Northern Light cruise on the vintage vessel MS Strønstad

The best part of this Tromsø outing comes before the boat leaves: Francesca explains how the Northern Lights form and points out where the cruise will go. I like that useful introduction, and I like the chance to sail on the vintage MS Strønstad, a former public ferry that carried people and goods along Norway’s Arctic coast. It gives the evening a local feel rather than the polish of a large sightseeing ship.

I also like the open-wheelhouse policy, which lets you chat with the captain and see more of the working boat. The four-hour length is manageable for families, and the optional sauna or jacuzzi adds a memorable Arctic touch. The main caution is simple: this is a relaxed boat outing, not a fast Northern Lights chase. The ship cannot cover as much ground as a minibus, and poor weather can leave you with no aurora at all.

Key points to know before booking

• Francesca’s 45-minute aurora presentation comes before boarding at Full Steam Coastal Museum.
• MS Strønstad is a vintage coastal ferry, not a purpose-built modern cruise ship.
• The boat returns to the same Tromsø meeting point after roughly four hours.
• An 8 pm sauna or jacuzzi slot costs 395 NOK, including a towel, bathrobe, and shower access.
• Indoor space can feel limited when all 45 passengers are aboard.
• The Northern Lights are never guaranteed, and this trip is better for a calm fjord cruise than a full-scale aurora hunt.

Starting at Full Steam Coastal Museum

You meet at Søndre Tollbodgate 3 in central Tromsø at 7 pm. The cruise begins at Full Steam Coastal Museum, a convenient setting for an introduction to the Arctic coast before you step aboard.

The first part lasts about 45 minutes. Francesca leads a Northern Lights presentation covering how the aurora forms, what conditions affect it, and where the boat plans to go. That matters because an aurora cruise is easier to enjoy when you understand what you are looking for. Instead of simply standing on deck and hoping for green light, you get a basic explanation of the science and the route.

I especially like the practical nature of this opening. Francesca has been praised for explaining the subject patiently and showing the route clearly. If the sky stays dark but empty, the presentation still gives the evening some substance.

If you arrive earlier, you can also arrange a Northern Lights dinner at the museum before the cruise. The supplied information does not give the dinner price or exact menu, so check those details before adding it to your evening plans.

Boarding the vintage MS Strønstad

After the museum introduction, you board MS Strønstad. The boat once served as a public ferry, carrying local people and goods along Norway’s Arctic coast. That working background gives it character. You are not simply stepping onto a generic sightseeing vessel with a row of identical seats.

The boat’s appeal is tied to its age and atmosphere. One passenger particularly enjoyed chatting with the captain, and that open access is part of the charm. The crew presents the vessel as a place where you can talk, look around, and enjoy a slower cruise around Tromsø.

The same design also creates the main comfort issue. The ship has space for a maximum of 45 passengers, but indoor room can feel cramped when everyone comes inside. One particularly negative account described the boat as cramped, while another said there was not enough space for all passengers. You should expect a small vintage vessel, not a wide modern ferry with generous indoor seating.

The open-wheelhouse policy helps. It gives you a chance to spend time near the wheelhouse and speak with the crew, though the exact access may depend on the captain and onboard conditions. Bring warm clothing even if you plan to use the indoor areas. Tromsø’s evening temperatures can make an outdoor viewing spot feel much colder than the boat’s interior.

What the cruise actually does

This is a round trip around Tromsø and nearby waters, lasting about four hours. It is designed to offer a relaxed cruise with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights when the sky and solar activity cooperate.

That distinction is important. A boat cannot move between as many inland viewing points as a minibus. It also cannot promise a clear sky simply by leaving the harbor. The route offers a good setting away from some city lights, but the aurora may still remain hidden.

I would describe this as an aurora cruise with a sightseeing element, not a dedicated chase. If you want a vehicle to pursue openings in the cloud cover, a minibus tour may suit you better. If you prefer being on the water, like old boats, and want a calm evening rather than a hurried search, this format makes more sense.

The cruise can be smooth and pleasant. One account praised the sailing and the chance to meet people from different places. Another described finally catching a glimpse of the lights as the boat moved farther into the dark. Those moments are possible, but they depend on conditions beyond the operator’s control.

The Northern Lights factor

No company can guarantee an aurora display. You need darkness, enough clear sky, and suitable solar activity at the right time. Clouds can block the lights even when the aurora is active above them, and a strong forecast does not guarantee a visible show from the boat.

The operator does offer a free second chance when the lights cannot be seen on the tour. Confirm the exact terms at booking, but this is a useful policy for an activity built around nature. The formal cancellation terms also allow a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather, or an alternative date if available.

Still, you should not book this cruise on the assumption that a free return trip will solve your schedule. If you have only one night in Tromsø, you may not be able to use another departure. The best approach is to treat the aurora as a bonus and value the museum talk, boat ride, and Arctic setting on their own.

Sauna and jacuzzi at 8 pm

The optional sauna and jacuzzi sessions are the most unusual extras. Each costs 395 NOK at 8 pm. The fee includes use of a towel, bathrobe, and shower, so you do not need to bring those items.

