Sunday, March 24, 2024

How To Get To Seward Alaska For Cruise

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Alaska Cruise Transfers To Whittier And Seward

Anchorage to Seward: Cruise Train

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Alaska summer visitors travel through Anchorage on their way to or from cruise ships in nearby Whittier and Seward. The port of Whittier is used by Princess Cruises and Holland America Cruise Line, while passengers on Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Regent Seven Seas Cruises and others utilize the port of Seward. There is no scheduled commercial airline service to either Whittier or Seward, so nearly all of these passengers travel between these ports and the regional air hub in Anchorage by train or motorcoach. Fortunately, there are a variety of Alaska cruise transfer options, from those offered by the cruise line and the railroad, to private motorcoaches, buses and shuttles.

Here is an important tip. Avoid flying into Alaska on the day your cruise departs. Of course we recommend spending four or five days or more before your cruise to explore the land side of Alaska. Even if your schedule or budget does not allow for an extended land trip, at least try to arrive one day early. This will allow time for unexpected airline flight or luggage delays, and allow you to start your cruise fresh and rested. If you need any assistance booking pre or post cruise hotels, tours and even complete Alaska land tour packages just let us know.

Whittier Cruise Transfer By Motorcoach

The Park Connection Motorcoach also offers bus service to and from Whittier on most cruise ship days. Northbound departures leave Whittier at 9:45am and arrive in Anchorage at Noon, while southbound departures leave Anchorage at 3:00pm and arrive in Whittier at 5:00pm. Of course we both pick up and drop you off at the Whittier cruise terminal. Another great thing about this service is that you can ride the motor coach from Whittier to Talkeetna or Denali Park at a fraction of the cost of the train, and without the additional overnight in Anchorage. Many folks use the bus for this leg, and then book the return on the train, getting the best of both options.

Are There Any Travel Restrictions For People Coming To Alaska

The US border is currently closed to Canadian citizens for non-essential travel until September 21, 2021. All U.S. international travel restrictions apply to travel to Alaska. In addition to CDC requirements, international passengers remain subject to the State of Alaskas highly recommended testing guidelines.

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Extending Your Stay In Seward

With numerous transportation options available, cruise guests can easily arrive in Seward a day or two before their cruise departure date or remain in Seward following the end of their cruise. Seward is serviced daily from Anchorage with scheduled motor coach service and the Alaska Railroad. Taxis, other vehicles for hire, rental cars, and even charter air options allow guests to customize their travel.

Seward is walk-able, with level terrain, and most areas of interest are within 2 miles of the cruise terminal. For those who prefer not to walk, taxis and other transportation are available throughout town.

Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Seward Cruise Port

The Essential Guide To Seward, Alaska

Apollo Restaurant

With a menu entirely made from scratch, Apollo Restaurant features a tasty selection of fresh-caught seafood, succulent steak dinner, and family-friendly pizzas. Serving locals and visitors since 1976, it stays open all year-round, so you know you can find comfort food here any season.

Chattermark Seward

The menu at Chattermark Seward boasts a wide variety of lunch and dinner options, including burgers, fresh-caught Alaskan fish, surf-and-turf steak and seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Every dish on the menu is served with unique and flavorful house-made sauces, and Chattermark is arguably home to the best hot wings in Seward.

The Cookery

The Cookery features some of the best oysters in Seward served ice cold on the half shell or chargrilled and dipped in savory garlic butter. Every dish on the menu was personally created by Chef Kevin Lane, features seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, and is seasoned to perfection for bold, unique flavors.

Woodys Thai Kitchen

Seward Port Facilities & Location

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Seward Is A Port Town Located In Southern Alaska

If you are in the planning stages of your Alaska trip, get my tips here: 9 Things To Know Before Traveling To Alaska.

Seward is situated about 120 miles south of Anchorage in southern Alaska. It is located on Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula and is considered the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park.

Get Close To Wildlife On A Sup

Even if youve got no stand-up paddleboarding experience, there are short tours from Seward to get you accustomed to the admittedly strange sensation of walking on water. Staying close to the shore on glass-calm water, youll perfect the technique.

Bear Glacier

Once youve found your confidence, start admiring the mountain vistas and looking out for seals, sea lions, and sea otters floating on their backs, snacking on clams. Experienced paddleboarders can join tours to nearby Bear Glacier for the otherworldly sensation of paddling amid gleaming, sculpted icebergs, so close you can reach out and touch them.

Watch: Explore the Last Frontier on an Alaska Cruise

Discover the raw beauty of Alaska on a luxury cruise to Seward. Browse cruise itineraries online and start planning your escape to this exquisite wilderness.

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Getting To Seward Cruise Terminal From Anchorage International Airport

If you’re not taking the train as part of an Alaska cruise tour, many cruise lines provide a shuttle from the Anchorage airport to the Seward cruise port. If you’re driving a rental, the ride is a simple one, taking about 2.5 hours: From Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, you merge onto AK-1 S from W. International Airport Road and Walter J. Hickel Parkway . Once on AK-1 S, follow the road for 82 miles . The road will then turn into State Highway 9, which you will follow for an additional 36 miles or 45 minutes into downtown Seward. The address for the cruise terminal is actually at the railroad stop, along Port Avenue.

