Aurora Cuisine Cruise

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights while enjoying a cozy dinner at sea, the Aurora Cuisine Cruise in Tromsø might be on your radar. This tour promises a combination of good food, scenic boat rides, and the hope of seeing the elusive aurora borealis dance overhead. We’ve looked into what this experience offers and what you can realistically expect—so you can decide if it fits your travel style.

What really stands out about this cruise? First, it’s a unique way to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights away from city light pollution, all while savoring a three-course meal on a modern, electric-powered vessel. Second, the friendly guides and the stability of the boat—despite some weather quirks—are often praised by travelers. But, like any experience, it’s not perfect. The food can be hit or miss, and the weather sometimes complicates the whole outing.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a combination of scenic boat rides, local cuisine, and the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights. If you’re okay with some unpredictability and want a relaxed, informative environment, this could be a good fit. Just remember, the aurora is a natural phenomenon—no tour can guarantee it, but the setting here certainly boosts your odds.

Key Points

• Maximizes Aurora Viewing: By sailing away from city lights, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights improve.
• Comfortable and Modern Boat: The vessel is praised for being stylish, stable, and cozy.
• Good Food and Drinks: Expect a three-course meal, with many reviewers loving the local, fresh ingredients.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable and energetic, sharing insights about Tromsø and the Northern Lights.
• Weather Can Be Challenging: Wind, rain, or cold sometimes affect the experience, especially the outdoor viewing.
• Mixed Food Reviews: While some find the dinner delicious, others leave hungry or disappointed with the food choices.

What to Expect on the Aurora Cuisine Cruise

The Itinerary and its Highlights

The tour begins with a prompt meeting at Kaigata 6 in Tromsø at 6:45 pm, ready to embark at 7:00 pm. The cruise lasts about three and a half hours, returning around 10:30 pm. This timing allows you to enjoy the dark Norwegian night and gives ample opportunity to spot the lights.

The main activity involves a trip around Tromsøya, where guides will find the best spots for aurora viewing. The boat’s route isn’t fixed to one location; instead, it’s flexible, moving to where the conditions are most promising. Many reviews mention the crew’s effort to find clear skies, which is key since the Northern Lights can be elusive.

The Boat and Its Atmosphere

Travelers describe the vessel as modern, stylish, and comfortable. Its electric power system means a quieter, more environmentally friendly ride, allowing for unobstructed views and a peaceful atmosphere. While the outdoor decks are windy and cold—something you should be prepared for—the indoor saloon offers a cozy space to relax, chat, and enjoy your meal.

The Dinner Experience

The meal is a notable part of this tour. It’s a three-course dinner, often featuring local seafood like fish and herring, with some reviewers mentioning Atlantic cod and pickled herring. Many appreciate the quality of the food, describing it as delicious, especially the fish. One traveler noted the main course was particularly good—fish with vegetables and sauce.

However, not everyone left fully satisfied. A few reviews mention feeling hungry afterward, as the portions might be smaller than expected, and the courses are served tapas-style. Some reviews also suggest the menu could be improved with more sides or variety, especially for those not keen on fish.

Viewing the Northern Lights

Seeing the Aurora is a matter of luck, like any outdoor nature show. Some guests were fortunate to witness multiple displays, citing that the guides did a good job of steering the boat to the best viewing spots. Others, however, experienced long pauses with no sightings, which is entirely normal given the natural unpredictability.

Several reviews highlight the guides’ energetic commentary and their efforts to make the experience engaging. One guest mentioned getting fantastic photos of the lights with Tromsø city lights in the background—an experience many travelers cherish.

Weather and Practical Considerations

Tromsø’s weather can be tricky. Wind, rain, and cold are common, and some travelers found the outdoor conditions challenging, especially when waiting for the lights or boarding in slushy snow. One reviewer expressed frustration at the lack of proper signage at the meeting point and standing in the rain to board, which is an important reminder to dress warmly and be prepared for Norwegian weather.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of 60 travelers, the tour maintains a decent size—large enough for socializing but not overcrowded. Many reviewers mention the boat’s stability and comfort, which helps when the weather turns windy or choppy.

Price and Value

At roughly $192 per person, this tour offers a fairly good value considering it combines a scenic boat ride, local cuisine, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. The experience’s worth depends on your priorities; if the aurora is your main goal, this trip increases your odds compared to staying on land. If great food and a comfortable environment matter most, many guests found the dinner enjoyable, though some were expecting more substantial portions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic evening with the potential for Northern Lights sightings and enjoy local food, this cruise is a solid pick. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate a modern, environmentally friendly boat and friendly guides sharing their knowledge. Be aware that weather can impact the experience, so flexible expectations about seeing the lights are wise.

This trip might not be ideal if you’re looking for a full-blown adventure—like snowmobiling or reindeer sledding—or if you’re highly sensitive to cold. Also, if your main priority is a gourmet dinner, you might find the portions a bit small or the menu predictable.

The Bottom Line

The Aurora Cuisine Cruise offers a charming way to spend an evening in Tromsø, combining the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights with a comfortable boat ride and some tasty local seafood. It’s a good option for those who value a peaceful environment, good company, and a chance to get away from city lights. While the weather and the natural unpredictability of the Aurora mean it’s not a guarantee, many travelers leave with memorable photos and stories.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic experience with friendly guides and decent food, this cruise could be just what you need. But if your heart is set on a gourmet dinner or a guaranteed Aurora show, you might want to explore other options or prepare for some variability.

FAQ

Is the Aurora Cuisine Cruise suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed for children, it’s generally suitable for most travelers who enjoy boat rides and are comfortable in cold weather. Keep in mind the outdoor decks can be windy and cold.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 7:00 pm and returning around 10:30 pm.

What’s included in the meal?
You’ll get a three-course dinner, often with fish and seafood options. The meals are served tapas-style, and many guests find the food tasty, though portions can feel small.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Many guests do see the lights, but since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, sightings aren’t guaranteed. The boat’s route aims to find clear skies away from light pollution, increasing your chances.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers. The outdoor decks are windy and chilly, particularly at night. Warm coats, hats, gloves, and good walking shoes or boots are recommended.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Rain, wind, or clouds can impact the experience, so flexibility is key.

In the end, the Aurora Cuisine Cruise offers a cozy, scenic, and relatively comfortable way to chase the Northern Lights from the water. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a blend of local flavors, scenic views, and the hope of a celestial show, all wrapped in a modern vessel that prioritizes comfort. Approach it with realistic expectations about the weather and the unpredictability of nature, and you might find this to be a highlight of your Tromsø adventure.