacks 10:30 pm - 6:30 am)
• The Orangery (Lido buffet, self-service, complimentary; open for Breakfast 7-10:30 am, Brunch 10:30-12 am; Lunch 12-2:30 pm, Children’s Afternoon Tea and snacks 5:45-6:30 pm, Dinner 6:30-9 pm/ features themed buffets)
• Sidewalk Cafe (Lido Cafe, fast food bar; offers pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, complimentary; open 11 am - 6 pm)
• "Sindhu" (Indian, by A. Kochhar)
• Pennant Grill and Bar (specialty restaurant, alfresco; surcharge PP applied; open only for dinner/ 7-9:30 pm).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

P&O Aurora liner attracts passengers during the school holidays, but basically, she is loved by more elderly people who prefer a traditional cruising experience. Ship's Sun Deck features a golf simulator, Cyb@Study (Internet), the line’s signature Crow’s Nest (bar&lounge by day, nightclub by night), the Uganda room for private parties, and Crystal Pool with 5 hot tubs. The Lido Deck boasts the Oasis spa-salon-sauna, The Orangery, and Sidewalk Cafe, as well as the Pennant bar. The Riviera Pool and Weights and Measures gym are located on Deck 11. Onboard P&O Aurora, there are a total of 8 bars, 3 pools (1 with retractable glass dome), 2 jacuzzis, up to 3 lectures a day, dance lessons, French and Spanish classes. Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Internet/WiFi access, supervised kids programme, laundry/self-serve laundromats.

Follows the complete list of Aurora lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Aurora Atrium (4-decks central open floor area and social hub)
• Palm Court Lobby
• Curzon Theatre (600-seat, features grand style productions, with hi-tech lighting and sound equipment)
• Carmen’s Lounge (show lounge and dance club; hosts dancing classes, bingo games, cabaret shows nightly)
• Champions Bar (sports bar); Anderson’s Bar; Charlie’s Bar (wine/piano)
• Monte Carlo Casino; Art Gallery and Shop
• Masquerade Disco and Nightclub
• Raffles Bar (hand-made chocolates and cakes; specialty coffee; a la carte pricing)
• Mayfair Shop (luxury jewelry); Piccadilly Court and Shop (clothes, accessories, sunglasses, logo items); Emporium (duty-free general store: logo merchandise, chocolates, souvenirs, alcohol, tobaccos, special occasion gifts)
• Photo Gallery and Shop; The Library (with Internet computers); Vanderbilt’s Card Room
• Cyb@Study (24-hour Internet computers room)
• Uganda Room (wedding venue, vow renewals; also used for private parties)
• The Playhouse (213-seat cinema)
• Decibels Disco (teens club lounge)
• Terrace Pool and Bar area; Crystal Pool (served by Crystal Bar); Riviera Pool and Bar area (adults-only)
• Toybox Room and Night Nursery; Quarter Deck (kids club room); Jumping Jacks (kids club); Intergalactic (video games arcade)
• Oasis Spa and Health Club (Treatment Rooms, Steam Rooms, Beauty Salon)
• The Retreat (relaxation room with large wooden floor for Yoga, Tai Chi, ballroom dance classes)
• Weights and Measures Gym (complimentary equipment, Fitness classes; Yoga and Pilates at surcharge)
• The Crow’s Nest Lounge (dance floor, a stage for live music; with floor-ceiling windows for panoramic views; hosts art classes, quiz games, cooking demos during the day)
• Power Walking/Jogging Track; Sports Court (tennis, basketball, football, cricket); Shuffleboard, Deck Quoits, Table Tennis; Golf Simulator; four Golf Net cages.

Itineraries

P&O Aurora itinerary program is based on roundtrips from homeport Southampton England , including an annual World Cruise , Caribbean itineraries (ex-UK roundtrip Transatlantic crossings), Canary Islands, Baltic (Norwegian Fjords), Mediterranean, Iceland and Norway, as well as "mini-cruises" from the UK to Belgium.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the ship Aurora was paused through April 2022.

Aurora - user reviews and comments

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Other P&O UK cruise ships

Aurora wiki.

MS Aurora was specifically designed to appeal to the UK cruising market. Since British travelers are more attracted by traditionally looking ships, vessel's hull and superstructure as design resemble traditional ocean liners. Design's basics were taken from mv Oriana , but largely extended and improved (cabins and facilities).

P&O Aurora (Papenburg shipyard/hull number 640) is powered by MAN B&W marine diesel engines (model 14V48/60) generating total power output 56 MW.

A most unfortunate event in mv Aurora's history happened at the very beginning of its service. Vessel's royal godmother (Princess Anne) failed to shatter the champagne bottle in the hull during the christening ceremony in Southampton . And many blamed this for the canceled Maiden Voyage (May 1, 2000) when due to a serious technical problem the Inaugural cruise to the Mediterranean was canceled after only 16 hrs at sea. The ship was taken out of service for drydock repairs, and passengers refund/compensation package cost P&O UK about GBP 6 million. Aurora returned to service 2 weeks later.

The liner was christened on April 27, 2000, by godmother HRH Princess Royal. The list of other P and O cruise ships named by British Royals includes Oriana (April 6, 1995, by HM The Queen), Britannia (March 10, 2015, by HM The Queen) and the ships Oceana and Adonia (Azamara Pursuit since 2018) . Both vessels were named on May 21, 2003, by HRH Princess Royal and her daughter Zara Phillips.

The list of P&O World Cruise ships, besides Aurora also includes mv Arcadia .

P&O Aurora refurbishments review

The ship is currently scheduled for a drydock refurbishment in April 2025.

Aurora's renovation project in 2023 (April-May) resulted in new chairs (in all passenger staterooms), new furniture (on all cabin balconies), and new deckchairs/furniture on all open deck areas. Neptune Pool's sundeck was upgraded with new garden furniture (loungers, sofas, tables, armchairs).

Follows the list of deck plan changes after the 2014 drydock refurbishment in Hamburg (Nov 29 thru Dec 18) conducted at Blohm+Voss.

• new livery design. The refit in 2014 makes ms Aurora the first of all P and O cruise ships with the new livery for the P&O line- the Union Jack flag (on the hull/bow) and the funnel’s new livery design will feature a contemporary version of the Union Flag and new blue funnels with illuminated rising sun designs.
• (Deck 8) New Indian cuisine restaurant (“Sindhu”, by Atul Kochhar) replaces the library, which is to be relocated to Deck 13 (where is the  cyb@study).
• (Deck 8) Cafe Bordeaux to be replaced by the wine bar/specialty restaurant “Glass House”.
• Venues to receive renovations (decor and furniture changes): Lido Buffet, Sidewalk Cafe and the Spa (on Deck 12), Reef Club (Deck 8, changes in the kids' rooms names), Champions Bar, Casino, the Theatre and Carmen’s Lounge (all on Deck 7).
• New Grill evening menu (“The Beach House”)
• New venues: Medina Restaurant (Deck 6, with more 2-seats tables), “Grab & Go” food station and specialty “Costa Coffee” bar
• passenger cabins amenities upgrade (new flat TVs, furnishings).

Drydock 2014 refurbishment’s total cost was GBP 26 million (~USD 44 million).

Aurora's drydocking in 2022 (June 9-23) was at Harland & Wolff shipyard (in Belfast, Northern Ireland ). Before the 2022 drydock, the boat was drydocked for general maintenance works in March 2019.

Around South America cruises 2023

Next table shows Aurora's 65-night/66-day itinerary (booking code R301) Around South America roundtrip from the UK.

Prices started from GBP 1450 () per person with double occupancy.

