Tromsø: Northern Lights cruise & whale watching with guide

Summary

Chasing the Northern Lights by sea, waking to whales outside Tromsø

You’ll set sail from Tromsø into Arctic waters for a night chasing Northern Lights far from city lights, enjoy dinner and stories with local guides, then wake up surrounded by whales outside your cabin window. With all meals included and expert insight along the way, this is one of those rare experiences you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to come out now,” our guide called — I was halfway through my dessert, but I grabbed my jacket and hurried up to the deck. The cold bit at my cheeks, but honestly, I barely noticed once I looked up. The sky over the fjord was just... moving. Green ribbons twisting above us, almost silent except for someone’s muffled laugh and the ship’s low hum. I tried to take a photo but gave up; it didn’t look real on my screen anyway. Li (our guide) explained something about the Auroral Oval Zone — I only half-listened because I was busy just staring. You know?

Later in the panorama lounge, someone handed me a hot drink and we listened to a talk about the Northern Lights — apparently there’s a word for them in Sami that sounds nothing like what I expected (Li laughed when I tried to say it). My cabin felt surprisingly cozy after all that open air; you could hear the water lapping against the hull if you pressed your ear to the wall. Sleeping on a boat is different — sort of like being rocked by a giant hand. I woke up early, not sure why, and peeked out my porthole just as the sky started turning blue-grey.

And then — whales. Not right away, but soon enough that breakfast got cold while everyone crowded outside with binoculars and coffee mugs. The guides pointed out which ones were humpbacks (I kept mixing them up), and there was this moment where one surfaced so close you could see its breath hanging in the air before it slid under again. It smelled faintly salty and metallic out there, not unpleasant — just sharp and clean.

I still think about that view from the deck: snow-dusted mountains sliding past in slow motion, everyone quiet for once except for someone’s camera clicking too loud. We had lunch before heading back toward Tromsø; nobody really wanted to go below deck anymore after seeing those whales so close. The trip ended around 7PM but honestly it felt much longer than 24 hours — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Departure and Northern Lights

• Check-in and safety briefing
• 3-course dinner
• Northern Lights chase by boat
• Lecture in panorama lounge
• Overnight in cabin

Day 2 — Whale Watching and Return

• Breakfast
• Whale watching
• Lunch
• Cabin check-out
• Lecture in panorama lounge
• Arrival back in Tromsø

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights & whale watching cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 24 hours, departing in the evening and returning around 7PM the next day.

Are meals included during the cruise?

Yes, dinner, breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks are all included on board.

Is pickup included for this tour from Tromsø?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check-in is at Tromsø Havn Prostneset before departure.

Will there be a guide or expert on board?

Yes, expert guides and a professional expedition team are present throughout the trip.

What kind of cabins are available?

You’ll have an ocean-facing cabin where you can rest overnight during the cruise.

Is whale watching guaranteed on this tour?

Sightings are likely but not guaranteed; guides will help spot whales in known areas.

What should I bring or wear for this Arctic cruise?

Thermal flotation suits are provided; dress warmly and bring personal essentials.

Where does check-in take place in Tromsø?

You check in at Norwegian Travel Shop on Samuel Arnesens gate 5 before boarding at 7PM.

What’s included

Your journey includes roundtrip boat cruise from Tromsø with all meals—dinner at an Arctic restaurant, breakfast and lunch—plus coffee, tea, snacks throughout. You’ll have an ocean-facing cabin overnight, thermal flotation suit provided for comfort outside on deck, guided Northern Lights chase with expert talks in the panorama lounge, whale watching with professional guides sharing insights into marine life before returning to port.