Most cruise lines offer transfers for purchase. You can also book a transfer through a third-party some of these include tours on the way.

Seward Rail And Cruise

CRUISE TRANSFER l Ep. 5 l Anchorage to Seward Transfer! Alaska Pre-Cruise

Combining the Alaska Railroads Coastal Classic with our Kenai Fjords Cruise will create a full-day adventure that will fill your bucket list. Stunning vistas will keep your eyes wide open even in the early hours of the day as you embark on this incredible adventure. The train tracks parallel the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Portage before it will venture into the wilderness to a special area only accessible by rail. Travel in style through the Chugach National Forest National Park to Seward where your Kenai Fjords Cruise will continue your journey into Kenai Fjords National Park.

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Feast On Local Smoked Salmon

Seward Boat Harbor

Youll see anglers from all over the state in season, battling enormous, thrashing king salmon. In fact, the annual Silver Salmon Derby is regarded as the prime fishing derby in Alaska. You can try it yourselfthere are plenty of day fishing charters on offer, with experienced captains who will know where to find halibut, king salmon, and silver salmon.

If youd prefer to sample Sewards culinary wares rather than catch your own, theres no shortage of places to explore. You can have your salmon broiled, smoked, in a burger, in a sandwich, with friestheres no end to the permutations.

Salmon

Seafood is the star on every menu, but youll also find wild game and locally foraged ingredients, from edible wildflowers to alpine berries, wild mushrooms, and even spruce tips. Try Rays Waterfront, with splendid views over Small Boat Harbor. Youll find king crab dripping with butter and lemon, wild sockeye salmon with a tangy mango salsa, or salmon served on a cedar plank with a creamy garlic mash.

Alternatively, if youre hiking the Exit Glacier, check out the nearby Salmon Bake Restaurant, ignoring its self-deprecating promise of cheap beer and lousy food, and reward your efforts with a hefty salmon burger with fries, washed down with a chilled local craft beer.

Rent A Car For More Flexibility

Finally, you can rent a car if you so desire. If you are considering a rental car for the one-way trip from Anchorage to Seward Alaska, you might want to reconsider as there is a hefty fee to leave the car in Seward Alaska.

If you are planning to meet your cruise ship, or you will be staying in and around Seward, you probably will not need a car anyway. Considering train or bus travel might be a bit cheaper for your vacation budget.

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Ride A Deluxe Motor Coach

  • The Park Connection Motorcoach features several options that can transport you between Anchorage and Seward faster than the train. The 52-passenger touring coaches feature comfortable seating and lots of leg room, USB and powerports, big picture windows, with space for two checked bags and carry-on.
  • The Seward Express segment of their northbound service leaves Seward at 10:30 am and arrives in Anchorage at 1:30 pm. The southbound service leaves Anchorage at 3 pm and arrives in Seward at 5:45 pm.
  • Check out their cruise ship transfer service, aimed specifically making connections with the major lines when they dock in Seward.
  • The drive follows the 125-mile Seward Highwaytraversing Turnagain Arm and the Kenai Mountains. The route parallels the train for the first 50 miles, then climbs through 1,000-foot Turnagain Pass into the heart of heart of the mountains. Alaskans love this drive for its sweeping views of peaks, lakes and gorges.

The Park Connection follows the scenic Turnagain Arm

Seward Cruise Transfers By Train

Cruises from Seward, Alaska!

Passengers cruising southbound from Seward to Vancouver can take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage at 6:45am and arrive in Seward at 11:05am. This is a great option if you want to explore Seward a bit, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center or even take a Kenai Fjords cruise. If you are cruising northbound and disembarking in Seward the scheduled Alaska Railroad train departs at 6:00pm and arrives in Anchorage at 10:15pm. Again, this is a good option if you are looking to spend the day in Seward. Many cruise lines offer private train options in both directions as well. Whether you are cruising northbound or southbound, if you have the time, consider spending at least one night in Seward before or after your cruise. Follow these links for Anchorage to Seward or Seward to Anchorage rail information.

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The Scenery Of Seward Is Breathtaking

Seward Alaska is considered the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. In Seward, the mountains and the ocean literally touch each other which makes for absolutely gorgeous views.

What waits for you in Seward Alaska will take your breath away. The glaciers that originate in the Harding Icefield spill out and down the mountains slowly and carefully rearranging the landscape, until they find their way in the fjords of Resurrection Bay.

All of this epic landscape is surrounded by snow-capped mountains!

Outcroppings in Resurrection Bay, Seward Alaska.

Ride A Dog Sled Through The Wilderness

Dog-sledding

As the original starting point for the famous Iditarod Trail, youd expect Seward to be the place to go for dog sledding. Sure enough, the Seavey family, whose kennels and homestead lie at the base of Resurrection Mountain, represent four generations of mushing champions and have won seven Iditarod races.

