What to Pack and Wear on a Northern Lights Cruise (Viking, Hurtigruten & Other Lines)
Packing for a Northern Lights cruise takes more than just warm layers — you’ll need the right clothing for outdoor aurora viewing, Arctic shore excursions, and cozy comfort onboard. Whether you’re sailing Viking’s In Search of the Northern Lights or another winter itinerary through Norway or Iceland, here’s what we recommend bringing (plus a printable checklist at the end).
Which Cruise Lines Offer Northern Lights Voyages?
Viking is one of the more prominent mainstream cruise lines offering a specialized Northern Lights itinerary. Their “In Search of the Northern Lights” voyage sails from London (Tilbury) into northern Norway with overnight stays in auroral zones. https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/specialty/northern-lights/index.html
Other cruise or expedition operators that target aurora viewing include:
- Cunard: Offers Arctic/Norway voyages with night sailings above the Arctic Circle and dedicated “Northern Lights” branding. https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/northern-lights
- Hurtigruten: Their coastal Norway route includes a “Northern Lights Promise” on some voyages: if you don’t see the lights from the ship during the voyage, they compensate with a future voyage. https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us/offers/northern-lights-promise
- Aurora Expeditions: Small-ship expedition cruises through Norway, Iceland, and Greenland with aurora chasing built into the itinerary. https://www.aurora-expeditions.com/expedition/northern-lights-explorer
- Quark Expeditions: They run “Under the Northern Lights” itineraries in Greenland + Iceland. https://www.quarkexpeditions.com/expeditions/under-the-northern-lights-exploring-iceland-east-greenland
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: Their Northern Lights cruises plunge deep into the Arctic Circle, with a variety of winter-themed shore excursions. https://www.fredolsencruises.com/northern-lights-cruises
- Other cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, also offer late-season “Northern Lights” itineraries. These voyages may provide the benefit of milder weather; however, because they take place later in the season, the chances of actually seeing the aurora are lower.
So yes — you’re not alone; there are a number of options, from large-ship to expedition-scale.
Sample Excursion: “Ride a Reindeer Sleigh in Search of the Northern Lights”
On Viking’s itinerary, one of the shore excursions offered is:
This is a perfect example for illustrating the demands of a nighttime, cold-weather outing:
- It is conducted after dark (to maximize aurora visibility).
- You’ll be outdoors in a remote or semi-remote environment.
- You’ll be exposed to ambient cold, wind, and possibly snow or ice.
- You’ll likely be relatively stationary (sitting in a sleigh) for stretches, so warmth retention is key.
You can’t just rely on shipboard warmth — you need readiness for static cold and wind chill.
Weather & Aurora Realities to Know Before You Pack
- On Viking’s Northern Lights route, you sail far north and may have only a few hours of daylight in deep winter, giving you multiple dark windows for aurora hunts. https://www.globaljourneys.com/viking-cruises/explore/in-search-of-the-northern-lights
- However, seeing the aurora is never guaranteed. One Cruise Critic poster noted, “We did this cruise in February 2019. … it was overcast and we did not see the Northern Lights. Temperatures were 20–30 °F.” https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/3042314-in-search-of-the-northern-lights-cruise
- In the Cruise Critic forums, guests mention seeing the aurora from the ship itself during late-night sailings when skies cleared. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/3050146-frequent-changes-to-the-northern-lights-itinerary
- Keep in mind that cloud cover, moonlight, and solar activity all affect visibility. The best you can do is maximize your chances through layering, staying warm, and being ready to head outside when the call comes.
What to Pack...Cold-weather layering is non-negotiable.
Head Wear
- Overall knit caps work best with a hooded jacket. Knit caps aren’t blown off in windy conditions which makes them the most practical style.
- Columbia unisex beanie. This is one of the warmest and softest hats we’ve owned and it goes skiing and on trips with us all the time!
- Sherpa hats with ear flaps work great too!
- If you want to rock your inner nordic look, she can consider a faux fur headband. It doesn’t take up a lot of space in your luggage and we saw a lot of passengers wearing one.
Base Layers
Midweight Thermal base layers We prefer Columbia brand and these can be used under warmer tights such as merino wool if you feel you may need extra warmth. Since merino wool can be a little itchy, this helps to keep that from happening.
- Men’s Utility Hiking Pants For over the base layer for him and under the waterproof pants below. She had fleece lined pants so extra pair of pants wasn’t necessary.
Merino wool ski socks (2 pairs per day recommended). We like ski socks for the length and padded shins. One of us wore both layers to keep our feet warm, but probably could have used one on many days since the boots are pretty warm.
Outerwear
Fleece-lined waterproof snow pants (hers). These were awesome, comfortable and had lots of pockets that were easily accessible.
