Whether you’re looking out onto crashing waves or gazing at the amazing sights of the ports you visit, cruises are no doubt a feast for the eyes. But what many holidaymakers don’t know is that cruises can offer some pretty spectacular views of the sky above too. Here are our top tips for stargazing at sea.
When is The Best Time of Year for Stargazing Cruises?
For the best views of the stars, cruise during your chosen region’s dry season for clear skies. You’ll also want to time your cruise to coincide with the new moon, as moonlight can make it harder to see fainter objects within the sky.
What are the best Cruise Lines for Stargazing Cruises?
Whilst all cruises offer fantastic opportunities for admiring the night sky, certain cruise lines offer some brilliant astronomy-themed areas and activities to enhance the experience.
Cunard
The Queen Mary 2 was the first cruise ship ever to offer a planetarium, where you can enjoy panoramic films that teach you about the galaxies and constellations above. Not only this, Cunard has a partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society, with passengers having the opportunity to go stargazing with RAS lecturers.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises’ Discovery at Sea programme, in partnership with the Discovery Channel, offers a range of amazing scientific activities- including stargazing with ambassador astrophysicist Dr. Haseem Oluseyi. Oluseyi’s fascinating lectures are available on stateroom programming across Princess’ entire fleet.
What are the best destinations for Stargazing Cruises?
World Cruises and Ocean Crossings
The middle of the ocean is one of the best places in the world for uninterrupted views of the night sky, as you’re far away from land-based light pollution. Transatlantic cruises are ideal for this.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are internationally recognised for their high-quality skies, which are protected by the IAC Observatories Law for Astronomical Quality. In fact, the skies above the Canary Islands are so perfect for stargazing that, between them, Tenerife and La Palma are home to all three of the IAC’s international astronomy reserves. Plus, Tenerife’s Teide national park is a designated Starlight destination.
Hawaii
The peaks of Hawaii’s dormant volcanoes offer truly phenomenal views of the night sky. Mauna Kea has thirteen telescopes from which to admire the constellations above, whilst the summit of Haleakala has been a stargazing destination since ancient times.
Chile
The Atacama desert is a fabulous place for stargazing, thanks to the low radio interference and light pollution as well as the high altitudes. For this reason, the desert is home to SPACE, San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations.
What are the best spots on the Ship for Sea Stargazing?
The viewing area forward of your ship’s funnel is generally kept dark whilst at sea, meaning you’ll have a better chance of seeing fainter objects. Depending on the ship, there may be other areas to stargaze from.
What to pack for Stargazing Cruises
To truly enjoy the beautiful sights of the night sky, there are a few things you’ll need:
- Seasonal star chart
- Astronomy Book
- Binoculars
To experience the wonders of the sea and the stars all at once, book your sailing. You’ll be an astronomer in no time!
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