Seward (Alaska)

Seward is a port city located in Kenai Peninsula Borough in the United States' state of Alaska. The city has total area approx 56 km2 (22 mi2) and population around 3,000.

The city was named after William H. Seward, U.S. Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. He fought for the purchase of Alaska in 1867, and finally negotiated to acquire it from Russia.

Port Seward (locode USSWD) is one of the USA's most profitable fishing ports based on the monetary value of fish taken. Another major industry is tourism. The city is an Alaska Railroad terminus that has a maintained dock (for cruise ships) and controls a coal terminal from Usibelli (Usibelli Coal Mine). Seward is used as homeport by major cruise shipping companies, including RCI-Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, Silversea, RSSC-Regent.

Port Seward is approx 201 km (125 mi) from Anchorage, direction south. Whitter Cruise Port is closer to Anchorage but Seward offers more exciting entertainment options and sightseeing tours. It is one of the oldest and most charming places to visit in Alaska.

Seward AK was included as call port in the Northwest Passage cruises of the following ships:

• Crystal Serenity - 32-days itinerary from Seward Alaska to NYC New York (2016 - August 16 to September 16)
• Crystal Serenity - 32-days itinerary 32-days Seward to New York City (2017 - August 15 to September 15)
• Seven Seas Navigator - 63-days itinerary from Miami Florida to Montreal Quebec Canada (2017 - June 17 to August 18)

Note: All Northwest Passage ship transits are assisted by a Canadian icebreaker or another vessel with an ice-strengthened hull.

In 2022, ARRC (Alaska Railroad Corporation) started a development project to replace Seward's old cruise ship dock and passenger terminal (1966-built) with new facilities. The bond-funded project (USD 60 million in bonds, out of total USD 80M) is currently scheduled for completion in 2024-Q2.

Seward cruise terminal

Seward tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• Alaska SeaLife Center: discover amazing sea life on the Resurection Bay shores. This aquarium is a world-class facility with octopus, sea lions, puffins and much more interesting ocean creatures. You will see 177 kinds of species.
• Major Marine Tours: try the Kenai Fjords or Prince William Sound cruise. Enjoy glaciers, whales, puffins and otters.
• Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking: Resurrection Bay tours for kayakers, both novice and experienced ones.
• Kenai Fjords National Park: located on the the Harding Ice Field fjordland. It is among the newest parks in Alaska. The distance from Seward Cruise Port is about an hour.
• Exit Glacier: it is located 10 miles away from Seward Cruise Terminal. This is among the Alaska’s more accessible glaciers.
• Lost Lake: try the most beautiful and popular Kenai Penisula trail – try mountain biking, running or just hiking to reach elevation of almost 200 ft to enjoy breathtaking Resurrection Bay and Gulf of Alaska views.
• Resurrection River Trail: another great trail to try. It is easy and beautiful, Chugach National Forest part.
• Seward Community Library: located across from the State Building. You can watch a movie or a slide show of the earthquake from 1964. also you will find the Seward Heirloom Quilt which dates from 1976. Located at the corner of Adams and Fifth.
• Seward Museum: discover great exhibitions of native relics and artifacts. It is located at the corner of Jefferson and Third.
• Qutekcak Cultural & Community Center: located on 3rd Ave. Discover the Qutekcak Native Tribe traditions and history.