SEATTLE — It's Cruise Month at AAA Travel, which is a great time to book a vacation and get great deals, but especially for this trip.
There's a good chance that seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is on your bucket list. If so, one of the best places in the hemisphere to see the gorgeous light show is in Northern Norway. On AAA's Search for the Northern Lights Cruise, you'll see them up close.
"We're going to have a trip on the Island Princess next October [2020], this exact time, next October. It's a 12-night cruise and it's going to start in Southampton, in London. So that gives us a really easy way to get over and back," said AAA Travel expert, Liz Day
Each port of call in Norway offers a variety of sights and activities that are easily walkable. You'll make stops in Alesund, Tromso, Alta and Stavanger.
- Alesund is a row of islands known for its fishing port, "In 1904, the city burned and has been rebuilt as in a kind of a vibrant art nouveau way. So, it's a wonderful place to visit."
- Tromso has its own claim to fame. It's home to the most pubs per capita in Norway as well as the Arctic Research Center.
- Alta is the home of the Cathedral of the Northern Lights, "That Cathedral spire is built in titanium so that you're able to see the reflection of the sky and the reflection of the Northern Lights there. It's really a spectacular place to see." The cruise makes a two full-day stop there.
- In Stavanger, the 18th-century wooden rowhouse area containing historic homes is within walking distance of the harbor, where the ship docks.
Day says the Northern Lights normally last from October to May so this time next year will be just about right. "It isn't [about] how cold it is. It's how dark it is."
The weather will be similar to Seattle in the Fall, "Stavanger is going to be about the same temperature, maybe 58 to 45. But as you go north to Alta, it's going to cool down about 46 to 35."
Your AAA Concierge cruise includes:*
- 12-night cruise onboard the beautiful Island Princess®
- Pre- and post-cruise airport transfers (on embarkation and disembarkation day)
- $100 per stateroom onboard spending credit
- One complimentary specialty dining for two (for use on a port day)
- Priority check-in on the day of embarkation
- Experienced AAA host on board to help with your travel needs
- Exclusive AAA party
- Special AAA gift
- All meals and entertainment on-board
- All taxes, fees, and port taxes
Booking your AAA Travel cruise to Norway well in advance gives you more flexibility to plan a few extra days in London, "You want to see Buckingham Palace, you want to see Big Ben. This is the perfect time to go either pre or post. And it's an easy flight from Seattle."
If you want to make a reservation, Day encourages you to contact a AAA Travel agent now for details on cost as well as extra amenities for AAA members. However, you do not need to be a member to use the travel services, "We want everybody to experience the dreams of their lifetime."
To speak with a AAA travel agent or for help booking a trip, call 855-361-7667 or visit https://wa.aaa.com/travel/new-day-northwest for more info.
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