Northern Light cruise on the vintage vessel MS Strønstad

Review of the Northern Light cruise on the vintage vessel MS Strønstad

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway, a cruise aboard the vintage MS Strønstad offers an atmospheric way to see this natural spectacle. This 4-hour experience combines a scenic voyage on a historic vessel with expert presentations, potential aurora sightings, and optional relaxation options like sauna and jacuzzi.

What we particularly like about this tour is its intimate, family-friendly setup and the chance to enjoy the Arctic sky away from the city lights. Plus, the guide’s Northern Lights presentation adds valuable context, making the experience not just beautiful but educational. However, a key consideration is that, like all aurora experiences, it depends heavily on weather conditions and solar activity—so sightings aren’t guaranteed.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, less pressured way to experience the Northern Lights. It’s perfect if you want a blend of cultural history, scenic cruising, and the chance for some cozy relaxation in a truly atmospheric setting.

Key Points

Comfortable vintage vessel: The MS Strønstad exudes charm and history, enhancing the Arctic adventure.
Educational experience: Guides provide insightful presentations on the Northern Lights, enriching the journey.
Flexible options: You can book exclusive sauna and jacuzzi times, adding extra comfort.
Weather dependency: Aurora sightings are subject to weather conditions, making sightings unpredictable.
Inclusive highlights: The tour starts at the Full Steam Coastal Museum, offering a short, informative introduction.
Group size: The tour is capped at 45 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

A Classic Northern Lights Experience on the MS Strønstad

The Northern Light cruise on the vintage vessel MS Strønstad in Tromsø is a charming way to chase the aurora. Unlike high-paced chase tours, this offering feels more like a scenic, leisurely voyage—perfect for travelers who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere combined with authentic maritime history.

Starting Point and Pre-Cruise Experience

Your adventure begins at the Full Steam Coastal Museum, where guides kick things off with a captivating presentation explaining how the Northern Lights are formed and the science behind this fenomenon. This educational touch is a thoughtful addition, especially for those new to aurora chasing who want to understand what they’re looking for. The museum visit lasts around 45 minutes, and the admission is included in the ticket price, making it convenient.

If you arrive early, you might also opt for a Northern Light dinner ahead of the cruise—an excellent way to fuel up before heading out into the Arctic night. The tour’s starting point is central, at Søndre Tollbodgate 3, which is accessible and easy to find.

The Vessel: MS Strønstad

The vessel itself is a vintage public ferry that has transported locals along Norway’s Arctic coast for decades. Its classic design, open-wheelhouse, and friendly crew add to the cozy, authentic feeling. As one reviewer noted, the captain is personable and happy to chat, making the journey more engaging.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a selection of snacks and beverages, including wine and beer, from the onboard kiosk. Coffee and tea are complimentary, and for those wanting extra comfort, the tour offers optional sauna and jacuzzi sessions at 8 pm, each costing 395 NOK. These include towels, bathrobes, and showers—adding a luxurious touch to the Arctic adventure.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours and is designed to be manageable for all ages. The itinerary is fairly relaxed, with the main focus on scenic cruising and aurora observation.

Stop 1: Full Steam Coastal Museum
Before setting sail, you’ll get that educational presentation about the science of the Northern Lights. This sets the stage for what’s to come and helps manage expectations—since, as a review pointed out, seeing the Aurora is not guaranteed due to weather and solar activity. The museum visit is a nice, low-pressure start to your evening.

Onboard Experience
Once aboard, you’ll be cruising along the Arctic waters under the vast sky. Guests praise the comfortable atmosphere and the personalized experience from guides like Francesca, who are passionate and patient when explaining aurora phenomena. One reviewer loved the chance to see the city lights reflected on the water while enjoying a drink in the cozy bar.

Potential Aurora Sightings
The likelihood of seeing the Aurora Borealis depends on the weather and solar conditions. Several reviews highlight that the weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes the skies remain cloudy or the lights are faint. One traveler noted, “Wasn’t possible to see aurora due to weather conditions, but overall, it was a pleasant evening.” This honesty is important—it’s nature, after all.

Relaxation Options: Sauna and Jacuzzi
Many guests, like Nirali, found the ** Jacuzzi and sauna** to be highlights, providing warmth and comfort in the cold Arctic night. The jacuzzi, in particular, offers a surreal experience—soaking in hot water while gazing at the Northern Lights (if visible) or city lights.

Authenticity and Comfort

The vintage vessel adds an authentic maritime charm that larger, modern cruises often lack. The open-wheelhouse policy allows you to step outside and get closer to the elements, which many appreciate. The smaller group size (max 45 travelers) helps foster a relaxed, friendly environment.

Price and Value

At $141.40 per person, the tour offers a decent value considering the included museum visit, access to the vessel, and optional relaxation amenities. It’s not a budget tour, but it combines culture, scenic cruising, and the chance for Northern Lights viewing in a way that feels personal and leisurely.

What the Reviews Say

The mixed reviews are important to note. On the positive side, many guests loved the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views, with some calling it a “beautiful experience” and “worth it.” One reviewer even described it as “magical,” thanks to the combination of the Northern Lights, city lights, and cozy boat environment.

On the other hand, weather can be a real wildcard. Some travelers left disappointed because Aurora sightings didn’t materialize, with one harsh review mentioning cramped conditions and a delayed return. This underscores the importance of temper expectations and understanding that nature’s show can be unpredictable.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re after a relaxed, atmospheric experience that combines history, scenic cruising, and the chance to see the Aurora without the pressure of a high-energy chase, this cruise could be ideal. It’s especially suited to families, couples, or groups who appreciate the charm of a historic vessel and the comfort of onboard amenities like the sauna and jacuzzi.

Travelers who enjoy learning from guides and appreciate a personalized touch will find this tour engaging. The smaller group size ensures a cozy atmosphere, perfect for chatting with the crew and fellow travelers. However, if your main goal is a guaranteed sighting of the Northern Lights, it’s wise to keep your expectations flexible or consider combining this with other chase tours.

The Sum Up

The Northern Light cruise on the MS Strønstad offers a unique blend of maritime history, scenic beauty, and cultural insight. Its charm lies in its authentic vessel, the knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity for optional relaxation in sauna and jacuzzi. While the experience doesn’t guarantee aurora sightings—since they depend on weather and solar activity—the overall atmosphere, comfort, and educational elements make it a worthwhile outing for those wanting a gentle, scenic adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value authentic experiences, enjoy a less hurried pace, and are comfortable with the unpredictability of nature. It provides a beautiful backdrop for memorable moments, especially if you happen to catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

For anyone in Tromsø looking for a cozy, informative, and atmospheric way to experience the Arctic night, this cruise offers a charming and cultural perspective. Just remember, a clear sky will make all the difference.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and has a manageable duration of about 4 hours, making it accessible for children and adults alike.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this cruise?
Aurora sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity. The cruise provides a good chance but cannot promise visibility.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes the museum visit, the cruise on the vintage vessel, and a selection of coffee and tea. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Are the sauna and jacuzzi included?
No, these are optional add-ons at 395 NOK each, with towels, bathrobes, and showers provided.

What makes this vessel special?
MS Strønstad is a historic public ferry with a vintage charm, offering an open-wheelhouse policy for better viewing and a more authentic maritime experience.

How large are the groups?
The tour caps at 45 travelers, which allows for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather prevents seeing the aurora, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
This detail isn’t specified; it’s best to contact the provider directly for accessibility questions.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 49 days ahead, so early planning is recommended to secure your spot.