A helicopter ride, blue glacier ice, a guide who saved my lungs, and the cleanest water I’ve ever tasted, a most unforgettable day in Alaska.
We reached Juneau early in the morning, the ship easing into its berth just outside town. I didn’t know it then, but this would become the standout day of my entire NCL Spirit cruise, the one experience I’ll be talking about for years.
Heading to the Helicopter Base.
After disembarking, a small group of us were driven to a local airport where we gathered in a hangar for our safety briefing. That’s when the reality hit me: I was actually about to fly over, and walk on, the Mendenhall Glacier.
They handed out waterproof trousers and jackets, which I pulled on over my thermals. Then came the enormous hiking boots. I’d bought my own before the trip, not realising they’d supply them. Typical. I strapped on the waist bag they gave us, water and a chocolate bar inside, and joined my group of five as we walked toward the helipads.
The Helicopter Ride of a Lifetime.
Getting into the helicopter was … an adventure. My giant boots wedged themselves between the seat and the door, and it took some twisting, turning, and a helpful shove to get me inside. Once I was in, though, the discomfort vanished.
The moment we lifted off, I felt like I’d stepped straight into a documentary. Snow‑covered mountains, untouched valleys, and that surreal Alaskan light, it didn’t feel real. The pilot pointed out tiny dots on the glacier below and casually mentioned that those dots were people and that’s where we’d be landing.
Walking on the Glacier.
Landing was surprisingly smooth. Getting out was much easier than getting in. We walked a short distance and were fitted with crampons, huge metal spikes strapped to our boots, and given pointed walking sticks. I felt like a cross between an explorer and a baby giraffe.
The altitude hit me quickly. I was breathless almost immediately, but one of the guides noticed and stayed with me the whole time. He was brilliant, patient, encouraging, and full of fascinating facts. I’m convinced I got the deluxe commentary package.
The glacier itself was stunning. The ice wasn’t white at all, it was a deep, luminous blue. The guide explained that the colour comes from the way light refracts through the dense ice. It was like standing on frozen sapphire.
We stopped by a stream running through the ice. The guide dunked his head straight into it and declared it “invigorating.” I wasn’t about to kneel in all that gear, but he filled my bottle for me. He said it was the cleanest water in the world. I believed him. It tasted incredible.
Walking in crampons was exhausting, I now understand why astronauts bounce around on the moon. I was relieved when the guides announced we’d head back to the landing area. I loved every second, but my body was definitely ready to give up.
The Flight Back and a Small Good Deed.
Back at the helicopter, everything felt like a blur of adrenaline. I filmed the entire return flight, including the moment we banked over the NCL Spirit far below. Once we landed, we returned our gear and changed back into normal clothes. It felt heavenly to shed the heavy layers.
In the gift shop, an English couple ahead of me had trouble with their credit card. I offered to pay for their items and let them reimburse me later on the ship or at the next port. They were grateful, and we all rode back into Juneau together. They hopped off to find a bank, and I continued on to the ship.
Back on Board.
By the time I reached my cabin, my legs were screaming. I changed into lighter clothes and slippers, then headed to a bar for a well‑earned beer and something to eat. After a couple of drinks and a painkiller, I lay down “just for a minute.”
Next thing I knew, it was early morning and we were approaching Skagway. I’d slept straight through dinner and the evening show, but honestly, after a day like that, I didn’t mind at all.
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