Stargazing at Sea - Cruise Advice | Cruise118.com (2024)

FAQs

Is star gazing good on cruise ships? ›

Many cruise guests are keen to know if cruises are good for stargazing, and the answer is a resounding yes – they can be utterly breathtaking under the right conditions. The unique environment of a cruise ship in the middle of the sea provides an unparalleled opportunity to gaze at the stars.

Ship lights are a thorn in the side of avid stargazers, but that doesn't mean you can't see a star-filled sky from the outside decks. "I usually advise guests to find a viewing area forward of the ship's funnel," says Howard Parkin, resident astronomer for Viking Ocean Cruises.

If you can safely get to a viewing location a couple thousand feet above the surrounding area, it can make for clearer skies. You don't have to find locations super far from roads or highways, either. As long as there aren't lots of bright lights nearby, you can find decent spots quite close to well-traveled highways.

Notice the position of the sun or the moon or try to find the brightest stars or planets such as Venus, which is so bright it is occasionally visible in the daytime. You don't need any equipment, just your eyes.

When a ship is at sea, the only light anywhere comes from the ship itself. On a stargazing cruise, the captain will dim as many of the ship's lights as is legally permissible. On the ocean, the night sky is incredibly dark. The stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way shine forth, much as in ancient times.

Go online and create a mock booking

Before your cruise departs, you can head online and recreate your booking. This will tell you whether certain cabin categories are sold out, as well as a rough estimate of how many rooms are available within each.

Operation Brightstar designates a medical emergency, such as cardiac or stroke on Carnival and Disney cruise line vessels. It can only be requested to be announced by one of the medical team or an officer with advanced medical training.

While the night sky is popular year-round, May and June are often considered the peak time for viewing the Milky Way, as it can be seen arching over the eastern horizon just after dark.

Stargazing is best when the Sun has set low enough below the horizon so that twilight does not affect observations. You should also avoid times when there is a bright Moon in the sky at night. With no twilight or Moonlight the Milky Way may be clearly visible (depending on the time of year).

Which direction is best for stargazing? ›

Southern skies are more popular for their stargazing opportunities because the South Pole faces the center of the Milky Way. The brightest of these constellations is the Southern Cross, which can be seen year round. Some other popular constellations are: Centaurus, Circumpolar.

At home, I don't bother with snacks, I just eat a good solid dinner and get out there. A long night at a dark sky site is another matter. I bring water, coffee, apples, PBJ sandwiches, and either Wheat Thins or Tricuit crackers.

For these reasons, many consider Chile's Atacama Desert to be the best place in the world for stargazing. Astro-tourists from around the world flock to this astounding astronomy destination, so numerous local outfitters provide tours and some local hotels even offer personal stargazing experiences.

If you're cruising in the opposite hemisphere to where you live the night sky will appear dramatically different – and cruise ship astrophotography is a great way of interacting with it. However, there are a few problems. The first is light pollution from the ship itself.

For passengers looking to enjoy views, especially the scenery in the wake of a ship, we recommend higher decks and the back of the vessel. The higher you pick, the farther you'll see. If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end.

I find that the interior areas of the ship, like the Main Dining Room and show lounges, can be chilly. I usually just carry my sweater as we stroll the outside decks at night. The only time I could see the outside decks being chilly is when you are in Orlando.

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.