This Cruise Line Just Appointed Its First-ever 'Chief Aurora Chaser' — and Has a Northern Lights Guarantee

Alison Fox

28 March 2024 at 3:53 pm·2-min read

Astronomer Tom Kerss will jump on designated Hurtigruten sailings as an onboard expert, organizing activities and events for guests.

<p>Tom Kerss/Courtesy of Hurtigruten Group</p> — Tom Kerss/Courtesy of Hurtigruten Group

A Norwegian cruise line just hired its first-ever Chief Aurora Chaser to help travelers make the most of the incredible northern lights phenomenon on their voyages.

As part of the job, northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss will jump on designated Hurtigruten sailings as an onboard expert, organizing activities and events for guests, according to the cruise line. In addition, the official Aurora Chaser will lead digital talks, webinars, and workshops.

"With Tom Kerss as our very own Chief Aurora Chaser, the world’s first-ever as far as we know, we're taking our Northern Lights commitment to new heights,” Hurtigruten CEO Hedda Felin said in a statement. “Together, we're revolutionizing the Northern Lights experience, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to witness this breathtaking phenomenon in the most immersive way imaginable."

For his part, Kerss said guests won’t “only witness the Northern Lights but also unravel the secrets and stories behind its beauty and nature, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime."

The company will sail a series of four astronomer-hosted voyages in 2024 and 2025 complete with a trip across the Arctic Circle and a visit to a northern lights planetarium.

In addition to enriching the onboard experience, Hurtigruten is extending the period covered by its Northern Lights Guarantee to mid-September. The promise, which the cruise line has offered for a while, offers guests who book select trips lasting 11 days or longer and don’t see the northern lights the chance to take a free Coastal Express Classic Voyage.

The guarantee was previously only available for trips departing in October.

"This commitment reflects our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional experiences and ensuring that every journey with Hurtigruten is truly extraordinary,” Felin said.

Beyond its northern lights-focused cruises, Hurtigruten relaunched service on its Svalbard Express route last year, connecting Bergen, Norway, with the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard on the refurbished Trollfjord ship.

HX, Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise line, also recently made its voyages all-inclusive, offering everything from daily excursions and activities to gratuities, drinks, and more in the cost of the cruise.

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