While winter is the racing season, you can visit the kennels in summer to cuddle adorable, fuzzy-haired puppies, and even take a sled ride out through the wilderness. The summer sleds are wheeled, of course, and the powerful team of dogs will pull you along forest-lined trails along the base of Resurrection Mountain and through Box Canyon Creek. These summer runs are an important part of race training and keep the dogs in peak fitness.

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Transport From Anchorage To Seward

Anchorage to cruise ship in Seward?

Well you have some options – rent a car, take the train or a bus or a taxi. Most convenient to me would be a car because I would be in charge of the stops, etc. Much depends on your budget, etc. 🙂

Depends how you define “best”.

1. Buy the cruise transfer through your cruise ship company that will meet you at the airport and drop you off at the ship.

2. Rent a car at Anchorage airport and drive to Seward so you can spend all the time you want at scenic stops–incredibly scenic drive–plus Wildlife Conservation Center. Your only choice is Hertz and the one-way drop off fee is expensive, but to some people it’s worth it to be able to do what they want to along the way.

3. Taxi from the airport to the Museum for the 3 pm Park Connection Bus that drops you off at the Seward cruise dock:

4. Take the 6:45 a.m. Anchorage train to Seward. It arrives perfectly timed for the 11:30 a.m. Kenai Fjords wildlife/glacier cruise, after which you can board your ship for dinner.

5. Independent cruise transfer companies such as and that offer direct transfers as well as sightseeing transfers. There are others, but be sure to check their ratings with BBB

Yep, the train is only once a day .

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Seward Alaska

Alaska Cruise transport from Anchorage to Seward Cruise Terminal Celebrity Millenium

The Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility is where your ship will moor. Ships tie up directly to the dock , and no tenders are used to transport guests between the ship and shore. The terminal is located close to attractions, shops and galleries, restaurants, and lodging.

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Seward Alaskas Temperature Is Mild

Because of its geographic location, Seward is one of the towns in Alaska blessed with temperate and mild temperatures. This is one of the things I like about Seward.

Unless you are visiting Seward Alaska in the dead of winter, you can plan on leaving your heavy ski-style parka at home.

Dress warmly in layers instead and check the temperature of Seward Alaska the month you are traveling for up-to-date weather conditions.

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Getting There By The Alaska Railroad

Most cruise tours with sailings out of Seward will arrange for cruise passengers to take a ride on the Alaska Railroad down to the port, which is the final southbound stop on the railroad. Common departure points for Seward are from Anchorage or Girdwood , or farther north from Talkeetna or Denali . Fares are normally included in your cruise tour package, but if you arrange a one-way ride on your own, prices start from about $105 per person.

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How To Get From Anchorage To Seward For My Cruise Ship

Seward is located 125 miles south of Anchorage. Whittier is 60 miles south of Anchorage. One way cruises depart from Seward or Whittier and end in Vancouver.

Since all the major airlines fly to Anchorage, you will have to travel to Seward or Whittier by road or rail once you land in Anchorage. The Seward Highway is the road that connects Anchorage with Whittier and Seward. The Seward highway has been nominated as a Top Ten National Scenic Driveway and rightly so. It is absolutely breathtaking.

If you drive from Anchorage to Seward by road it will take about 2.5 hours to Seward and 1.5 hours to Whittier. The railway and highway are parallel to each other. You will get the same beautiful scenery, however train takes more than twice as long as traveling by a bus or a car and does not stop for photos or any sightseeing.

The best way to travel to or from your cruise ship in Seward, Whittier and Anchorage is by taking a sightseeing tour with stops along the way. Or if you are in a hurry to catch your flight, you can select the non-stop express transfer between Seward, Whittier and Anchorage.

Alaska Cruise Transportation offers bus and day tour service from Anchorage airport, hotels, and car rentals to Seward cruise ship port. We offer service from Seward cruise ship port to Anchorage Ted Stevens airport, hotels and car rental agencies. We provide these services for all cruise ship passengers for all major cruise lines that come to Seward, AK and Whittier Alaska.

Does Anchorage Have A Cruise Port

Cruises from Seward, Alaska!

Anchorage only has one port and even though it is the largest city in Alaska the port is actually in an industrial area and not often used. Anchorage is not a popular embarkation port but for the cruise ships which do dock there are free shuttles are often available to take guests to the nearby downtown.

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Cruise The Kenai Fjords

Kenai Fjords National Park

Take to the water on a day boat to cruise the tranquil waters of Kenai Fjords, all the time watching out for humpback, gray and minke whales, seals, bald eagles, and the distinctive dorsal fin of powerful orca.

Pristine forest edges right down to rock-strewn beaches, where you may spot foraging brown and black bears, while mountain goats scamper effortlessly over steep rock faces high above the water.

Spire Cove, Kenai Fjords National Park

Youll pass Spire Cove, which looks like its straight out of a fairytale, with spindly, sheer-sided rock stacks tufted with greenery on top, making it one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. Sail right up to the mighty Holgate Glacier and get close enough to pick out the sapphire-blue streaks in the ice and hear the gunshot crack and rumble as chunks calve off into the milky turquoise water.

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