Set along the protected waters of Resurrection Bay on the eastern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward, Alaska, is a terminus for many Gulf of Alaska cruises and is a base for exploring nearby Kenai Fjords National Park. It's surrounded by forest and park preserves, snowcapped peaks, calving glaciers, waterfalls and cliffs. Visitors can easily reach Seward by air, cruise ship, ferry, motorcoach or car.
Seward is the beginning or end of the line for cruise passengers sailing the Gulf of Alaska route. The town may blur by if you are in a hurry to get on your ship or to get on the road to Anchorage for the plane ride home. If there's any flexibility in your schedule, we recommend taking at least a few hours to explore this interesting port in south-central Alaska.
The cruise-ship dock is about 2 mi/3 km northeast of the town's Small Boat Harbor. An information office just across the main highway from the cruise dock is open whenever a cruise ship is in port. This is also the city's main visitors center, where you can find information and reserve shore-side excursions. You can walk into town from the dock or take a taxi or trolley from the visitors center. Some cruise lines provide a van shuttle service to the harbor and downtown. Another information booth is located in an old railcar in town at the corner of Third Avenue and Jefferson, adjacent to Millionaire Row and its historic homes.
Shore excursions available from Seward often include small-boat cruises to see glaciers and wildlife in Resurrection Bay, chartered salmon-fishing trips, tours of the Ididaride sled-dog kennels (including a ride on a wheeled sled pulled by dogs) and bus trips to Exit Glacier in nearby Kenai Fjords National Park. Additional options are available; ask your cruise director or inquire at the visitors center.
Most cruise lines offer trips to Kenai Fjords National Park (with a stop at Exit Glacier) and the Alaska SeaLife Center in downtown Seward, as well as flightseeing and fishing excursions in the Seward area. Some lines include a stop at the glacier-ringed Westin Alyeska Prince Resort in Girdwood.
For longer post- or precruise stays, depart from Seward and head to the private Fox Island Wilderness Lodge, a one-hour boat ride away. Spend several relaxing days in a seaside wilderness cabin. Or, consider a nature excursion that includes three days and nights of fishing, whale-watching, glacier-watching and other outdoor scenery. Several tours take visitors to the Gulf of Alaska glaciers and to see marine wildlife.
