The Port of Seward is an embarkation and disembarkation port at the northern end of an Alaska cruise. Located 129 miles from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), cruise passengers need to choose how to get to and from the airport. Besides info about cruise ship transfers, for passengers who want to spend a few extra hours in Seward, here are some ideas for restaurants and activities.
Transportation between Anchorage and the Pier in Seward, Alaska
- Motor Coach Transfer – A bus transfer from Seward to Anchorage or from Anchorage to Seward can be purchased through the cruise line either pre-cruise or onboard the ship. The trip takes three hours. Alternatively, passengers can book independently through Girdwood Shuttle. It leaves the Seward cruise terminal daily at 9:30 a.m., and costs $75 per person.
- The Train – Booking the train transfer through the cruise line offers a drop off at the Anchorage Airport, but the Alaska Railroad offers an independent choice, too. The Glacier Discovery Train route from Anchorage to Seward (or back) costs $75 per person and takes 4.25 hours, but the drop off is downtown, instead.
- Car Rentals – All the major rental car companies are represented at the Anchorage International Airport. And Hertz is the only major car rental company serving the cruise passengers of Seward.
Best Activities and Attractions in Seward, Alaska
- Alaska SeaLife Center, 301 Railway Ave –Built from the proceeds of the Exxon Valdez oil settlement fund, this marine facility provides rehabilitation for injured animals and features an incredible aquarium. Visitors can check out the numerous marine exhibits such as giant squids and sea lions.
- Seward Museum, 336 3rd Ave –Learn about the 1989 oil spill as well as the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake that flooded Seward with a tidal wave. Another interesting exhibit documents the history of the Iditarod dogsled race.
- Wilderness Dog Sled Ride (1 800 478 3139) –Take a two-mile dog sled ride, hear stories from the trails and have the opportunity to cuddle husky puppies. All the guides are Iditarod racers providing a behind the scenes look at the race and the training involved.
Best Restaurants in Seward, Alaska
- Ray’s Waterfront, 1316 4th Ave –Choose (or wait for) a table by one of the large windows. Enjoy the view of the small boat harbour while having an Alaskan seafood lunch. Favorite menu selections include the beer battered halibut and chips or the cedar planked salmon.
- Apollo Restaurant, 229 4th Ave – Located two blocks from the SeaLife Center, this Mediterranean restaurant is perfect for families. The tables have plastic table cloths and kids can order ravioli or a mini pizza off the children’s menu. Parents can choose from other pastas, gyros, and Alaskan seafood with a Mediterranean twist.
- Railway Cantina, 1401 4th Ave – Eat in or take your lunch to go. Order from a Mexican-inspired menu of quesadillas, burritos, and tacos all served with homemade salsa. Their halibut taco is made with fresh Alaskan halibut, of course.
Air travel logistics when taking a 7-day cruise to or from Seward usually means organizing two separate one way flights, one that includes Anchorage. Although a 7-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver sounds more convenient, those wanting to take a cruise tour to Denali or Fairbanks need to start or end their cruise in Whittier or Seward.
Related Articles:
Alaska Cruise Port Info for Vancouver
Alaska Cruise Port Info for Seattle
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