P&O Aurora World Cruise 2022 (canceled)

In 2021, P&O UK planned a 100-day "World Cruise 2022" on MS Aurora, leaving roundtrip from Southampton (January 3 thru April 13). Paul Ludlow (P&O UK's President) commented that was "not possible" to operate the scheduled voyage due to the "complex logistics" (COVID impact) involved with a global itinerary.

The canceled voyage was also available for booking in smaller itinerary segments:

• (Jan 3) 49-days Southampton to Sydney
• (Jan 3) 24-days Southampton to San Francisco
• (Feb 21) 51-days Sydney to Southampton
• (Feb 21) 23-days Sydney to Singapore
• (Feb 21) 19-days Sydney to Hong Kong
• (Feb 23) 49-day Brisbane to Southampton
• (Feb 23) 17-days Brisbane to Hong Kong
• (Mar 12) 14-days Hong Kong to Dubai
• (Mar 12) 32-days Hong Kong to Southampton
• (Mar 26) 18-days Dubai to Southampton

Instead, the ship was rescheduled to operate two substitutes/Southampton roundtrips (sales opened on July 6, 2021) leaving in 2022 on February 22 (Transatlantic to the Caribbean) and April 1 (to the Canaries).

The 40-night Caribbean itinerary (priced from GBP 2150 pp) visits La Coruna Galicia, Funchal Madeira, Basseterre St Kitts, Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe, Oranjestad Aruba, Castries St Lucia, St Georges Grenada, Kingstown St Vincent Grenadines, Bridgetown Barbados, Kralendijk Bonaire.

The 12-night "Portugal and the Canaries" itinerary (priced from GBP 600 pp) visits Santa Cruz de la Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife de Lanzarote, and Lisbon Portugal.

A 3rd passenger (in the same cabin) paid just GBP 200 (on both P&O Aurora cruises).

Chasing the Aurora: A Guide to Northern Lights Cruises

by The Cruise Web Team May 23, 2024

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Embark on the best Northern Lights cruise for an unforgettable adventure, witnessing nature’s mesmerizing light show aboard a luxurious ship. These cruises are meticulously designed to provide optimal viewing opportunities, often navigating to remote locations far from light pollution. Imagine standing on the deck, surrounded by nothing but the vast expanse of the Arctic or subarctic, as the sky above comes alive with shimmering hues of green, pink, and purple. The best Northern Lights cruises combine this awe-inspiring spectacle with top-notch amenities, ensuring that your journey is as comfortable as it is enchanting.  

Understanding the Northern Lights  

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are natural light displays caused by the interaction between solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field, best seen in polar regions during the winter months when nights are longer, with peak visibility in late autumn and early spring.  

Benefits of Taking a Northern Lights Cruise  

Uninterrupted views away from light pollution  .

Northern Lights cruises take you to remote locations, away from the glare of city lights, providing optimal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis.  

Flexibility to chase the lights based on weather conditions  

Cruise ships can navigate to various locations, increasing the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, even if weather conditions are challenging in one area.      

Onboard amenities and comforts  

Northern Lights cruises offer a range of amenities, from cozy cabins and gourmet dining to onboard experts who provide insights into the phenomenon, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.  

Top Northern Lights Cruise Destinations      

The Norwegian coast: Renowned for its stunning fjords and picturesque coastal towns, Norway offers a prime viewing location for the Northern Lights. Cruises along the Norwegian coast provide a unique opportunity to witness this natural wonder in a serene and beautiful setting. Travelers can enjoy the contrast of the vibrant lights against the dark Arctic sky, all while sailing through charming villages and dramatic landscapes.  

Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø offers excellent Northern Lights viewing and a vibrant cultural scene. Its location within the auroral oval makes it one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis.  

View Tromso, Norway Cruises

Despite being further south, Bergen’s picturesque landscapes and proximity to fjords make it a popular cruise port for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The city’s coastal location provides opportunities for Aurora sightings, especially during periods of high solar activity.  

View Bergen, Norway Cruises

Longyearbyen  

As the largest settlement in Svalbard, Longyearbyen offers incredible polar scenery and Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Its position within the Arctic Circle ensures dark skies, ideal for witnessing the Aurora Borealis.  

View Longyearbyen, Norway Cruises

Home to the Northern Lights Cathedral and rich Sami culture, Alta is a prime spot for Northern Lights excursions. Its inland location provides clear views of the night sky, perfect for experiencing the magic of the Aurora Borealis.  

View Alta, Norway Cruises

Svalbard : Located in the Arctic wilderness, Svalbard offers a truly immersive Northern Lights experience. Cruising in this remote region allows you to witness the Aurora Borealis against a backdrop of icy landscapes and snow-covered mountains, creating a truly magical experience.  

View Svalbard, Norway Cruises

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights with the Cruise Web! Explore the stunning Norwegian coast, known for its fjords and picturesque towns, aboard a cruise tailor-made for nature lovers. Witness the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic,” or marvel at the lights in Bergen, Longyearbyen, and Alta. Sail through icy landscapes and snow-covered mountains in Svalbard for an unforgettable adventure.

Book your Northern Lights cruise now! Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or email [email protected] .

The allure of Iceland’s landscapes and culture: Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs, provide a stunning backdrop for Northern Lights viewing. Additionally, Iceland’s unique culture and vibrant arts scene add to the appeal of experiencing the Aurora Borealis in this enchanting country.  

Reykjavík  

The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavík, offers a mix of cultural attractions and easy access to Northern Lights tours. Despite some light pollution, the city’s outskirts provide dark enough skies for viewing the Aurora Borealis.  

View Reykjavik, Iceland Cruises

Located in northern Iceland, Akureyri is renowned for its stunning landscapes and frequent Northern Lights displays. Its position near the Arctic Circle offers excellent viewing conditions, especially during the winter months.  

View Akureyri, Iceland Cruises

Nestled in the Westfjords, Ísafjörður offers dramatic fjord scenery and a rich maritime history. Its remote location and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot for witnessing the Northern Lights.  

View Isafjord, Iceland Cruises

Known for its whale watching tours, Húsavík also offers excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing. The town’s coastal location provides unobstructed views of the sky, ideal for spotting the Aurora Borealis.

View Husavik, Iceland Cruises

Unique experiences on an Icelandic Northern Lights cruise : Cruising around Iceland offers a range of unique experiences, from soaking in geothermal baths to exploring lava fields. Combining these activities with Northern Lights viewing makes for a memorable and immersive journey.  

Experience the enchantment of Iceland’s Northern Lights with the Cruise Web! Explore dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique experiences on an Icelandic cruise. Book your adventure today and witness the Aurora Borealis in all its splendor. Contact us at 1-800-377-9383  or email us at [email protected] to learn more!  

Canada      

Cruising through Canada’s Arctic regions: Canada’s Arctic regions offer some of the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities in the world. Cruises through this remote and pristine wilderness allow you to witness the Aurora Borealis in its full splendor, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  

Churchill  

Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill also offers fantastic Northern Lights viewing opportunities. Its northern location and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot to witness the Aurora Borealis.  

View Churchill, Canada Cruises

Nunavut (Iqaluit)  

As the capital of Nunavut, Iqaluit provides a unique Arctic cultural experience along with stunning Aurora displays. The city’s remote location offers excellent viewing conditions for the Northern Lights.  

View Nunavut(Iqaluit), Canada Cruises

Pond Inlet  

Referred to as the “Jewel of the North,” Pond Inlet offers breathtaking scenery and excellent Aurora viewing opportunities. Its pristine Arctic landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for the Northern Lights.  

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Gjoa Haven  

Known for its rich history and Inuit culture, Gjoa Haven offers a unique Arctic experience and great Northern Lights viewing. Its remote location and clear skies make it an ideal spot for witnessing the Aurora Borealis.

