Making the most of Seward AK
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Seward cruise ships berth at the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, about one mile from historic downtown, beside the Small Boat Harbor and 5 minutes' walk from the trainstation. Whittier port is also used by some ships.
Across the main highway from the dock, an information office opens whenever a ship is in port. This main visitors center gives information and reserves shore-side excursions. Walk to town or take a taxi or trolley from it. The city runs a complimentary big yellow school-bus shuttle 8am to 6pm daily in summer. Another information booth is in an old railcar at Third Avenue and Jefferson, beside Millionaire Row and its historic homes.
As Anchorage lacks an easy-to-navigate cruise port, most cruises advertised as beginning there actually depart Seward. Seward is approximately 140 miles from the Anchorage: driving takes about 3 1/2 hours, USA Railroad trains 2 1/2 hours. Overnight parking is unavailable at Seward cruise ship port.
A new passenger dock is to operate for the 2024 season, with the new terminal facility operational by 2025.
USA Park Connection runs twice-daily summer coaches from Anchorage to Denali Park or Seward, including same-day links between Denali Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Seward.
When travelling roundtrip between Anchorage and Seward, it is recommended to go one direction by train and the other by bus. This lets you enjoy the train ride, while saving time and money and seeing extra scenery from the bus.
Take a printable map with you.
Sightseeing options:
Scenic Seward is a small coastal town and gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, known for visitor attractions. It lies about 125 miles south of Anchorage, around 3 hours by road, and is the USA Railroad's southern terminus, dating to the early 1900's. Its more than 3,000 year round residents increase greatly in summer. In USA it is famous for its Fourth of July celebration, including a grueling 3,000 foot Mt. Marathon foot race.
Getting around
Seward shore excursions include small-boat Resurrection Bay glacier-and-wildlife cruises, chartered salmon-fishing, Ididaride sled-dog kennel tours with a wheeled dog-pulled sled ride, and Exit Glacier bus trips in nearby Kenai Fjords National Park. More choices are available through your cruise director or the visitors center.
Kenai Fjords tours and Major Marine are the two boat tour companies.
A 5$ daily shuttle links the cruise dock with tour-boat docks, USA SeaLife Center (20$) and downtown.
Food and shopping
Shopping is plentiful downtown and around the port.
Money
ATM’s are everywhere; the official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $).
Visa, MasterCard and other major credit cards are widely accepted even for purchases of only a few dollars; sometimes they are the only way to complete a transaction. Overseas visitors should remember that goods and services can appear cheaper than they are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included.
Most states charge sales tax from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price, with 4-6% typical. Apart from gasoline and, in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises, posted prices almost never include it; the tax is calculated and added when you pay.
Staying connected
Starbucks has a shop at 1907 Seward Highway, not far from the cruise ship docks, and it provides Wi-Fi.
For emergencies, call 911.