Seward is a small town of approximately 2,700 people — yet it offers many amenities atypical for its size, as it is a main port for Alaskan cruises and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is easily walkable, with level terrain and most attractions within 2 miles of the cruise terminal.
🆕 New in 2026 — Major Terminal Upgrade
Spring 2026 marked a landmark moment for Alaska's cruise industry: the Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility officially opened, replacing the aging 1965-era Alaska Railroad Dock. If you visited Seward in prior seasons, you'll find a dramatically different — and dramatically better — facility.
⚓ Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility
📍 913 Port Avenue, Seward, AK — Located at the head of Resurrection Bay, approximately a 10–20 minute flat walk to downtown
Seward's new cruise ship terminal is the largest building in Seward and the most advanced cruise facility in Alaska. The $137 million facility features a 748-foot floating double-berth pier — Alaska's largest — that rises and falls with the region's extreme tides, eliminating the steep, slippery gangways of the old dock. Two large ships can dock simultaneously, including Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class vessels. A 150-foot transfer span connects the pier directly to the Alaska Railroad platform, making train-to-ship transfers seamless.
🏢 Terminal Facilities
- 41,500 sq ft indoor terminal building
- Indoor check-in with weather protection
- 27,000 sq ft luggage transfer area
- Visitor information desks
- Restrooms and family facilities
- Shopping for souvenirs & Alaska goods
- Free WiFi throughout terminal
🚌 Transportation Hub
- 32 motorcoach bays — forward-flow design
- 48 car parking spaces
- Direct Alaska Railroad platform link
- Shore power (ships turn off engines at dock)
- Free shuttle to downtown on ship days
- Hertz car rental kiosk on-site
🚗 Car Rental
A Hertz car rental kiosk is available at the terminal. Booking ahead of time is strongly recommended — availability fills up quickly during cruise season and walk-up availability is extremely limited.
🧳 Luggage Storage
The new terminal has a 27,000 sq ft luggage transfer area for cruise embarkation/disembarkation. For independent luggage storage while you explore town, ask local businesses nearby — they will often hold bags for cruise passengers.
🚂 Alaska Railroad Connection
A dedicated 150-foot transfer span links the pier directly to the Alaska Railroad platform — the only facility in Alaska with a direct pier-to-train connection. The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic from Anchorage terminates steps from the ship. Book train tickets months in advance — they sell out on cruise turnaround days.
🚢 Cruise Lines from Seward
The following cruise lines have ships that embark from Seward, Alaska during the summer months (May–September). The new 2026 terminal can now accommodate Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships without tendering — expect more large-ship sailings in coming seasons.
🌡️ Weather in Seward
Alaskan cruises run from May to September. Temperatures range between 45°F and 62°F — pack layers and rain gear regardless of the month.
The driest months of the season — and the longest days. June 21 brings up to 19–22 hours of daylight depending on where you are in Alaska.
The wettest month of the season, but the Aurora Borealis becomes visible from the second week of September onward as the nights grow longer.