View Gjoa Haven, Canada Cruises       

Combining Northern Lights viewing with other Canadian highlights:  Canada’s diverse landscapes and rich culture make it an ideal destination for combining Northern Lights viewing with other highlights, such as wildlife spotting and cultural experiences.  

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights in Canada’s Arctic regions with The Cruise Web! Witness the Aurora Borealis in all its splendor away from the city lights. Call us at 1-800-377-9383  or email [email protected] to book your unforgettable journey.

Alaska’s pristine wilderness and Northern Lights viewing opportunities:  Alaska’s vast wilderness provides a stunning backdrop for Northern Lights viewing. Cruising along Alaska’s coast allows you to witness the Aurora Borealis against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, icy fjords, and pristine forests.  

Anchorage  

Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is a hub for Northern Lights enthusiasts, offering a range of tours to prime viewing spots. Its location provides easy access to areas with clear skies, enhancing the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Anchorage also boasts modern amenities and accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay.  

View Anchorage, Alaska Cruises

Despite being further south, Juneau still offers occasional Aurora sightings due to its position under the auroral oval. This provides a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights against the backdrop of Juneau’s scenic beauty. Visitors can explore glaciers and forests during the day and keep an eye out for the Aurora in the evening.  

View Juneau, Alaska Cruises

Ketchikan  

Known for its rich Native American culture and stunning landscapes, Ketchikan offers a unique Alaskan experience. While sightings are less common than in more northern locations, the city’s cultural and natural attractions make it worthwhile. Visitors can explore totem pole parks, learn about Native American traditions, and enjoy the coastal scenery.  

View Ketchikan, Alaska Cruises

This historic town in southeastern Alaska provides a picturesque backdrop for Northern Lights displays. Its location near the coast and surrounded by rugged mountains offers a unique setting for Aurora viewing. When conditions are right, the Northern Lights can be seen dancing above Skagway’s historic buildings and stunning natural scenery.  

View Skagway, Alaska Cruises  

Cruising options along Alaska’s coast for Northern Lights enthusiasts : Alaska offers a range of cruising options for Northern Lights enthusiasts, from small expedition ships to luxury liners. These cruises provide a comfortable and immersive way to experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Alaska’s wild and rugged landscape.  

Choose from a variety of cruising options and create unforgettable memories under the Aurora Borealis. Book your Alaskan adventure today with The Cruise Web!

Call us at 1-800-377-8393 or email us at [email protected] .

What to Expect on a Northern Lights Cruise      

Types of Northern Lights cruises : Northern Lights cruises come in various forms, including expedition cruises that focus on exploration and luxury cruises that offer high-end amenities and services.  

Typical length and itinerary : Northern Lights cruises can vary in length from a few days to several weeks, with itineraries that may include stops at ports of call, scenic cruising in fjords or along coastlines, and dedicated Northern Lights viewing opportunities.      

Onboard activities and amenities:   Depending on the cruise line and ship, onboard activities may include lectures and presentations by Northern Lights experts, spa services, gourmet dining, and entertainment options.  

Tips for a Successful Northern Lights Cruise      

Best time to go : The best time to go on a Northern Lights cruise is during the winter months when the nights are long and dark, typically from late September to late March.  

Packing essentials : Essential items to pack for a Northern Lights cruise include warm clothing, including thermal layers, a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots, as well as a camera with a tripod for capturing the lights.  

Photography tips for capturing the lights : To capture the Northern Lights in all their glory, use a camera with manual settings, set a high ISO, use a wide-angle lens, and keep the shutter speed fast to prevent blurring.  

Choosing the Right Northern Lights Cruise  

Factors to consider when selecting a cruise : When choosing a Northern Lights cruise, consider factors such as the cruise line’s reputation, the ship’s amenities, the itinerary and length of the cruise, and your budget.  

Recommended cruise lines and ships : Some recommended cruise lines for Northern Lights cruises include Viking, Viking Expedition , Cunard , Silversea , and Princess . Ships with large, panoramic windows and outdoor viewing decks are ideal for Northern Lights viewing.  

Budgeting for a Northern Lights cruise : Budgeting for a Northern Lights cruise should include the cost of the cruise fare, travel insurance, excursions, onboard expenses, and any additional expenses such as flights and pre- or post-cruise accommodation.  

Recap of the Allure of Northern Lights Cruises  

Northern Lights cruises offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience this natural phenomenon, providing unparalleled views and a range of onboard amenities and activities.  

If you have ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, a Northern Lights cruise is the perfect way to make that dream a reality. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey and witness the magic of the Aurora Borealis in person.  

Ready to witness the magic of the Northern Lights on a cruise? Contact us at 1-800-377-9383  or email us at [email protected] to book your unforgettable journey now and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!  

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The 9 best northern lights alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Consider one of these trips for a chance to see this mesmerizing natural wonder.

The Best Northern Lights Alaska Cruises

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There's no other experience on Earth quite like witnessing the northern lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, this spellbinding phenomenon – when brilliant hues of green, yellow and purple dance across the night sky – is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Clear, dark evenings away from the ambient light of cities provide prime viewing opportunities.

Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis – especially locations in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Coldfoot, Wiseman, Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Nome. Fairbanks is regarded as a top location due to its position directly under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped area in the far north where aurora activity is generally concentrated. The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you'll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing.

If you're hoping to see the magic aboard an Alaska cruise in 2024 or 2025, then you just might be in luck. Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years.

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When to take a cruise to view the northern lights

The Alaska cruise season falls between May and September, with a few cruise lines extending the season from April to October.

Holland America Line recommends booking a cruise or cruisetour (a combined sea and land package) during the autumnal equinox, or the official start of autumn, which falls around Sept. 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field are more likely around the autumn and spring equinoxes, which could increase your chances of seeing the aurora. For the best views, Holland America advises heading to higher ground in Anchorage , to vantage points like Glen Alps, the Knit River Valley and Point Woronzof.

Princess Cruises also suggests booking your vacation in the fall. September is an ideal month to watch for the spectacle in the sky as the nights start getting longer and darker. The elusive display is most likely to appear on crystal-clear evenings between midnight and 4 a.m. While you can see incredible light shows in Anchorage, consider an extended tour of Fairbanks or the Interior that takes you away from light pollution (such as to Denali National Park & Preserve).

U.S. News has compiled a list of the nine best cruises and cruisetours to give you the optimal chance of viewing these whimsical lights in the sky, with a focus on sailings around the autumnal equinox in 2024 and later dates in September 2025. We've also included an early sailing in April, before the end of the aurora season. (Keep in mind: Many of these trips and itineraries are also available on other dates during the season. Cruise fares were accurate at the time of publication.)

Holland America Line

Princess cruises, celebrity cruises, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international.

Thierry Guenez | Courtesy of Holland America Line

9-Day Denali: Tour D8l

This nine-day land and sea tour on Nieuw Amsterdam includes an opportunity to search for the northern lights in Fairbanks, one of the best places to see them in Alaska (and in the world). Holland America offers a four-hour aurora borealis viewing tour outside the city in a yurt; it operates between the last week of August and mid-September.

If you'd like more options, there's no shortage of tour operators in town that can take you on a northern lights adventure in Fairbanks. You can even fly into town early to stay in the wilderness in an igloo with clear views of the night sky at Borealis Basecamp, located less than 30 miles from Fairbanks. Be sure to notify your hotel that you'd like a wake-up call or a knock on the door if the northern lights are on display.

You'll have more opportunities to see the aurora when you head to Denali National Park & Preserve for a stay at Holland America 's exclusive 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, located near the entrance to the park. After a full day exploring the park by ATV or a bucket list flightseeing adventure over Denali, you'll have another chance to see the colorful light display in Alaska's wilderness after midnight. The rest of the cruisetour itinerary includes scenic cruising days, with one spent in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. You'll also call on Juneau , Skagway and Ketchikan before disembarking in Vancouver .

