Seward Cruises to Alaska - Inside Passage 2023/2024

Seward Travel Guide

Seward Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Go on a helicopter tour

  A helicopter tour is one of the best ways to experience all that Seward's beautiful area has to offer to its visitors. Flights tend to range between 30 to 60 minutes, and the price fluctuates with the ride's length. You can see all of Seward from above, including its gorgeous park and breathtaking landscapes on these tours. Some tours even offer landings on glaciers nearby, which is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  You Should Know

  Tours like this tend to sell out fast. You'll want to book them well in advance to ensure that you can go while you're waiting for your cruise to start!
• 
  Check out the Alaska SeaLife Center

  The Alaska SeaLife Center is home to one of Alaska's finest aquariums. It opened in 1998 and has been one of the state's most-visited tourist attractions since opening for a good reason. It's closely located near Resurrection Bay and is, therefore, in one of the best areas to explore in Seward. As the only permanent spot in Alaska dedicated to rehabilitating marine mammals, the SeaLife Center is truly a must-visit. The best part of the center is the exhibit, where visitors are welcome to come and get up close with many of the smaller animals, including sea urchins, seals, and more.

  You Should Know

  The Alaska SeaLife Center doesn't have extended hours every day, so you'll want to plan your trip accordingly.
• 
  Explore the harbor

  The Seward harbor is a stunning boat and coastal area in the town known for having some of the best views, restaurants, and shopping. It's also one of Alaska's cleanest harbors, which won an award for in 2012. It's great fun to come and explore the area just for an hour or two. You can see the many boats coming in and out of the harbor, grab a bite to eat, and maybe even purchase some souvenirs to take home so you can remember your time in Seward.

  Best Time To Visit

  The harbor is open 24 hours. Try to visit around sunrise for an unforgettable experience.
• 
  Visit the Seward Community Library & Museum

  The Seward Community Library & Museum is a combined library and museum that works as the town's fun community center. Whether you're looking for a book to read or just want to explore the museum area, this is a fun place for you. Be sure to keep an eye on the town's calendar to see if there will be any fun events during the time that you're visiting. It might just be held at this fun community center and library!

  You Should Know

  Different parts of the building have various hours for opening. For example, keep in mind that the library often opens at least two hours before the museum does, depending on the day. Time your trip here wisely.
• 
  Go on a whale-watching cruise

  Whale watching tours are one of the most popular ways to explore Seward, Alaska's marine life. Similar to the helicopter tours, these have varying lengths and pricing depending. On average, these tours usually last at least 3.5 hours. You'll want to book your reservation well in advance because this is one of the most fun things to do in Seward that you genuinely won't want to miss out on!

  You Should Know

  This is a great day trip for travelers of any age, but you'll want to be sure to pack in layers and also bring some fun things to do for younger children to keep them occupied.
• 
  Kayak in Resurrection Bay

  Resurrection Bay is an 18-mile water area off the coast of Seward. It's also often referred to as Blying Sound and is connected to the Resurrection River. Though there are guided tours you can take of the bay, you could also consider renting a kayak from one of the rental places in town to take out on the water! Kayaking gives you the freedom to explore the area as you wish. Be sure to check the weather before you go out on the water, though!

  You Should Know

  It's better to wear layers for an activity like this because it can get quite cold out on the water.
• 
  Hike up Mount Marathon

  Mount Marathon, which is also referred to by locals as Marathon Mountain, is a breathtaking mountain in Seward. It stands at 4,826 feet tall and consists of one of the best hiking trails in the area. The trail to the top is best for experienced hikers. It's a loop trail that is safest to hike between May and September. It totals 4.1 miles in length but has stunning views of the area below.

  You Should Know

  Be sure to pack lots of water and snacks for this hike. It has an elevation of just under 3,000 feet, so you're sure to get hungry and thirsty on the way up.
• 
  Walk by Waterfront Park

  The waterfront in Seward is genuinely spectacular. It's one of the most gorgeous and breathtaking areas in the town. This is a very commonplace to go tenting, which could be excellent accommodation for you if you're interested in it! These accommodation options start at just $10 if you want to stay in a tent. If you walk around Waterfront Park, be sure to follow the marked trails. They will normally end right around the SeaLife Center, which is another place in Seward that is definitely worth exploring. 

  You Should Know

  Make sure you have good walking shoes because you'll be walking around a lot.
• 
  Explore parts of the Kenai Fjords National Park

  Kenai Fjords National Park is a beautiful natural park area that was established in1980. It covers the majority of the Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska, covering a total of 669,984 acres! It's mostly located in Seward. One of the best things to do when visiting Seward is to visit and explore the park. Some of the top sights include the Harding Icefield Trail, Exit Glacier, the Kenai Fjords, and the multiple ranger programs.

  You Should Know

  Oftentimes, there are alerts due to the glaciers and possible ice fall that can happen inside the park. Be sure to check the website online to see if there are any alerts in effect before visiting. Make sure you pack layers to wear to this park. It's definitely cold most of the time, but you'll warm up if you're doing a hiking trail.

Seward Cruise Packages

• Spring and Fall - October to November and March to April - Shoulder Season

  The spring and fall months are what's considered the shoulder season in Seward. Though the days are shorter than they'd be in the summer, the weather is still divine, and not many people visit. It averages around 65°F.

• Summer - May to September - High Season

  The summer months in Seward are when most people visit. There's always a 25% chance of rain every day, with August being the rainiest month of the year. However, the day's high is generally around 75°F. It cools off at night around 50°F.

• Winter - December to February - Low Season

  The least amount of people will visit in the winter because the days are short. It rains about 13 days of each month and averages around 30°F. Because it's not as sunny during the winter months, it's possible that not everything will be open that you'll want to see.

Seward Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Seward cruises?

  Seward cruises are the perfect way to explore different areas of the world that you might not have otherwise. In between stops at other port cities, you can sit back and relax on the ship while taking in the views and experiencing the many different entertainment options.

• What’s included on a Seward cruise?

  Seward cruises, like most other cruises offered at Affordable Tours, include your accommodation and meals. Of course, there are varying accommodation types and meal options, so pricing could fluctuate depending on which you choose. Each cruise is also equipped with many different entertainment forms, including casinos, restaurants, and shops.

• What’s the best Seward cruise?

  There is no best Seward cruise! Each one is so drastically different that they can't even be compared. It truly depends on which is the best Seward cruise option for you. Of course, that can vary and be affected by your budget, amount of travelers, and vacation length. 

• How much do Seward cruises cost?

  Every Seward cruise costs a different amount. Therefore there is no flat right across cruises. Some cruise options cost as little as $78 a day, while others cost upwards of $529 a day. It truly depends on the length, the number of stops, and the amenities onboard. That's why it's essential to do your research before booking.