March is one of the most rewarding times to experience the Northern Lights. Longer nights, clearer skies and the natural benefits of the spring equinox create excellent conditions, and with support from the experts at Go Stargazing, guests can enjoy expert guidance throughout their journey.
Can you see the Northern Lights in March?
There is something rather special about standing on deck at night, the sea stretching quietly into darkness, when the sky begins to glow. For guests sailing with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, March often brings a wonderful balance of dark northern skies, slightly milder conditions and a greater chance of geomagnetic activity. While the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, this time of year is widely regarded as one of the most favourable for seeing them at their most dynamic.
At sea, far away from artificial light, even the faintest shimmer can build into sweeping arcs of green that ripple across the horizon.
Dr Emma Chapman describes this beautifully: “I am a professional astrophysicist, so I see a lot of pretty space pictures. But nothing compares to the awe I feel every time I step out on deck as a Go Stargazing astronomer and see the incredible night sky from the middle of the North Sea. And, as much as I love watching the aurora, the best part for me is stealing a glance at the passengers as they watch the Northern Lights for the first time – such emotion and excitement! It’s a privilege being a part of that.”
Best place to see Northern Lights: An Uninterrupted View at Sea
One of the great advantages of viewing the aurora from a Fred. Olsen ship is the sense of space. With no buildings, trees or hills to interrupt the view, the sky feels wonderfully open.
Graham Darke recalls one memorable evening on Bolette: “What started out as a pale almost colourless haze and which was initially mistaken as high altitude clouds soon transformed before our eyes. It wasn’t long before the aurora revealed its full beauty as its shimmering emerald glow took over much of the northern half of the sky from horizon to horizon… From deck 6 forward on Bolette it was magical.”
Mark Hardaker reflects: “The northern lights have a mystical attraction for mankind. We gaze up at them in wonder, but by far the best way to see them is from the deck of a Fred. Olsen cruise ship, out at sea on a dark night, with hundreds of excited passengers. It’s been a tremendous privilege showing guests the beauty of the aurora and the night sky and listening to their ooohs and ahhhhs as the lights curl and twist above us.”
A Shared Experience with Go Stargazing
A Northern Lights cruise is as much about understanding what you are seeing as it is about witnessing it. Throughout each voyage, Go Stargazing astronomers host informative talks and offer guidance on deck, helping guests make the most of every opportunity.
As Go Stargazing founder Neill Sanders explains: “Watching the aurora ripple and dance across the sky from the deck of a Fred Olsen cruise is pure magic to me as a Go Stargazing astronomer - with incredibly low levels of light pollution, the natural light show is revealed to be dynamic and exhilarating. Best of all is sharing those breathtaking moments with guests, everyone gathered on deck, gazing upward together in awe. It’s a real bucket list experience.”
For many, fulfilling a lifelong wish to see, and photograph, the Northern Lights is deeply personal. David Davies shares: “Witnessing the Northern Lights with so many enthusiastic people is a joyous experience. Sharing the experience with the guests and helping them fulfil their dream of seeing and successfully photographing the Northern Lights was a real privilege.”
Jo Richardson captures the spirit of sharing these moments at sea: “As a professional Space Outreach Communicator, what better way to communicate the wonders of the Universe than onboard a Fred Olsen Aurora Cruise in some of the most amazing wild landscapes on Earth... A truly unique venue shared with wonderful people.”
And for Michael Barratt, these voyages stand among the highlights of his career: “With the exception of viewing a total solar eclipse with the public, my experience of observing the Northern Lights on two occasions with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Go Stargazing has been the highlight of my astronomical career.”
Northern Lights in March Is A Moment Worth Waiting For
March offers a wonderful balance - dark northern skies, increased geomagnetic activity and comfortable conditions for spending time on deck. But beyond the science, what makes these voyages so memorable is the atmosphere, with guests gathered beneath a vast sky, sharing anticipation, wonder and, often, a sense of fulfilment.
There are many ways to see the Northern Lights. Experiencing them at sea, surrounded by like‑minded travellers and guided by expert astronomers, creates memories that stay with you long after the lights have faded and the stars return to prominence.