14-Day Denali: Tour D3c

This 14-day adventure includes scenic cruising of the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, with stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Whittier and Seward. You'll then have nearly a week on land in Anchorage, Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks to go aurora hunting. If you spend an extra night or two in Fairbanks at the end of the trip, you'll be in town for the autumnal equinox, maximizing your northern lights viewing opportunities.

With the extra time in town, plan to book the Arctic Circle Air Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. This unforgettable journey takes you on a flight over the Yukon River and Brooks Range, just east of the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. You'll then land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the community of Coldfoot and receive an Arctic Circle Adventure Certificate before your return flight to Fairbanks.

7-Day Glacier Discovery Northbound

If you're interested in a cruise-only option and would prefer to arrange the land portion independently, consider this seven-day voyage on Nieuw Amsterdam. The itinerary includes three scenic cruising days, with one day in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, and calls on the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Whittier, which sits roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage.

From Whittier, there are many options to transfer to Anchorage (by rail or by road), including the iconic Glacier Discovery Train. Plan to stay a few evenings in Anchorage with a multiday guided aurora tour, or reserve a spot on an evening outing in search of the northern lights.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

11-Day Denali Explorer – Tour DA4

This 11-day cruisetour begins with a seven-night voyage embarking from Vancouver on Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The itinerary includes three sea days, two of which are dedicated to scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord. You'll make stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Anchorage (Whittier) before disembarking to depart for the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge via the line's direct-to-the-wilderness rail service.

Spending three nights at the lodge – located just outside the entrance to the park – in mid-September will offer excellent opportunities for aurora viewing. Keep your fingers crossed for high solar activity and clear, dark skies. Throughout your trip, learn photography tips to capture the mesmerizing display through Princess' North to Alaska Program. After your stay in Denali, you'll take a motor coach to Anchorage and stay overnight in a hotel there to finish up your voyage.

10-Day On Your Own – Tour BBX

The 10-Day On Your Own cruisetour with Princess Cruises begins with three nights on land, including overnights in Fairbanks, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. While at the Mt. McKinley resort, be sure to check out the lodge's treehouse. Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," this vantage point offers impressive views of Denali – the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet above sea level.

Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews. Request a wake-up call to have the Princess lodge staff call your room if the dazzling bands of light begin to dance in the sky. The next day, after traveling to Whittier by motor coach, you'll embark on your cruise to Vancouver aboard Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess.

The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area's pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. (All cruise ships visiting the park participate in this program with the National Park Service.) Ports of call for the rest of the journey include Icy Strait Point or Skagway (depending on the cruise), then Juneau and Ketchikan. The voyage ends in Vancouver.

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The Great National Parks Expedition Cruisetour

Celebrity's pre-cruise national parks adventure takes guests on a wildlife viewing quest to destinations in the north and the Interior where you can watch for the aurora. The 12-night trip begins in Fairbanks with a free day to explore.

Consider a trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which features exhibits on Arctic dinosaurs, diverse wildlife, Alaska Native cultures and 2,000 years of Alaska art. You could also visit the impressive collection of antique cars and clothing at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, or take a walk with the reindeer into the woods at Running Reindeer Ranch. The second day in town includes a Riverboat Discovery ride and a tour of the city, as part of the cruisetour.

On the third day, you'll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali. Then, you'll embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour in search of the park's grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Be sure to put your name on the list before bedtime to get a wake-up call for aurora activity. You'll also have one evening in Anchorage, where you can arrange for a northern lights tour, and one night in Seward before setting sail on Celebrity Summit the next morning. Highlights of the voyage include cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage as well as stopping in Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You'll disembark in Vancouver.

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13-Day Denali Explorer – Pre-Cruise Cruisetour

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you'll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher's kennel. You'll also have plenty of time in Denali National Park to book a flightseeing tour, go whitewater rafting, or take a hike with a park ranger to look for bears, moose, Dall sheep, wolves and other local wildlife before starting your cruise in Seattle .

Norwegian Encore will call on Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska. The Mill at Ward Cove near Ketchikan is a newly built cruise ship port that serves as a jumping-off point for outdoor activities in the Tongass National Forest, from hiking and biking to kayaking and sea cycling. You can even pick up souvenirs, grab a bite to eat and sample a cold Alaska brew at the mill. The cruise itinerary also includes one day at sea and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, before you disembark in Seattle.

7-Night Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Consider this seven-day cruise on Norwegian Bliss if you prefer to travel early in the spring and take your chances at catching the northern lights toward the end of aurora season, which falls around April 21. This round-trip itinerary from Seattle is one of the earliest sailings of the year to visit the Great Land and features two sea days, with one day of scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. You'll also visit Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria before disembarking in Seattle.

Juneau will offer one of the best opportunities during the cruise for seeing the northern lights, although chances are dependent on the weather and solar activity. There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there's a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

12 Night Mountain Panorama Adventure Cruisetour 5B (Pre Tour)

This 12-night cruisetour with Royal Caribbean International begins with an overnight in Anchorage before boarding the Wilderness Express, where you'll have a glass-domed rail car for the journey to Talkeetna. The quirky community of Talkeetna is said to be the inspiration for the fictional Alaska town of Cicely in the 1990s show "Northern Exposure." It's also an excellent base for chasing the aurora – especially at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, where you'll be staying.

After an overnight at the lodge, your tour moves on to Denali, where you can search for wildlife by day and look for the aurora at night. Another evening on land at Hotel Alyeska in the remote town of Girdwood affords more opportunities to chase the finnicky lights before heading to Seward to board your ship, Radiance of the Seas .

Ports of call on this voyage include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. While there are plenty of activities, dining venues, bars and lounges on board to keep you entertained all night long, be sure to save up enough energy to wake up in the middle of the night should you get a call to see the magical natural wonder that is the northern lights.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

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An aurora is a natural light display that can appear as brilliant green, yellow, red, blue and purple light patterns, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the night sky.

The Aurora Borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space. When these particles approach Earth a few nights later, they distort our magnetic field. The excited, ionised atoms that enter our atmosphere through the poles emit light which, when emitted on a large scale, causes the phenomenon of the Southern and Northern Lights.

There is no best place to witness an aurora which, in our opinion, only adds to the mystery and appeal surrounding them. It is most frequently visible in high-latitude regions in the Arctic and Antarctica, but most accessible between 10° and 20° of the North Pole in a band called the ‘auroral zone’. It’s important to understand that this oval-shaped halo can shift slightly, and there are many factors at play that affect how bright the lights appear or if it’s possible to see them at all.

To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, be prepared to venture into the heart of the Arctic, to destinations such as Greenland, Iceland, Northern Canada and Northern Norway. While aurora activity happens year-round, the best time to witness the Northern Lights is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer.

Northern Lights Cruises & Expeditions

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Northern Lights Cruises

Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights or aurora borealis on a small ship expedition cruise that takes you deep into the Arctic , to iconic destinations such as Greenland , Iceland and Norway .

In true expedition style, we encourage exploration and adventure on our Northern Lights tours. Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights cruises offer flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you amongst the action to see and do as much as possible. Our Northern Lights adventures will take you across the seas, seeking out the Northern Lights in multiple countries and landscapes. To increase your chances of seeing the lights we move to different locations around the Arctic Circle, ensuring all bases are covered.

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Northern Lights Explorer

USD $ 17,815.50

Why Join a Northern Lights Cruise with Aurora Expeditions?

