If you don't see the northern lights from these cruises, you'll get a free trip

Nathan Diller, USA TODAY
·2 min read

Norway offers some of the world’s best views of the northern lights. In fact, two cruise operators in the region are so confident travelers will see the aurora borealis, they’ll give passengers a free cruise if they don’t.

Havila Voyages and Hurtigruten Norway both offer a Northern Lights Promise, giving passengers a second voyage if the aurora borealis doesn’t turn up.

Havila offers the deal on 12-day Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen round-trip itineraries departing from Oct. 1-March 31, 2024. The operator said if “spectacular green light does not dance across the night sky” during the trip, they can get a free six or seven-day voyage, according to its website.

Hurtigruten’s guarantee is valid for select cruises 11 days or longer during the same dates. If the northern lights cannot be seen from the ship during the trip, passengers can take a six or seven-day Original Coastal Express Classic Voyage at no charge. The offer is also available for Hurtigruten Expeditions – soon to be renamed HX – voyages.

“Our ships act as floating, mobile observatories that move between areas where there is a lot of cloud cover to places where it’s clear skies and perfect conditions to see the aurora when it appears,” Hurtigruten said on its website.

If passengers don't see the northern lights, they get a free cruise.
If passengers don't see the northern lights, they get a free cruise.

What are the terms of Havila and Hurtigruten’s offers?

Havila passengers must activate the Northern Lights Warning System, which alerts them to the atmospheric phenomenon’s presence, to be eligible. Passengers must book the new cruise within one month of returning from the first voyage.

The offer is good for an inside cabin, but guests can upgrade for an extra cost as availability allows.

Northern lights: Graphics illustrate why the phenomenon's wonder is spreading

Hurtigruten guests have 28 days from the time they return to book a new cruise, which they can take between Oct. 1 and March 31 “during the subsequent sailing season,” according to its website. They must also make sure their alert system is activated.

The Hurtigruten offer is good for an inside cabin, as well, with the option to pay to upgrade if other room types are available.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See the northern lights on your cruise or get a free trip

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