Why Small Ship Cruising is the Perfect Way to Experience the Northern Lights
At Wild Earth Travel, we offer small ship cruises that provide an unparalleled experience of the Northern Lights. These cruises navigate remote areas, far from city lights, ensuring optimal viewing conditions and a deep connection with the serene Arctic landscape. The smaller size of the ships allows for more flexible itineraries, adapting to real-time weather and aurora activity, while also offering a more personal and less crowded experience. With fewer passengers, ample deck space, and expert crew providing insightful commentary, our small ship cruises offer an intimate, immersive, and tailored way to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights.
What are the Northern Lights:
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a stunning natural phenomenon occurring in polar regions, caused by solar winds colliding with the Earth's magnetic field. These collisions with atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen produce vibrant displays of green, pink, red, and purple lights in the sky. Typically visible in high-latitude areas such as Norway, Canada, and Iceland, the colours and patterns—arcs, waves, or curtains—depend on the type of gas involved and the altitude of the interactions. Often described as mystical, the Northern Lights have fascinated people for centuries, inspiring both legends and scientific inquiry.
Highlights
Where to see the Northern Lights
Benefits of booking with Wild Earth Travel:
Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years of experience creating, leading, and voyaging on expeditions around the globe.
• We Are Travellers. We've led small ship cruises to some of the world's most remote and fascinating places – and we love sharing our knowledge with you!
• Unbiased Advice. Our recommendations are based on personal experience, helping us match you with the small ship and itinerary that best suit your needs.
• Widest Choice. We offer over 2,000 itineraries on more than 250 small ships, and there are few vessels or destinations we haven’t experienced first-hand.
• Pay in Your Currency. Choose to pay in AUD, NZD, USD, EUR or GBP – aligned with the ship operator’s currency to avoid extra fees. As a trusted Australasian company, we provide a secure and tailored booking process.
• Personalised Service. From packing lists to pre- and post-cruise transfers and accommodation, we ensure you’re fully prepared. Some voyages also offer optional add-on activities.
• We’ve witnessed the Northern Lights ourselves and have sent many travellers on their way to experience them too. Depending on where and when you'd like to travel, ask us about the best cruise options for you!
Featured Northern Lights Cruises
Below is a selection of the expedition cruises we offer to see the Northern Lights. Our collection ranges from 6 to 21 days, and from adventure and expedition to luxury-style ships.
Arctic / Greenland
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights Expedition Cruise