First, what is this strange natural phenomenon? An aurora is a natural light display that can appear as brilliant green, yellow, red, blue and purple light patterns, spirals or dynamic flickers covering the night sky. The aurora borealis originates on the sun’s surface with a massive explosion of electromagnetic matter, which projects a stream of charged particles known as solar wind into space. When these particles approach Earth a few nights later, they distort our magnetic field. The excited, ionised atoms that enter our atmosphere through the poles emit light which, when emitted on a large scale, causes the phenomenon of the Southern and Northern Lights. Northern Lights experiences are best with a dark sky as the aurora is not strong enough to outshine the sunlight.

There is no best place to witness an aurora which, in our opinion, only adds to the mystery and appeal surrounding them. This is why Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights tours don’t focus on one spot or location. The Northern Lights are most frequently visible in high-latitude regions in the Arctic, but most accessible between 10° and 20° of the North Pole in a band called the ‘auroral zone’. It’s important to understand that this oval-shaped halo can shift slightly, and there are many factors at play, like weather conditions and clear nights, that affect how bright the lights appear or if it’s possible to see them at all so our Northern Lights tour reflects this.

While aurora borealis activity happens year-round, the best time for a Northern Lights adventure is during the long winter months, when the windows for viewing them each night are longer and the skies darker. The season in the Northern Hemisphere is generally from September through April.

Unique Northern Lights Experiences

Our Northern Lights cruise sticks to the aurora zone in the Arctic Circle, but seeing the lights dance is only one part of your Northern Lights adventure. Exploring the polar regions provides you with opportunities like no other.

By night you will seek out the Northern Lights, but by day we will try to get you off the ship 2-3 times per day (depending on the weather and conditions) so you can get the most out of your time in the Arctic. Walking and bird-watching are popular activities as they offer a chance to witness the unique wildlife in the destinations you visit. 

Take a polar plunge in the icy waters of the Arctic Circle, or stay above the water on a Zodiac cruise through the fields of icebergs. Zodiac cruises allow you to get closer to some of the wildlife and landscapes you’ll see throughout your Northern Lights tour. If you have the necessary experience you should also consider adding sea kayaking to your Northern Lights itinerary.

Enrichment is an important component of our expeditions – we hope that you will leave changed and become lifelong ambassadors for the natural world and the wild, important destinations we visit. Your world-class Expedition Team will be on hand to answer your questions about the aurora borealis and how it comes to appear in the night sky, Arctic wildlife , geological formations and the history of the places we visit.

Northern Lights Cruise Regions

Greenland Northern Lights

While Greenland is one of the best countries in the world for witnessing the Northern Lights, getting there can be challenging and often what holds people back. The good news is that, once you’re there, you can see the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in the country – even in the heart of its capital city, Nuuk! This is because Greenland’s population is tiny and scattered across small, remote communities, so it has minimal light pollution. Not many Northern Lights tours go to Greenland but Aurora Expeditions Northern Lights cruises explore using a small expedition ship which makes it easy to visit the prime locations in Greenland to see the Northern Lights.

Some other superb options for aurora viewing in Greenland are Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Kulusuk and Tasiilaq.

Svalbard Northern Lights

Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Arctic for a chance to witness the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. However, few venture to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole, which offers exceptional conditions to see the Northern Lights, not to mention dramatic fjords, rugged mountain ranges and a huge variety of unique wildlife, including majestic polar bears.

Northern Lights Canada

Northern Canada is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Canada, in remote places with minimal light pollution. Nunavut in the heart of Canada’s High Arctic is a prime aurora borealis viewing country, with its close proximity to the North Pole and vast expanses of tundra. Consider visiting a remote traditional Inuit community for an unparalleled night of dazzling aurora displays.

Northern Lights Iceland

Aside from volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, one of the main reasons people have Iceland on their travel bucket list is because they dream of seeing the Northern Lights on display. Iceland is a sparsely populated country, so you don’t have to go far to get away from light pollution.

With longer hours with dark skies and clear night skies, the Westfjords and North Iceland are the best regions to head to if you want to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. There are many fantastic remote locations in South Iceland where you can witness the aurora, including the popular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The Seltjarnarnes peninsula is a prime viewing area as there is minimal light pollution. There are also plenty of places near Reykjavík you can head to if you’re short on time, including Thingvellir National Park.

Northern Lights Norway

Norway is often the first country that comes to mind when people think of the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are a prominent feature of the night sky throughout the country and have even influenced folklore and indigenous culture. Because Norway is so long, the seasons change at different times, with summer lasting longer in the south and winter lasting longer in the north. As a rule of thumb, the further north you go, the longer your window is for seeing them.

The ‘auroral zone’ starts in Northern Norway just above the Lofoten Islands and extends up the coast to the North Cape (Nordkapp) and beyond. You will observe the same light display from anywhere in this region, but from a different angle. Some of our favourite places in Northern Norway to witness the Northern Lights include Tromsø, Kirkenes, the Lofoten Islands, Bodø and the North Cape.

Northern Lights Cruise Activities

See The Northern Lights with Aurora Expeditions and our Expedition Team will take you on excursions unique to the High Arctic, fully included in the cost of your expedition. For those interested in a little extra excitement, there are optional activities designed to get you closer to the action. Our Northern Lights expeditions provide a mix of comfort and adventure; for those willing to explore the Arctic the memories will last a lifetime.

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Add-on Activities

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling…

*Optional add-on activities are available on select voyages. They are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply. 

Northern Lights Cruises FAQs

Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions offer a unique and enchanting experience, providing travellers with the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. These expeditions take place in regions near the Arctic Circle, such as Norway or Iceland, where the Northern Lights are frequently visible. Our cruises are strategically timed to coincide with periods of high auroral activity. Passengers will embark on comfortable expedition vessels, equipped with expert guides, to explore remote and dark-sky locations. This extraordinary adventure combines celestial spectacle with Arctic landscapes, creating an unforgettable and magical journey.

Yes, you can witness the Northern Lights from a cruise ship during dedicated Northern Lights cruises with Aurora Expeditions. These cruises navigate to prime viewing locations near the Arctic Circle, offering passengers a unique vantage point to experience the dazzling spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. The expedition vessels are strategically positioned in areas with minimal light pollution, maximizing the chances of observing the vibrant colours and dancing lights of the Northern Lights against the Arctic night sky. Passengers will enjoy the magical display from the comfort of the ship, creating a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Popular regions for Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions include Arctic destinations like Norway, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic. These Arctic regions, located near the magnetic poles, offer optimal conditions for observing the Northern Lights. Aurora Expeditions carefully plans itineraries to position their vessels in prime locations, away from light pollution, providing passengers with the best chances of witnessing the spectacular light display.

The optimal time to witness the Northern Lights during Aurora Expeditions’ cruises and expeditions is typically during the winter months when the polar night prevails. This period, from late September to early April, offers extended darkness and clearer skies, enhancing the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. The absence of sunlight allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating light displays against the Arctic or sub-Arctic landscapes. Aurora Expeditions carefully schedules these voyages to coincide with peak Northern Lights activity, ensuring passengers have the best chances of experiencing this celestial spectacle in its full splendour.

Northern Lights cruises and expeditions with Aurora Expeditions offer a range of captivating activities . Passengers can enjoy nightly Aurora photography sessions, guided by expert photographers, to capture the ethereal displays. Onboard, expect to learn all about our surroundings from our expert expedition team. Additionally, cultural interactions with local communities will enhance your Arctic experience. The vessels are equipped with observation decks, ensuring optimal Northern Lights viewing. To unwind, onboard amenities include wellness facilities, dining featuring local cuisine and presentations from naturalists. These diverse activities create a holistic and enriching journey for travellers seeking the magic of the Northern Lights.

