Three Alaska Cruise Excursions For Your Adventurous Side

When one thinks of Alaska, the first things that come to mind are shimmering blue-white glaciers, soaring bald eagles, emerald green pine forests blanketing steep mountains and whales breaching coastal waters. While all that is true, I discovered on a recent 12-day Alaska voyage aboard Oceania Riviera that Alaska has a wilder side perfectly suited to those with a sense of adventure and a craving for a rush of adrenaline. Three Alaska cruise excursions, in particular, delivered the perfect balance of discovery, excitement and wonder.

Helicopter Glacier Hiking on Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier

Perhaps Juneau’s biggest attraction is Mendenhall Glacier, which flows down from the vast Juneau Icefield to the edge of Mendenhall Lake, the lake it carved. Because of its relative accessibility, hikers can walk up to its base and gaze at the glistening wall above them. But if you thought this was the most dramatic way to experience a glacier, you’d be wrong.

I convinced my traveling companion, who isn’t fond of heights, to join me on a Mendenhall Glacier helicopter tour followed by a hike across its surface. We opted for Oceania Cruises’ partner of choice, TEMSCO Helicopters, which has flown in Alaska since 1958 and is the premier tourist helicopter operator in Alaska. Once inside TEMSCO’s facility, we donned our glacier boots, and in two groups of six, as Oceania Cruises prides itself on small group shore excursions, we headed out toward our helicopters. Once seated, staff strapped us in and helped us put on our headphones so that we could hear the commentary and instructions from Lisa, our terrific pilot.

We were quickly on our way to the glacier, maneuvering through a spectacular mountain pass and flying in and out of a stunning box canyon, skimming the rocky ridgeline. The ride was smoother than I expected and at one point, flying above a crinkled section of the glacier, we felt as if we were on another world entirely and had left both Alaska and the Earth far behind.

Our landing site on Mendenhall Glacier was marked by a fluttering Alaska flag. After a butter-smooth landing, we were greeted by our knowledgeable glacier hiking guide, Colin. As we made our way across the satisfyingly crunchy ice, we learned that over centuries four feet of snow compress into one foot of ice, meaning that since we were standing on approximately 100 feet of ice, it all began with 400 feet of snow, and the glacier is much, much thicker farther up the mountains, requiring untold amounts of snowfall.

The crystalline surface was occasionally sliced by shallow gashes that glowed with a mesmerizing blue light. Some coursed with rivulets that a few of us sampled, rewarding us with remarkably pure water.

On this vast glacier, with jagged black cliffs soaring on one side, a tumble of sparkling ice on another and the terminus farther on, one felt truly detached from the cares of everyday life. I’ve never felt so small and yet so inspired as I did standing on that sheet of ice, reminded of the unbelievable majesty and power of Mother Nature.

Once back at the airport after another pillow-soft landing, my traveling companion had apparently lost his fear of heights. He looked at me with a grin and stated, “We need to start a slush fund so any time we go on an Oceania Cruises voyage we can always take a helicopter shore excursion.” I quickly seconded that notion.

The World’s Longest ZipRider at Icy Strait Point

I’ve been to Alaska before, but this was my first visit to Icy Strait Point, a Native-owned development specifically designed for cruise guests. The picturesque old cannery has been redeveloped into shops, restaurants and a fascinating museum detailing the history of the fishing industry in Southeast Alaska. Totem poles tell the story of generations of indigenous inhabitants, fire pits provide an opportunity for native storytelling and waterfront dining venues serve the local seafood royalty: King Crab and King Salmon.

In this treasured destination, discovering the world’s longest ZipRider was a pleasant surprise: nearly 5,495 feet from the top of Hoonah Mountain to the shoreline. I’ve ridden ziplines through Caribbean rainforest canopies, but the Icy Strait Point zipline was entirely different. It doesn’t just go through the trees – it soars hundreds of feet above them. The sound of people roaring down the six side-by-side lines is akin to a distant jet plane. This is ziplining for those who want a jolt of excitement!

Once installed in a chair that felt far more secure and comfortable than I expected, I was off. My world was all white as I plunged through a cloud, emerging a few seconds later at nearly 60 miles an hour into bright sunlight and an unforgettable view of a carpet of trees far, far below. Despite the wind rushing past, it seemed I was suspended in mid-air. With the ride lasting for around 90 seconds, I had time to enjoy the marvel of free flight. I was on top of the world.

Eventually, the trees below rose to meet me and the landing platform appeared. A quick deceleration and suddenly I was back on solid ground. Walking felt a bit alien now, so I plopped down in a chair next to the nearby firepit and processed my adventure. Alaska is about freedom and for one, brief moment, I felt at one with the landscape around me.

Jetboating the Stikine River from Wrangell

If soaring over a glacier and flying down a mountain weren’t enough adventure, Wrangell offered a different type of thrill. The mighty Stikine River winds from British Columbia through one of North America’s last great wildernesses. Its shifting channels and shallow gravel bars call for specialized jet boats capable of navigating just six inches of water.

Captain Mike, a Wrangell native, demonstrated that capability almost immediately. From the open stern deck, I watched as we accelerated to 40 miles an hour, carving through marshes, around rapids and between fallen trees. The silty Stikine resembled chocolate milk, while glimpses of its crystal-clear tributaries revealed every pebble below.

The scenery was every bit as exhilarating as the ride itself. Forested mountains blanketed with Sitka spruce rose on either side while waterfalls cascaded down seemingly every hillside. Despite forecasts calling for rain, the skies cleared just in time, rewarding us with spectacular views. Soon, we stepped ashore beside a rushing glacial stream beneath a broad waterfall, where several of us couldn't resist filling our water bottles with ice-cold glacier water.

Our destination was Shakes Lake, where the broad face of Shakes Glacier rises dramatically above the water. Mike cut the engines and allowed us to drift silently toward the glacier, weaving among small ice floes that floated close enough to reach out and touch. After spending time taking in the remarkable setting, it was time to point the bow downstream.

The return journey was a completely different experience. With the current now at our backs, Mike opened the throttle and the jetboat sprang to life, carving through sweeping bends and narrow channels with astonishing agility. Every now and then he would throw the boat into a tight turn that demonstrated exactly why waterjet propulsion is indispensable on rivers like the Stikine. It was exhilarating without ever feeling out of control.

Looking back, I realized these three adventures had something in common. Whether I was walking across a glacier, soaring above the rainforest or skimming along a wilderness river, each showed me a different side of Alaska. I wouldn't have wanted to miss any of them.

Ready to set off on a thrilling adventure during your next Oceania Cruises voyage to Alaska? Tell us which one you’ll want to experience first on Facebook.