Northern Lights

Small Ship Cruises & Expeditions

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 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.

Find out where and when to see the Northern Lights HERE

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' experience voyaging, leading and creating expeditions all over the globe.

• We Are Travellers. Our team of small ship cruise specialists is very well travelled. We have led small ship cruises all over the world and experienced the most unique and fascinating corners of the planet, and we love sharing our experiences with you!

• Unbiased Advice. Our team are all passionate expedition and small cruise ship travellers, and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences, which we then use to match you with the best small ship options for you.

• Largest Choice Providers. Our collection of small ship cruises is constantly growing, we now feature over 1200 cruises aboard more than 80 small ships. Our insider knowledge of the industry means there is barely a ship or a destination worldwide that we haven't experienced.

• Convenience Matters. We offer you the ability to pay in the original currency of the ship operator, meaning that you won't pay more in currency buffers. You can be assured that you are in safe hands as our team of specialists guide you through the entire booking process.

• Personalised Service. As you prepare for your cruise, we will be in touch to ensure you have everything you need, from packing lists and suggested reading lists to pre- and post- transfers and accommodation. For some cruises, there may be the option to add on extra 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.

Save up to $4,469 AUD
Arctic / Greenland

Arctic Sights and Northern Lights Expedition Cruise

12 days from
$945 AUD per day
  • Greenland ExpeditionExpedition
  • Arctic Sights and Northern Lights Expedition Cruise in Greenland: ship
  • Next departure on Sept. 15, 2025
Northern Europe / Scandinavia

Complete Norway – Northern Lights - 16 Days From Oslo to Bergen

16 days from
$263 AUD per day
Arctic / Greenland

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis Expedition

14 days from
$533 USD per day
  • Greenland ExpeditionExpedition
  • Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis Expedition in Greenland: ship
  • Next departure on Aug. 23, 2025
Arctic / Iceland

Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. Bus Back Up

7 days from
$536 USD per day
Northern Europe / Scandinavia

Follow the Northern Lights – Norway to Finland | Season 2025 – 2026

17 days from
$489 AUD per day
Northern Europe / Scandinavia

Follow the Northern Lights – Finland to Norway | Season 2025 - 2026

15 days from
$530 AUD per day
Northern Europe / Scandinavia

The North Cape Line - Full Voyage - 15 Days From Oslo to Oslo

15 days from
$326 AUD per day
  • Scandinavia ExpeditionExpedition
  • The North Cape Line - Full Voyage - 15 Days From Oslo to Oslo in Scandinavia: ship
  • Next departure on Sept. 26, 2025
Northern Europe / Scandinavia

The North Cape Line - Full Voyage - 14 Days From Oslo or Bergen

14 days from
$309 AUD per day
  • Scandinavia ExpeditionExpedition
  • The North Cape Line - Full Voyage - 14 Days From Oslo or Bergen in Scandinavia: ship
  • Next departure on Dec. 9, 2024
Northern Europe / Scandinavia

Nordic Discoveries & Traditions - Norway Luxury Cruise

11 days from
$1,704 AUD per day

If you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, you might like to narrow your search down to specific destinations in the Arctic, such as Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Svalbard.

Ready to Learn More?

We look forward to helping you plan an incredible adventure to see the Northern Lights

Choose Your Adventure!