We use all of our expertise when it comes to maximizing your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during a cruise, such as creating an itinerary that navigates to prime Aurora viewing locations like Norway, Iceland and the Canadian Arctic, and opting for departures during the Northern Lights season, typically from late September to early April, when the polar night skies are darkest. We also have expert-led programs within the expedition, such as lectures or photography sessions, to enhance your understanding and capturing capabilities.

Yes, Aurora Expeditions’ Northern Lights cruises and expeditions are designed to accommodate participants of all ages and experience levels. The itineraries are crafted to provide a comfortable and enriching experience, whether you are a seasoned traveller or exploring the polar regions for the first time. Expedition staff and guides offer support and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone. Activities and excursions cater to various interests, allowing participants to customize their experience. From informative lectures to adventurous shore landings, there’s something for everyone, making these expeditions inclusive and suitable for individuals, families and groups with diverse backgrounds and preferences.

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SEA THE WAY: THE BEST

Mediterranean cruises.

Treat your taste buds in Italy, stroll around ancient towns in Greece and soak up the sun along Croatia's stunning coastline with a cruise to the Mediterranean.

Set sail on a dream vacation to the best places to visit when you cruise the Mediterranean. This region offers some of Europe's most classic cultural landmarks — alongside some of its best weather to boot. Stroll along the ancient cobblestones of Florence in Italy or Dubrovnik in Croatia. Tour some of the architectural masterpieces, like the Palace of Knossos on Crete, the Roman amphitheater in Pula, and Rome's St. Peter's Basilica. Take in the stunning, volcanic island of Santorini with its blue and whitewashed towns or sip a glass of wine on Italy's Amalfi Coast with its pastel-colored houses built into steep-sloping cliffs. Discover the magic with a Mediterranean cruise..

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MEMORABLE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

The best Mediterranean cruises offer you the opportunity to explore the charming, ancient harbors of Italy, Greece and Croatia. Visit some ancient monuments like temples and amphitheaters, or medieval palaces and cathedrals. Head to the sun-drenched golden beaches and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue sea.

IRRESISTIBLE ITALIA

Stroll around Italy's enchanting small alleys, gracious palaces and photogenic squares. See Rome's impressive Colosseum and the rest of Italy's breathtaking capital. Marvel at the colorful buildings in Venice during a gondola ride through the canals and visit Florence's extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Next, enjoy the best of Italy's cuisine, and wash it down with some tasty wine from a nearby vineyard, or follow it up with a delicious gelati (ice cream).

GORGEOUS GREEK ISLES

Cruise to Greece's idyllic islands and watch the sunrise over the Aegean. Explore the Old Town of Corfu or Crete, or travel even further back in time to see the ancient Acropolis of Athens or the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina. After that, relax on the world-class beaches or go snorkeling to explore what lies beneath the warm, crystal-clear waters. Before you leave, drink a frappé iced coffee or ouzo, an anise-flavored aperitif, and sample some regional culinary highlights.

DAZZLED BY CROATIA

Pristine turquoise waters and white pebble beaches welcome you to this small picturesque country. Go offboard to Split to visit a number of its 1,200 stunning islands, like Korcula, Hvar or Mljet, or explore Diocletian's imposing palace. Then it's time to sample some of Croatia's mouth-watering seafood dishes. Join a wine tasting tour if you can, and don't miss a trip to the cascading waterfalls, forests and bright lakes of Krka or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

POSTCARD PERFECT COASTS

Wander around the ancient cobblestone streets, sunbathe on the magnificent beaches or go on a sea kayaking adventure. Visit the most beautiful places, such as the island of Santorini in Greece, Italy's Amalfi Coast and the town of Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia with your cruise to the Mediterranean.

WHITE-BLUE DREAMS

Be amazed by Santorini with its dramatic volcanic scenery and charming dark blue and white villages. Relax on the remarkable Red Beach and look out over the Aegean Sea in a cozy taverna.

IRRESISTIBLE PASTEL TOWNS

Visit the ravishingly colorful resorts on the Italian Amalfi Coast . Gaze out at Mount Vesuvius on the cliff village of Sorrento, admire Positano's pastel houses and the mountainous island of Capri.

THE PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC

A walk along the tops of the city walls is one of the highlights of visiting this gem. Hop on a ferry to close by Lokrum with its monastery, or go kayaking. Finish the day with a cool drink in Dubrovnik's Old Town.

Best Mediterranean Cruises

A cruise to the Mediterranean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover the Mediterranean onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

GREECE & GREEK ISLES

EXPLORE MORE

ITALY & THE AMALFI COAST

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE CANARY ISLANDS

CROATIA & THE DALMATIAN COAST

The best time to visit the region is Spring (May–June) or Autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild — the heat peaks in July and August.

If you're planning to visit one of the well-known museums or other attractions that require a ticket, buy your ticket online in advance to save time.

Greece , Italy , Spain, France, Portugal , and Montenegro all use the euro; the other countries use different currencies.

RELATED PORTS

Find your favorite Mediterranean cruise port and, explore a wide array of diverse islands and European cities, such as the ancient art of Rome the stunning architecture of Spain or the mysterious city of Aptera in Crete. The best way to get to know these towns is with your tastebuds: Experience classic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, tour your way through the salty, shareable tapas of Spain or sample the herb-, olive oil- and vegetable-heavy fare of Southern France.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Venice, Italy

Argostoli, Greece

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Mykonos, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Bologna (Ravenna), Italy

Zadar, Croatia

Ajaccio, Corsica

Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy

Cannes, France

Chania (Souda), Crete

Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Kotor, Montenegro

Nice, France

Rhodes, Greece

Sicily (Messina), Italy

Sicily (Catania), Italy

Genoa, Italy

Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Haifa, Israel

Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel

Ravenna (Venice), Italy

Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Naples / Capri, Italy

Split, Croatia

Corfu, Greece

Limassol, Cyprus

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Portofino, Italy

Koper, Slovenia

Florence / Pisa (Carrara), Italy

Chios, Greece

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50 Best Cruise Ship Water Parks and Private Islands for Kids

A nyone who’s ever cruised in the Caribbean or Mexico knows how hot a day at sea can get. With temperatures routinely hitting 80 degrees and above, being able to cool off onboard your ship is a must. And for families with young kids and tweens, nothing beats a cruise ship water park with water slides when it comes to keeping everyone happy and refreshed on days at sea.

The Best Cruise Ship Water Parks for Kids of All Ages

Plenty of cruise ships have pools and water slides, but not all of them are a good fit for families with tweens or kids under 10 years old. Pools can get crowded, life guards may not be available, and water slides may be too scary or have height limits.

That’s not a problem with the following cruise ship water parks that have just what’s needed for all ages from toddlers to tweens to teens. From smaller water slides, wading pools, and tipping buckets to water cannons, surprise water spouts, and dancing fountains, here are the cruise ships with the best onboard water parks for every age group.

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Important note: With the exception of Disney Cruise Line , kids on all other ships must be potty-trained to play in these cruise ship water parks; swim diapers are not permitted on most ships.

Splashaway Bay Aqua Park and Category 6 Water Park on Royal Caribbean

Splashaway Bay aqua park from Royal Caribbean is an ideal cruise ship water park for tweens or kids under 10 who love to zip down water slides, splash through fountains, or get soaking wet beneath a massive tipping bucket. There’s also a Splashaway Bay area for little kids at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay .

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The main attraction at the Splashaway Bay water parks on Royal Caribbean ships are the colorful water slides, the number of which vary by cruise ship. Generally, you’ll find one or two larger slides for kids ages six and older (minimum height is 42 inches) and one small slide for the toddlers. For the big slide, the maximum weight is 300 pounds. There’s also a splash zone with ankle-high pools of water and an array of other water features (think water cannons, whirlpools, and a drench bucket) to get kids wet and laughing. 

