Northern Light cruise on the vintage vessel MS Strønstad

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights while exploring Tromsø, Norway, a cruise like this might sound perfect — and it can be, but it’s worth knowing what to expect. We’ve looked into the full experience of this tour, so you can decide if it fits your style and expectations.

One thing we genuinely like about this cruise is the personalized touch — with an open-wheelhouse policy, you can enjoy a more intimate view of the Arctic sky and chat directly with the crew, including the captain. We also appreciate the chance to add on luxury amenities like sauna and jacuzzi, which might be a real treat after a chilly night out.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights. As one reviewer pointed out, weather conditions can block the aurora’s visibility, making this a “hope-for-the-best” kind of outing. So, if chasing the Aurora is your main goal, keep in mind that this isn’t a guaranteed sighting — more like a cozy, scenic Arctic evening with a chance to see the lights if conditions align.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience with some educational elements, and perhaps a bit of luxury. It’s less about a hardcore Aurora hunt and more about enjoying Norway’s Arctic atmosphere in comfort.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Open-wheelhouse policy lets you enjoy the view up close and speak with the crew.
• Comfortable setting: Vintage vessel with options for sauna and jacuzzi for added relaxation.
• Uncertain aurora sightings: Weather can obscure the Northern Lights, so patience and luck are needed.
• Educational start: Northern Lights presentation at the museum adds context to the experience.
• Family-friendly: The tour’s manageable duration and comfort make it suitable for many travelers.
• Good value: At around $141 per person, it offers a scenic, informative outing with optional amenities.

A detailed look at the cruise experience

Starting point and initial presentation

Your journey kicks off at Full Steam Museum in Tromsø, where you’ll get a quick but insightful Northern Lights presentation. This part is a nice way to set expectations and learn the science behind this natural spectacle. It’s also a chance to meet your guides and get a sense of the evening ahead. If you arrive early, you might even have time to book a Northern Lights dinner — a good idea if you want a full evening experience.

Boarding the vintage vessel MS Strønstad

The cruise takes place on the MS Strønstad, a vessel with a notable history. Originally used as a public ferry along Norway’s Arctic coast, this boat offers a mix of nostalgia and comfort. The vessel isn’t large, with a maximum of 45 travelers, which helps create a more intimate atmosphere.

One of the highlights is the open-wheelhouse policy — meaning you can often step outside or into the wheelhouse to get different perspectives on the Arctic landscape and the night sky. As some reviews mention, chatting with the captain can be quite enjoyable, adding a personal touch to the trip.

The itinerary and what you’ll do

The entire cruise lasts about 4 hours, making it a manageable and relaxed outing. It begins at 7:00 pm, giving you time to settle in before the night really gets going. The main event is the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, but the experience isn’t solely about the aurora.

The boat cruise itself is scenic, with gentle sailing around Tromsø’s fjords and water. This allows for some stunning views of city lights reflected on the water, especially when combined with the Arctic night. The boat’s size and design mean there’s limited indoor space, so dress warmly and be prepared for some time outdoors.

Weather and aurora visibility

As one reviewer noted, weather is a big factor. Tromsø’s weather can be unpredictable — clouds, snow, or wind could obscure the Northern Lights. The guides will do their best to find clear skies, but no one can guarantee a sighting. Some guests, like the reviewer who said “it wasn’t possible to see aurora due to weather,” still found the evening worthwhile for the scenery and relaxation.

Optional amenities: Sauna and Jacuzzi

For those wanting to add some comfort, the tour offers sauna and jacuzzi timeslots at 8 pm, each costing 395 NOK. These are quite popular, especially on cold nights, offering a chance to unwind under the Arctic sky. The price includes a towel, bathrobe, and access to showers, which is a nice touch.

Reviews highlight that the sauna experience, combined with the stunning views, can be “the highlight of the tour,” making it more than just a cruise — it’s a chance to indulge and relax.

Food and beverages onboard

There’s a bar offering snacks, wine, and beer, which helps keep everyone comfortable during the cruise. However, note that snacks are not included in the price, but they can be purchased from the kiosk. If you want a sit-down dinner, your best bet is to book it at the museum before boarding, as some travelers did.

Pricing and overall value

At $141.40 per person, this tour sits in a middle range for Arctic experiences. For that price, you’re getting a scenic cruise, an engaging guide, and the chance to learn about the Northern Lights. The optional sauna and jacuzzi add an extra layer of comfort, but they are an additional expense.

The value depends on your expectations: if you’re looking for a cozy, educational, and scenic outing with a small chance of seeing the Aurora, it’s a fair deal. But if your main goal is guaranteed aurora viewing, you might want to consider additional or alternative tours.

Group size and booking

This tour is capped at 45 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate but still lively. Booking about 49 days in advance, as most do, guarantees a spot, especially during peak Aurora season.

What do travelers think?

The reviews give a well-rounded picture. Several guests loved the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful views. For instance, one review praised Francesca’s presentation and her genuine personality, making the experience enriching.

Others found the weather challenging, with some missing out on seeing the Lights altogether. Still, many appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and found the sauna and jacuzzi to be worthwhile additions.

A few less favorable comments mention cramped space and some logistical issues, like delays in docking. But overall, the experience seems to deliver a memorable Arctic evening, especially if you’re flexible about seeing the Aurora.

The Sum Up

This Northern Lights cruise on the MS Strønstad offers a charming way to enjoy Tromsø’s Arctic waters with a touch of history and comfort. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic experience with opportunities for learning and optional luxury amenities like sauna and jacuzzi.

If you’re after a highly personalized cruise with knowledgeable guides and an authentic vessel, this tour hits many marks. Just remember that aurora sightings depend on weather, so it’s a bit of an optimistic adventure rather than a guaranteed spectacle.

It’s a solid choice for those who value scenery, comfort, and a smaller group setting, and are okay with the unpredictability of nature. For anyone dreaming of a peaceful evening under the Northern Lights, this cruise could certainly be one of your memorable Arctic nights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
The tour is generally family-friendly because of its manageable 4-hour duration and comfortable setting, making it suitable for most ages. However, always consider your children’s comfort with cold outdoor conditions and boat sailing.

Can I book the sauna or jacuzzi in advance?
No, these are available as optional timeslots at 8 pm for 395 NOK each, and you need to book them onboard. They include towels, bathrobes, and access to showers.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal clothing, a good waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The outdoor areas can be very cold, especially if the weather is clear and the aurora appears.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 7:00 pm, ending back at the meeting point. It’s designed to be a relaxed, not overly long evening outing.

What is included in the price?
You get the boat cruise, a Northern Lights presentation at the museum, and a coffee/tea selection onboard. Snacks, alcohol, and optional amenities like sauna and jacuzzi are extra.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity. Some reviews mention cloudy nights, so patience and luck are part of the experience.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 49 days in advance, especially during peak Aurora season, to secure your spot on this popular tour.

This cruise offers a lovely Arctic experience blending scenery, knowledge, and comfort, making it a memorable part of any Tromsø trip — even if the Aurora remains elusive.