Northern Light Cruise on the Vintage Vessel MS Strønstad

The Northern Light Cruise aboard the vintage MS Strønstad offers a truly enchanting experience for those seeking to witness the captivating Aurora Borealis. This charming vessel, built in 1969, accommodates up to 45 travelers, providing an intimate setting to sail through the picturesque Tromsø islands. With a relaxed atmosphere and onboard amenities like snacks, beverages, and even a sauna and jacuzzi, guests can enjoy the magic of the Northern Lights in unparalleled comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, this cruise promises to deliver a truly unforgettable journey.

About Your Stay

• The Northern Light Cruise on the MS Strønstad operates a short round-trip along the Tromsø islands, offering a relaxed environment for viewing the Northern Lights.
• The cruise accommodates up to 45 travelers on the vintage vessel built in 1969, providing an intimate setting for the Northern Lights viewing experience.
• Onboard amenities include beverages, snacks, and access to a sauna and jacuzzi for an additional fee, enhancing the overall experience.
• The cruise departs from the Full Steam museum entrance in Tromsø at 7:00 PM and returns to the same meeting point, but is not wheelchair accessible.
• Customer reviews have been mixed, with some praising the smooth sailing and social atmosphere, while others noted limited space and timing issues with the return journey.

Vessel Overview and Specifications

The MS Strønstad, the vessel that operates the Northern Light Cruise, is a small ship capable of accommodating up to 45 travelers.

This classic ship, built in 1969, offers a unique and intimate setting for passengers seeking to witness the stunning Northern Lights.

While not a dedicated Northern Lights hunting expedition, the cruise provides a relaxed and social environment, allowing guests to enjoy the natural wonder while sailing along the Tromsø islands.

The onboard amenities, including a selection of beverages and snacks, as well as optional sauna and jacuzzi access, enhance the overall experience for passengers seeking a supplementary Northern Lights activity during their time in Norway.

Meeting and Departure Details

Starting at the Full Steam museum entrance in Sondre Tollbodgate 3, Tromso, Norway, passengers board the MS Stronstad for the Northern Light Cruise.

The cruise departs at 7:00 PM and returns to the same meeting point. The vessel isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The Reserve Now and Pay Later option is also available.

The cruise give you a relaxed and social environment for viewing the Northern Lights, though visibility depends on weather and solar activity.

Onboard Amenities and Services

Onboard, travelers can purchase a selection of coffee, tea, wine, and beer from the kiosk. The cruise also offers a variety of snacks to fuel the journey.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the vessel features a sauna and jacuzzi, available for an additional fee of 395 NOK. This package includes access to towels, bathrobes, and shower facilities.

However, it’s important to note that the jacuzzi isn’t recommended for infants.

Northern Lights Viewing Experience

While the Northern Light Cruise on the MS Strømstad doesn’t promise a dedicated Northern Lights hunt, it offers passengers the opportunity to witness the ethereal spectacle in a relaxed and social environment.

The cruise takes a short round trip along the Tromsø islands, and the visibility of the Northern Lights depends on weather conditions and solar activity.

Though not a specialized tour, the cruise provides a supplementary experience for those seeking to view the Aurora Borealis.

Travelers should note that the visibility of the lights isn’t guaranteed, but the cruise’s relaxed atmosphere and the chance to meet fellow enthusiasts can make for an enjoyable evening on the water.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have offered a mix of opinions on the Northern Light Cruise experience.

While some appreciated the relaxed and social atmosphere onboard, others noted issues with the limited space and timing.

The cruise has an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor.

The host has acknowledged the feedback and clarified the cruise’s purpose as a supplementary experience to dedicated Northern Lights activities.

Positive remarks highlight the smooth sailing and opportunity to meet other passengers, while criticisms focus on the lack of space and the timing of the return to the starting point.

Host Responses to Feedback

The host has acknowledged the mixed feedback received from travelers, and has clarified the cruise’s purpose as a supplementary experience to dedicated Northern Lights activities.

They’ve noted that the cruise isn’t intended to be a specialized Northern Lights hunt, but rather a short round-trip along the Tromsø islands, where visibility depends on weather and solar conditions.

While some guests appreciated the relaxed, social atmosphere onboard, others provided criticism regarding the limited space and timing issues.

The host has responded by recognizing this feedback and emphasizing the cruise’s role as a complementary option to enhance one’s Northern Lights adventures in the region.

Booking and Practical Information

To book the Northern Light Cruise, travelers can visit the Viator or Tripadvisor websites, where the experience is listed.

The cruise on the vintage vessel MS Strønstad departs from the Full Steam museum entrance in Tromsø, Norway, at 7:00 PM. The trip lasts for an unspecified duration, with the vessel returning to the same meeting point.

While the cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s near public transportation. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. Plus, a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.

Onboard, guests can purchase beverages and snacks, with sauna and jacuzzi access available for an additional fee.

Questions About Staying Here

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise?

There are no age restrictions for the cruise. The cruise is open to all ages, though it’s not recommended to bring infants in the jacuzzi due to safety concerns.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard, but the cruise provides a selection of beverages and snacks for purchase. Using the onboard amenities is recommended to support the cruise operator.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Cruise?

There is no strict dress code for the cruise, but passengers are advised to dress warmly and comfortably. Layered clothing is recommended, as the weather can be cool, especially when sailing. Casual attire is suitable for the relaxed atmosphere onboard.

How Reliable Is the Northern Lights Sighting During the Cruise?

The reliability of northern lights sighting during the cruise is uncertain. According to reviews, the visibility of the northern lights depends on weather and solar activity, and can’t be guaranteed. Travelers should expect a supplementary experience rather than a dedicated northern lights viewing tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Beyond the Ticket Price?

There are additional fees for optional amenities like the sauna and jacuzzi, which cost 395 NOK each. However, the ticket price covers the cruise itself, along with the selection of beverages and snacks available onboard.

Worth The Stay

The Northern Light Cruise aboard the vintage MS Strønstad offers an enchanting and intimate experience for witnessing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. With its cozy atmosphere, onboard amenities, and stunning natural surroundings, this cruise provides a unique setting to fully take in the wonders of the Northern Lights. Guests can look forward to a relaxing and memorable adventure as they sail through the picturesque Tromsø islands.