For bigger thrills, look to the Category 6 water park on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . At 17,000 square feet, this is the biggest cruise ship water park in the world, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Spread across two decks, Category 6 boasts a number of firsts at sea: the first open freefall slide, the first dueling mat race slides, the first family raft rides on a cruise ship, and last but not least, the tallest drop slide at sea. It’s a truly epic water park that’s most suited to daredevil tweens and teens.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships with a Splashaway Bay Water Park:

• Adventure of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships with a Splashaway Bay Water Park

Carnival waterworks on carnival cruise line.

Kids of all ages will be dazzled by the brightly colored Carnival WaterWorks water parks found on most Carnival Cruise Line ships. Though the space and design varies by ship, all of the Carnival ship water parks feature one or two water slides, a giant tipping bucket, and kiddie spray zones with fountains and water cannons that are perfect for younger kids.

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Most ships have either straight or curling slides, but Carnival Vista offers up the Kaleid-O-Slide . This water slide, geared toward the seven-and-up crowd, takes riders on mats down a 455-foot-long series of twists and turns while zooming through flashing kaleidoscopic lights and visual effects. Even younger kids will appreciate the Dr. Seuss-themed WaterWorks and spray zone on Carnival Horizon , which includes a massive water-tipping top-hat and two water slides. Some of Carnival’s ships also have racing slides that offer side by side thrills for older kids and adults.

Carnival Cruise Ships with a WaterWorks Water Park:

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Forest Aquaventure Park, AquaPlay, Polar Park, Aurora Borealis Aquapark, and Ocean Cay Aquapark on MSC Cruises

One of the largest water parks for young kids at sea, the Forest Aquaventure Park and AquaPlay area on MSC Cruises offer a full range of amusements for kids, tweens, teens, and water slide-loving adults. There are four slides, including two racing slides with clear sections that extend out over the side of the ship; an easy, open air spiral slide; and a funky slideboard option with neon lighting. 

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For the smaller kids under 10, there’s a large shallow pool with fountains to play under, mini slides to give the kiddos a thrill, spray nozzles for getting mom and dad wet, and a giant tipping bucket. Above it all is an enclosed suspension bridge that might look scary and like a challenge to some of the younger kids, but is as safe as can be. 

MSC’s Polar AquaPark, found on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima , isn’t nearly as toddler-friendly as Forest Aquaventure, which is a good thing for families with older kids and tweens. The water slides here are decidedly teen- and adult-sized, as is the rope bridge. There’s a smallish water slide in the splash zone, and kids under 10 will get a kick out of trying to figure out which is the next tipping bucket to go over (there are lots of them). There are also a few sprayers and a fountain wall for kids to run through. 

And the MSC World Europa has an impressive VR-enhanced water park called the Aurora Borealis AquaPark , which is geared more toward teens and adults than little kids. While it does have a toddler-only pool, the overall experience is best suited to bigger kids. The reef-themed Ocean Cay AquaPark can be found on MSC Euribia .

MSC Cruise Line Ships with a Forest Aquaventure and AquaPlay Water Park:

• MSC Seaside
• MSC Seashore
• MSC Seascape
• MSC Seaview

MSC Cruise Line Ships with a Polar AquaPark:

• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Bellissima

MSC Cruise Line Ships with an Aurora Borealis AquaPark:

• MSC World Europa

MSC Cruise Line Ships with an Ocean Cay AquaPark:

• MSC Euribia

Reef Splash Zone on Princess Cruises

Thanks to its stellar Reef Splash Zone , the top cruise ship for families on Princess Cruises is Caribbean Princess . One of the best cruise ship water parks for the entire family, Reef Splash Zone features a kid-friendly pool and hot tub, a lounge area with plush seating, and a bar serving up delicious mocktails for the kids. The water park fun centers around Winnie the Whale, with water spraying from her spout and raining from her fluke. Inside her mouth is a pint-sized slide for children under 10. Assorted water sprays are located around Winnie the Whale.

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Pro tip: Take it from me: Never turn your back on a tween with their hand on a spray gun.

When everyone’s had enough of the water, you’ll also find oversized backyard games including cornhole scattered around this cruise ship water park. 

Princess Cruise Line Ships with a Reef Family Splash Zone Water Park:

• Caribbean Princess

Nemo’s Reef, Toy Story Splash Zone, AquaLab, and AquaDuck and AquaMouse Water Coasters on Disney Cruise Line

Limited to the eight and under set, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef on Disney Cruise Line ships is filled with Finding Nemo characters, countless fountains, pop jets, and spray nozzles. There’s also a toddler-sized water slide with a slip-n-slide feel that will have young kids going back again and again. And, unlike on most other cruise ships, toddlers in swim diapers are welcome to play here. 

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For the tweens and kids eight years old and up, the AquaDuck water coaster stretches more than 750 feet, and a parent can ride together with their child on a two-person raft that goes up and down and out over the side of the ship. 

In fact, each of Disney’s cruise ships has at least one water play area for younger kids. You’ll find a sprawling water playground called AquaLab themed around Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy. On the Disney Wish, a very basic splash area called The Toy Story Splash Zone is geared toward toddlers age three and under, while the AquaMouse water slide—for kids (and adults) seven and older—is Disney’s first theme park-like attraction at sea.

Disney Cruise Line Ships with a Nemo’s Reef Water Park and AquaDuck Water Coaster:

• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruise Line Ships with a AquaLab for Little Kids:

• Disney Magic
• Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line Ships with a Toy Story Splash Zone for Toddlers:

• Disney Wish

Kids Aqua Park on Norwegian Cruise Line

All of Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s Breakaway, Breakaway-Plus, and Prima class ships have a Kids’ Aqua Park play area.

The water parks for kids on Norwegian Escape , Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Joy , and Norwegian Encore have the most to offer, including a large tipping bucket, mesh climbing structures, water cannons you can aim from above, and an exciting kid-sized slide. The water parks for young kids on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway are less impressive, with just a wading pool, two very tiny slides, and a handful of splash elements. The same can be said for the kids water play area on the Norwegian Prima .

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Water Parks for Little Kids:

• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Viva

Which Cruise Lines Have Private Island Water Parks?

Several of the most family-friendly cruise lines have their own private islands where you’ll find water parks and splash areas of varying complexity.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is a massive water-themed playground of an island sure to dazzle both adults and kids. Among the offerings: Thrill Waterpark with its two towers and 13 slides, plus the Caribbean’s largest wave pool and an obstacle course pool. Perfect Day at CocoCay is also home to the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, Oasis Lagoon, which has coves, a swim-up bar, private cabanas, swim-up islands with in-water loungers, and a kid-friendly beach entry.

Disney’s Castaway Cay has plenty of water fun to offer as well. You can snorkel, swim with stingrays, zip down water slides in the water park area, and even run a 5K.

Both Carnival and Holland America visit the 2,400-acre Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas. As with Perfect Day at CocoCay and Castaway Cay, there’s a kid’s water park area here as well. Families can also go horseback riding on the beach and swing with stingrays. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay private island does not have a water park.

Note that not all sailings from these lines stop at their private islands, so if this experience is of interest, be sure to check the itinerary before booking.

More from FamilyVacationist:

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The post 50 Best Cruise Ship Water Parks and Private Islands for Kids appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

"Junior Suite with a Balcony on Oasis of the Seas is a great choice for those who need extra space and don't worry about additional amenitie

It s  is an over-sized stateroom with a balcony and some amenities/perks."

Nadia Jastrjembskaia , Elite Cruise Counselor and Managing director, Aurora Cruises and Travel

Are junior suites on oasis of the seas worth it.

The bottom line is Junior Suites with a Balcony are extra-large balcony staterooms that provide a less-expensive means of splurging for accommodations on a Royal Caribbean cruise without breaking the bank.

