Welcome to the Seward cruise port guide. Seward is considered to be the gateway to the North. Many cruise ships drop off or pick up guests here who booked a cruise in combination with an overland tour to Denali National Park. Seward is on all sides surrounded by beautiful nature. It is surrounded by the Kenai Fjords National Park, Church National Forest and Resurrection Bay. The small city of Seward was named after the most famous man involved in the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Although Resurrection Bay was already named by the Russians in 1792, the town won’t be founded until 1903. Railroad men build a traditional grid of city blocks and a new railroad which would give Seward the important role as transportation hub. It isn’t just a town known for its strategic location in transportation, but also in war time. It is the northern-most ice-free port and it served as the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad. From Seward you can visit the Kenai Fjords National Park, Anchorage or hop on any land tour to the far north. Seward is an amazing port of call where many adventures await you!
Cruise Port Guide Seward – Alaska – USA: docked
The Cruise Ship Terminal Seward is close to the town. It is about 1 mile walk to get to the historical downtown area. At the cruise dock you will find a tourist information centre. Pick up your maps and local information here.
Shuttle Service Seward
There is shuttle service available at the dock that will take you all over the small town of Seward. It makes 11 stops in town at all the mayor attractions.
Car rental
Why not rent a car in Seward? There is a Hertz car rental close to the cruise port. See its exact location in the map above.
Bicycle rental
Find a bicycle rental service on 411 Port Ave in Seward. The shop is called Seward Bicycle shop. It is within walking distance of the cruise dock. See map above for its exact location.
Seward Train
Seward is connected to Anchorage by road and train. Most people reach Anchorage by train. Find more information on: www.alaskarailroad.com
Hiking in Seward
There are many hiking trails in and around Seward. You can try the Two Lakes Trail, Resurrection River Trail or Historic Iditarod Trail. Whether it is a stroll along the shore line or up the glacier, there is always a suitable one to find in Seward. The Two Lakes trail starts right in town. It is a easy half a mile walk. Watch for wildlife! Find the start of the trail in the map above. Always visit the Seward Visitors Information before going on a hike to check on the latest status and pick up the hiking map.
Things to see and do in and around Seward:
Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Centre You will find the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center at Seward’s boat harbour. Ask the rangers all your questions or see one of the park films on display in their auditorium.
Downtown walking tour Take a self guided walking tour through Seward and learn all about this amazing historical place. Get your map here: http://www.alaska.org/assets/content/maps/Walking%20Tours/Seward-Walking-Tour.pdf
Seward museum Learn about all the historical events like the Russian occupation, military presence and 1964 Earthquake that formed Seward.
Alaska Sealife Centre This is one of the best attractions of Seward. Get a close encounter with the sea lions, birds and learn about Alaska’s marine life in the touch tanks.
The Seward art murals In Seward you will find many murals all over town. It already starts at the cruise terminal where you will see the “Welcome to Seward”, “Painting with Wyland” and “Seward: Gateway to Alaska” mural.
Exit Glacier Visit the Exit Glacier Nature Centre just outside of Seward. Take guide walks and learn about the local flora and fauna. Visit the campground, ranger station and access the glacier from the Harding Icefield. Keep in mind that the hike to the glacier is 9 mile round trip on a rough terrain.
