Seward Cruise Port Guide

Seward is a great starting point for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier, Resurrection Bay, and the surrounding mountains. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there are plenty of ways to get out and explore before or after your cruise.

Getting to Seward

Most visitors arrive in Seward by land or sea. Several cruise lines offer southbound cruises that depart from Seward, as well as northbound cruises that end here. If your cruise begins or ends in Seward, it's worth staying an extra day or two to explore the area.

If you're flying into Anchorage, you can get to Seward to board your cruise by taking a bus or train transfer from Anchorage to Seward. These transfers are scheduled around cruise ship itineraries and give you a chance to enjoy the scenery along the Seward Highway. If you're disembarking in Seward and need a ride to Anchorage for your flight home, you can find our Seward to Anchorage transfers here.

Seward's recently remodeled cruise terminal has two cruise ship berths. It's relatively small and easy to navigate, and its downtown location puts you within walking distance of local businesses, restaurants, and other attractions. The Alaska Railroad Depot is also downtown and just a short walk from most places visitors want to see.

Getting Around or Exploring on Your Own

Most of our Seward excursions include round-trip transportation. If you're being picked up at the cruise ship terminal, you'll meet your tour guide in the parking lot.

If you'd rather explore Seward on your own, locals recommend the Seward Free Shuttle. It runs a fixed route through town about every 30 minutes, with stops near the cruise terminal, train depot, most hotels, and popular attractions. There's also luggage storage available on the shuttle. You can find a route map online, and they're posted around town as well. Not sure where to get off? Just ask your driver!

Best Seward Excursions

• Seward Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise Tour: Seward is the closest city to Kenai Fjords National Park, a remote park made up of glaciers, coastal fjords, and small islands. With only one road leading into the park, the best way to explore Kenai Fjords is by boat. You'll spend time in front of a glacier watching for calving ice, with chances to see whales, Steller sea lions, puffins, and even mountain goats on the rocky cliffs. After your cruise, stop by the National Park Visitor Center in downtown Seward to get your National Parks Passport stamped!


• Seward Dog Sledding on Glacier & Helicopter Tour: If you’ve ever wanted to experience Alaska by dogsled, this tour gives you the chance to do just that. You’ll spend about an hour on the 6-mile-long Godwin Glacier, where working mushers will introduce you to the sport of dog mushing and the dogs that make it possible. You’ll meet the sled dogs and their puppies before heading out on a 2-mile ride across the glacier.


• Exit Glacier Nature Hike: Exit Glacier is one of the most popular attractions in Seward. The trailhead is accessed by the only road leading into Kenai Fjords National Park. On the 2.2-mile loop trail, your guide will share information about the area's flora, fauna, geology, glaciology, and history. It's one of the closest ways to get a good view of a glacier without taking a helicopter.

Local Eats

Seward is home to several delicious locally owned restaurants!

• Ray's Waterfront: If you’re looking for a more upscale meal with some delicious local seafood and an incredible view, Seward’s oldest family-owned restaurant is the place to be. We love the crab cakes!



• Zudy's Cafe: Zudy’s is a perfect casual breakfast and lunch spot. They have classic American breakfasts with an Alaskan twist (think reindeer sausage and sourdough toast), and delicious sandwiches and salads for lunch. Don’t forget to grab a slice of their homemade cheesecake!



• Tidewater Taphouse: Tidewater is perfect for those who want to check out Alaska’s booming craft beer scene! They have lots of local beers on tap from breweries around the state, plus delicious food. The menu features elevated bar fare with a focus on local seafood.

Must-See Attractions

Alaska SeaLife Center - This public aquarium is a great place to see local wildlife, including seals, sea lions, fish, invertebrates like starfish and sea anemones, puffins, and other seabirds. One of the highlights is the large tank where you can watch puffins dive underwater to catch fish. The center is also Alaska’s only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation facility, caring for sick, abandoned, and orphaned animals from around the state.

Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center - The visitor center, about 1 mile from the cruise ship terminal, has exhibits about Kenai Fjords National Park, a park film, an Alaska Geographic bookstore and gift shop, and park rangers available to answer questions about the area.

Final Thoughts

Seward is one of our favorite places to visit in Alaska. Surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and the waters of Resurrection Bay, it has a quieter feel than some of Alaska's busier cruise ports. If you're looking for a chance to slow down, get outside, and experience a smaller coastal Alaska town, Seward is hard to beat.

View all our Seward tours here!