The extra living space and perks of a Junior Suite with Balcony are a nice to have benefit, that provide for a much more enjoyable experience while in your stateroom.

Between the extra storage space, larger balcony and bathroom upgrades, many guests easily can see and appreciate the extras.

The determining factor to if a Junior Suite with a Balcony is worth the price is it depends on the price difference between it and a regular balcony stateroom. Many times, a Junior Suite upgrade cost is nominal, while on other sailings the price difference has been more substantial.

While a Junior Suite with a Balcony may not offer nearly as many perks and incentives as a traditional suite stateroom, it does include enough advantages to satisfy the needs of most guests looking to enjoy something nicer than a balcony stateroom but cannot or will not opt for a more extravagant suite.

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Basic Facts about Junior Suite

On oasis of the seas.

287 sq. ft. 26.7 sq. m

80 sq. ft. 7.5 sq. m

Amenities/Perks for Junior Suite

• Dinner at Coastal Kitchen*
• Royal Caribbean Classic Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities by L’Occitane®

*Please note, reservations are required for dinner at Coastal Kitchen. Beverages are not included.

Junior Suite Locations

Oasis of the Seas features 84 Junior Suites with Balcony. They are located mid-ship on Decks 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14.

Download deck plans for Oasis of the Seas below.

A Look Inside of Junior Suite

Each Junior Suite with a Balcony on Oasis of the Seas offers an open-concept living and bedroom area.

These suites include two twin beds that convert into a Royal King, measuring 72.5 inches wide by 82 inches long. 

The living area for each suite includes a sofa bed and an entertainment system with a flat-screen TV.

All Junior Suites on Oasis of the Seas have:

A baby cot may be requested, free of charge.

Connecting stateroom can be booked, subject to availability.

Nadia Jastrjembskaia

"The Junior Suites with Balcony located on Deck 6 are directly above a series of shops, restaurants, and bars. Due to the heavy traffic on Deck 5, Junior Suites with Balcony located on Deck 6 may experience increased levels of noise during busy hours.

The ship’s pool deck is located directly above the Junior Suites with Balcony on Deck 14. This may also result in higher levels of noise, especially from the suite’s balcony."

Nadia Jastrjembskaia, Elite Cruise Counselor and Managing director, Aurora Cruises and Travel

What is the Difference between J3 and J4?

Junior Suites with a Balcony on Oasis of the Seas are divided into 2 sub-categories. J3 is for triple and quad occupancy (you can add a child below 3 years old as fifth person.) J4 is for double occupancy. In some situations, J3 may be in sale for a double occupancy.

Junior Suite Availability

There are 86 Junior Suites available on Oasis of the Seas.

Due to huge inventory Junior Suites are available on Going, Going, Gone! sale events.

Sign for our news letter and be posted about all specials on Royal Caribbean International that are not heavily advertised.

" When booking the Junior Suite for the family with kids on Oasis of the Seas, keep in mind that there is only one bathroom.

If you need privacy, I suggest you book two Junior Suites or combination of Junior Suite + stateroom with balcony.

Combined, those staterooms can accommodate up to 7 people. In this scenario cruise vacation became more affordable due to regular stateroom with balcony.

Combinations of Junior Suites + stateroom with balcony sell out of the market first. "

Nadia Jastrjembskaia, Elite Cruise Counselor  and Managing director, Aurora Cruises and Travel

Wheelchair Accessible Staterooms

There are two Wheelchair Accessible Staterooms on Oasis of the Seas: 14254 and 14654. Both are on Deck 14.

Wheelchair Accessible Staterooms on Oasis of the Seas are 390 sq. ft. with ocean view balcony of 107 sq. ft.

Wheelchair accessible amenities are as follows:

• Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King;
• Wider entry door;
• Private balcony with door ramp;
• Sitting area;
• Closet with lowered vanity closet rods;
• Private bathroom with a wider door;
• Roll-in shower with grab bars;
• Fold-down shower bench;
• Hand-held shower head;
• Raised toilet and a lowered sink.

Please be aware: Royal Caribbean requires guests booked Wheelchair Accessible Staterooms to acknowledge need for the accessible stateroom by completing a Guest Special Needs Form.

Junior Suite Oasis of the Seas Gratuity

Royal Caribbean charges Junior Suite guests on Oasis of the Seas $14.50 per person, per day for gratuities. 

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted in staterooms or on balconies.

Please review the Smoking Policy:

• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and pipes is permitted only in designated outdoor areas that have signage (mainly on the starboard side) Smoking is not permitted inside Central Park or Boardwalk neighborhoods, dining venues, theaters, bars, lounges, hallways, pools, elevators, or jogging tracks
• The casino allows smoking and has a designated area for non-smoking on most cruises.

Is it better to book my Junior Suite on Oasis of Seas directly with Royal Caribbean International?

Think about this first:

• Booking direct, you pay anyway for service you do not receive.
• Agent commissions are built into price and Royal Caribbean does not give you a discount equal to agent’s commission by booking directly with Royal Caribbean International.
• You are a number of your reservation. Every time when you call Royal Caribbean International, you talk to a different person with whom you do not have relationships.
• You do not receive concierge service that travel agents from Aurora Cruises and Travel will provide you for free as a valuable customer.
• We can book all details of your cruise experience: activities on board and ashore, excursions, pre- and after- cruise, transfers, air tickets.

Answer yourself if this smart to book directly with Royal Caribbean International for the same price? We are partners. You will pay directly to Royal Caribbean International anyway. Not sure? Give us a try. Schedule 20 minutes FREE consultation

"I recommend a Junior Suite for honeymooners, parents or grandparents with children, people who prefer additional space ."

Is it better to book my Junior Suite with an online agency?

Yes, online agencies provide some extras.

• Problem is that they promise more than they deliver. Promising up to $1,000 onboard credit turned into $50 for yourJunior Suite.
• Sometimes, their prices look more lucrative than on official Royal Caribbean’s site. – The same price as you pay for Aurora Cruises and Travel for your Junior Suite.

Make the informed decision for your upcoming cruise on Oasis class ship:

• You will not receive consultation which option is better for you.
• You will not receive concierge service before and during your cruise.
• You will not have a dedicated cruise advisor. – Every time you talk to a different person.
• There is no support during unforeseen situations.

During Coronavirus pandemia many guests learned in a hard way what does mean online travel agencies – pieces of software with no responsibility and willingness to help their clients.

Milagros Figueroa-Tetuan share her experience that she had spent a total of six hours on the phone with Travelocity because multiple phone calls kept getting dropped. When she finally spoke to a live person, all the agent could tell her was that she had to call the airline directly. So, she did: “More than three hours with the airline on hold and nobody picks up.”

Many people book on online websites because there is a perception that it is cheaper or faster. – But they even do not try to understand your needs and help you to budget the whole cruise experience.

You do not go to our hairdresser because he is the cheapest in the town, are you?

You know that he will take care about you. You trust him.

Why would you do any differently for a multi-thousand-dollarcruise experience for you and your family? Schedule 20-minutes FREE consultation with Nadia Jastrjembskaia and her team and find the difference.

TRAVEL BETTER WITH YOUR TRAVEL EXPERT.

We're here to ensure your vacation exceeds all expectations.

Oasis of the Seas Awards

Cruisers’ choice awards.

 2018 Best Overall 2018 Best for Cabins 2018 Best for Dining 2018 Best for Embarkation 2018 Best for Entertainment 2018 Best for Fitness & Recreation 2018 Best for Public Rooms 2018 Best for Service 2018 Best for Shore Excursions 2018 Best for Value 2018 Best for Families 2018 Best for First Timers 2017 Best for Cabins 2017 Best for Embarkation 2017 Best for Entertainment 2017 Best for Families

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