Zippered fleece jackets in varying weights. She brought a lightweight one and a heavier L.L Bean one. He wore a Helly Hensen one.
For him Men's Labyrinth Loop™ Omni-Heat™ Infinity Insulated Hooded Jacket and for her (she likes a longer jacket) Columbia Women's Little SI II Insulated Parka
Gloves & Hand Warmth
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Waterproof ski gloves with merino wool liners for him. She brought the same but additionally a waterproof pair of touchscreen gloves (size up for liners). We brought glove tethers too so we didn't lose our gloves when removing them for taking photographs or other reasons.
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Electric rechargeable gloves (great for extreme cold or poor circulation)
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Rechargeable hand warmers (ideal for pockets or inside gloves)
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Disposable hand warmers (bring extras for excursions)
Footwear
- Slip-on shoes for transitions (e.g., Ugg boots or sneakers) Great for slipping on back on board!
- Men’s Omni Heat Fairbanks snow boots Sometimes you can find these in wide widths.
- Women’s Columbia Minx Waterproof show boots Available in wide widths too!
- Ice Cleats For icy conditions we wore ice cleats over the bottom of our boots. Make sure you practice putting these on ahead of time!
Accessories
A lighter neck buff (merino wool preferred over bulky fleece). We brought a turtle fur neck gaiter which was a little bulky. Our high zip fleece jackets provided adequate neck warmth for many days.
Sunglasses for every day landings and ski goggles for windy sleigh rides
Foldable hiking poles for slippery excursions. You will find ice during the day and night so if you are mobility challenged we fully recommend these.
- A suction cup magnifying mirror was wonderful. There is a magnifying table top mirror provided in the room but for putting on makeup comfortably and being able to look out the window at the scenery this was wonderful. Not only did it provide good light, but it could be put at face level for comfort.
- We only had two USB-C outlets in our room -- one on each side of the bed. If you need multiple USB-C outlets, we suggest bringing a universal adapter with multiple USB outlets which is helpful for your hotel stay, or USB-A to USB-C cords.
- We use headlamps for evening excursions to see the terrain and set up our tripods for photography (see below)
- We used waterproof phone holders for additional activities like kayaking, and for snowy days.
Many consider packing fold-over mittens for easier use of cellphones and cameras, but we strongly recommend prioritizing waterproof gloves due to snow, rain, and cold. Waterproof options offer superior protection and keep your hands warm and dry in unpredictable conditions.
📱 iPhone Photography Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights
You don’t need a professional camera to photograph the aurora borealis—your iPhone can absolutely rise to the occasion with the right setup and a little patience. Here’s how to get the best results while cruising under Arctic skies:
1. Use Night Mode (iPhone 11 and newer)
- Night Mode activates automatically in low light. To ensure it’s on:
- Open the Camera app
- Look for the moon icon in the top left
- Tap it to adjust exposure time (try 10 seconds or longer)
- Pro tip: The longer the exposure, the more light your phone captures—perfect for faint auroras.
2. Stabilize Your Shot
- Movement ruins long exposures. Use:
- A compact tripod with a phone mount
- A railing or deck ledge (with a towel or grip pad to prevent slipping)
- Your cruise companion’s shoulder—if they’re very still!
3. Turn Off Flash and Live Photos
- Flash will bounce off snow or fog and ruin the shot.
- Live Photos can blur long exposures—disable it for cleaner results.
4. Use a Manual Camera App
- Apps like Halide, ProCamera, or NightCap let you manually adjust:
- ISO (start around 800–1600)
- Shutter speed (10–15 seconds)
- Focus (set to infinity)
- These apps give you DSLR-like control without the bulk.
5. Shoot in RAW (if available)
- RAW files retain more detail and are easier to edit later.
- Enable RAW in your camera app settings or use Halide for native RAW support.
6. Edit Thoughtfully
- Use Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed to:
- Boost contrast and clarity
- Reduce noise
- Enhance green and purple hues without oversaturating
7. Practice Before You Sail
- Try shooting stars or city lights at night to get comfortable with settings.
- Save a cheat sheet in your Notes app with your preferred ISO/shutter combos.
🛬 Embarkation & Transfers: What to Know Before You Go
Viking’s Northern Lights cruise typically begins in London (Tilbury) or Bergen, Norway. While Viking offers optional air and transfer packages, many cruisers opt to book independently for flexibility. Here’s what to consider:
1. Viking Transfers: What’s Included
- Viking’s transfer service covers airport-to-ship transport when flights are booked through Viking.
- If you book your own flights, transfers may not be included—you’ll need to arrange ground transport separately.
- Transfers are timed to match Viking’s group arrivals. If you arrive early or late, you may need a taxi or train.
🎥 Watch our video: Understanding Viking Transfers — we break down what’s covered, what’s not, and how to avoid surprises.