A hot jacuzzi on the water can add a special sense of place, particularly with Tromsø’s lights around you and the dark sky overhead. One couple found the private jacuzzi session to be the highlight of the evening. The sauna also received strong praise as a welcome retreat on a cold night.

There is a practical point to consider: the information does not say how many people each session accommodates or whether the jacuzzi is private for every booking. Do not assume you will have it to yourself. If the spa element matters most to you, confirm the arrangement before paying.

The 8 pm timing may overlap with the main cruise period. Ask how the slot fits into the boat’s schedule so you know whether you will miss time on deck. If you mainly want a warm break from the cold, the sauna may offer better value than paying for both options.

Snacks, drinks, and onboard comfort

Coffee and tea are included, along with biscuits. The onboard kiosk sells additional snacks, so you can buy something during the cruise rather than carrying a full meal.

Beer and wine are available for purchase, but alcoholic drinks are not included in the price. This gives you a simple way to make the evening feel festive, though you should budget for drinks and snacks separately.

The food service is modest. This is not a dinner cruise unless you arrange the earlier museum dinner. You should eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal, especially if you are traveling with children or have a long evening ahead.

The bar and warm drinks are useful because aurora viewing often means waiting. The lights may appear for only a short time, or not at all, so having coffee, a biscuit, and a place to sit makes the wait easier.

Price and what you get for $141.40

At about $141.40 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Tromsø. The price needs to be judged against the full package: a 45-minute museum presentation, a roughly four-hour vintage boat cruise, coffee or tea, biscuits, and the chance to see the Northern Lights from the water.

I think the price makes the most sense if you value the vessel and the atmosphere. The vintage ferry, open-wheelhouse setup, captain conversation, and optional sauna give it more personality than a basic harbor ride. You are paying for an evening experience, not simply transport to a viewing point.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to maximize the chance of seeing the aurora. Since the cruise is not a fast chase and follows a limited water route, a land-based outing may offer more flexibility in changing locations. The boat is also less appealing if you dislike tight indoor spaces or get cold easily.

Because the average booking point is about 49 days ahead, popular dates may fill early. That does not mean you must reserve that far in advance, but it suggests you should not leave the activity until the last night of a short Tromsø visit.

Who will enjoy this Tromsø cruise

I would recommend it most strongly to people who want several parts to the evening:

• You like historic working vessels and small-group boat trips.
• You want an aurora presentation before heading outside.
• You prefer a slow cruise to a hurried vehicle chase.
• You are traveling with family and want a four-hour activity rather than an all-night outing.
• You like the idea of a sauna or jacuzzi in an Arctic setting.
• You can accept that the Northern Lights may not appear.

Families should note that most people can participate, and the duration is reasonably manageable. The boat does cap attendance at 45 passengers, but that is still enough for indoor areas to feel busy.

This may not suit you if you need a guaranteed sighting, want a highly mobile chase, or expect roomy modern-ship facilities. It is also a poor match if cramped spaces bother you.

Practical details for the evening

The activity begins and ends at Søndre Tollbodgate 3 in Tromsø. It is near public transportation, and your mobile ticket is confirmed at booking.

Wear layers and bring clothing suitable for standing outside on a cold Arctic night. Even a smooth cruise can feel chilly when you are waiting on deck. If you book the sauna or jacuzzi, the operator provides the towel and bathrobe and gives you access to a shower.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of passengers. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the 7 pm start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

The mixed three-star overall rating reflects the central tradeoff: the boat, talk, and spa extras can make a fine evening, but the aurora is uncertain and the vessel may feel crowded. Go in with the right expectations and you are more likely to enjoy what the cruise actually offers.

Should you book the MS Strønstad cruise?

Book this outing if you want a characterful evening on the water, enjoy learning how the Northern Lights work, and see value in a sauna or jacuzzi as part of the night. Francesca’s presentation, the vintage ferry, and the chance to speak with the captain give the cruise a human scale.

Skip it if your main aim is the highest possible chance of seeing the aurora. This is not a full Northern Lights chase, and the limited boat route cannot respond to weather as freely as a minibus. For many people, though, the best plan is to treat the lights as an extra. If they appear above Tromsø’s dark water, the evening can feel magical. If they do not, you still have a museum talk, a historic boat ride, and a warm drink to carry the experience.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Light cruise start?

The cruise starts at Full Steam Coastal Museum, at Søndre Tollbodgate 3, 9008 Tromsø, Norway.

What time does the cruise begin?

The stated start time is 7 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours. The museum presentation before boarding takes about 45 minutes.

Does the tour guarantee Northern Lights?

No. The Northern Lights depend on weather conditions and solar activity, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Coffee, tea, and biscuits are included. Additional snacks, beer, and wine are available for purchase onboard.

How much do the sauna and jacuzzi cost?

The 8 pm sauna costs 395 NOK, and the 8 pm jacuzzi costs 395 NOK. Each price includes a towel, bathrobe, and shower access.

What happens if the cruise is canceled?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of passengers is not reached, you can receive a full refund or choose another date or experience.