2. Tilbury Port Access (London)
- Tilbury is about 90 minutes from Heathrow or Gatwick by car.
- There’s no direct train to the port—most cruisers take a train to Tilbury Town station, then a short taxi ride.
- Plan buffer time for winter delays and rail disruptions.
3. Bergen Arrival Tips
- Bergen Airport (BGO) is about 30 minutes from the cruise terminal.
- Viking may offer shuttle service—check your booking details.
- Taxi and Flybussen (airport bus) are reliable alternatives.
4. River vs. Ocean Transfers: What Applies
Many of the same principles from Viking’s river cruises apply here. If you’ve seen our Viking River Cruise Transfer Guide, you’ll recognize the importance of:
- Confirming transfer eligibility based on your flight booking
- Understanding timing and group coordination
- Having a backup plan in case of delays
📘 Reference: Our Viking River Cruise Transfer Guide is a must-watch for ocean cruisers too—same rules, different ports.
5. Embarkation Day Tips
- Arrive early to enjoy lunch onboard and settle in before sailaway.
- Have your passport, cruise documents, and luggage tags ready.
- Dress in layers—Tilbury and Bergen can be chilly even before boarding.
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| Bergen Norway |
Tips for Onboard Comfort
Onboard attire is generally casual:
Daytime: Activewear suitable for layering.
Evenings: Surprisingly casual! She usually wore leggings or slacks with a blouse or sweater. He usually wore golf or tech pants with a long sleeve shirt, golf shirt or half zip. There isn’t much time for dressing up between excursions, dining and evening outings. We recommend having a warmer outer layer with you on board so that if there is a wildlife spotting or great sunset, you can take advantage of time on deck. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND high heeled shoes, especially in the rough waters of the North Sea and Norwegian Sea since these can be very unstable!
Miscellaneous Must-Haves
Skincare Essentials: Heavy-duty lotion, sunscreen, and lip balm to combat the dry, cold conditions.
Camera Protection: Bring a personal dry bag for sensitive or high-value equipment like cameras.
Seasickness medication like Bonine is what we use and many passengers used seabands.
✨ Final Thoughts: Planning Your Northern Lights Cruise
With the right gear, your experience becomes effortless. From fleece-lined snow pants to rechargeable hand warmers, our Arctic cruise packing list is designed to keep you warm and photo-ready. And if you're using an iPhone, our aurora photography tips will help you capture the magic without hauling a DSLR.
Before you book, compare cruise lines that specialize in Northern Lights viewing. Look for itineraries that include Tromsø, Alta, or the Lofoten Islands—regions known for high aurora activity and immersive winter excursions.
📌 Save this post, share it with fellow travelers, and check out our printable checklist below to make packing stress-free. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or seasoned explorer, the Northern Lights deserve your full attention
🌌 Northern Lights Cruise Packing Checklist
Make Arctic adventure elegant, warm, and worry-free.
🧢 Head Wear
- Overall knit cap (best with hooded jacket)
- Columbia unisex beanie (warm and soft)
- Sherpa hat with ear flaps
- Faux fur headband (compact and stylish)
🧦 Base Layers
- Midweight thermal base layers (Columbia preferred)
- Men's midweight top
- Men's midweight bottom
- Women's midweight top
- Women's midweight bottom
- Merino wool base layer (optional)
- Men's utility hiking pants (over base layer)
- Merino wool ski socks (2 pairs/day recommended)
🧥 Outerwear
- Fleece-lined waterproof snow pants (hers)
- Waterproof ski pants without fleece (his)
- Zippered fleece jackets (lightweight and heavy)
- Men's Labyrinth Loop™ Omni-Heat™ Hooded Jacket
- Columbia Women's Little SI II Insulated Parka
🥾 Footwear
- Slip-on shoes (Ugg boots or sneakers)
- Men's Omni Heat Fairbanks snow boots
- Women's Columbia Minx Waterproof snow boots
- Ice cleats (practice putting on ahead of time)
🧤 Gloves & Hand Warmth
- Waterproof ski gloves with merino wool liners
- Touchscreen waterproof gloves (size up for liners)
- Glove tethers (to prevent loss during photography)
- Electric rechargeable gloves
- Rechargeable hand warmers
- Disposable hand warmers
🎒 Accessories
- Merino wool neck buff
- Sunglasses for landings
- Ski goggles for sleigh rides
- Foldable hiking poles (for icy excursions)
- Suction cup magnifying mirror (for makeup and scenery)
- Universal adapter with multiple USB outlets
- USB-A to USB-C cords
- Waterproof phone holders (for kayaking/snow)
- Headlamp (for night excursions and hands-free lighting)
- Portable tripod (for photographing Northern Lights)
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