Seward Alaska Cruise Transfers: Train Rides, Tours & Things to Do

Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Seward Alaska Cruise Transfers: Train Rides, Tours & Things to Do This is a title This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Many Alaska cruises begin or end in Seward, but this charming waterfront town is much more than a place to board or leave your ship.So, what is there to do in Seward? Is it worth staying a few days before or after your cruise? And perhaps the biggest question: How do you get from Anchorage to Seward—or back again?The short answer? Yes, you absolutely can—and you should consider adding a little extra time to your Alaska cruise itinerary. Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and offers everything from glacier and wildlife cruises to scenic train rides, hiking, kayaking, and other unforgettable Alaska adventures.And getting there can be part of the adventure. You can travel between Anchorage and Seward by Alaska Railroad, motorcoach, private transfer, or rental car, with the scenic Seward Highway and Coastal Classic train offering two very different ways to experience the journey. First, let’s get there! Whether you’re heading to Seward to catch your cruise or staying a few extra days to explore, the journey from Anchorage is one you don’t want to rush. The route takes you through some of Southcentral Alaska’s most spectacular scenery, including Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountains, Kenai Lake, and the Kenai Peninsula. How Long Does It Take to Get from Anchorage to Seward? Plan on at least 2½ hours to travel the 125 miles between Anchorage and Seward. And honestly, you may want to allow extra time—because the scenery along the way is too beautiful to simply rush through!The drive from Anchorage to Seward, Alaska, follows the scenic route along Turnagain Arm for the first 50 miles before heading into the heart of the Kenai Mountains. Along the way, you’ll skirt the shores of beautiful Kenai Lake and pass the turnoff for Exit Glacier, one of the highlights of Kenai Fjords National Park, before arriving in Seward.Of course, 2½ hours is the minimum. Add time for photo stops, wildlife sightings, meals, or sightseeing along the way, and your journey can easily take considerably longer.My advice? Don’t treat the trip from Anchorage to Seward as simply a transfer. Treat it as part of your Alaska adventure!Be sure to plan accordingly, especially if you’re traveling to Seward to board a cruise. You don’t want to spend your vacation watching the clock—or worse, worrying about missing your ship! Cruise Line Transportation to Seward Most cruise lines offer transportation from Anchorage to Seward on embarkation day, typically by bus or motor coach. The service is designed to take passengers directly from Anchorage to the cruise port in time to board their ship.It’s the simplest and most direct option, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. And there’s a bonus: traveling with other cruise passengers gives you a chance to meet some of your fellow cruisers before you even board.If convenience and simplicity are your priorities, cruise-line transportation is an easy choice. Take the Alaska Railroad If you have the time, consider making the journey from Anchorage to Seward part of the adventure. The Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Train offers a scenic ride through some of Southcentral Alaska’s most spectacular landscapes.Instead of sitting on a highway, you’ll watch mountains, forests, glaciers, and waterways roll past your window. And because the train runs directly between Anchorage and Seward, it’s an easy and memorable way to begin—or end—your Alaska cruise.Adventure Class features comfortable seats on the lower level with large picture windows, making it a great option for enjoying the scenery without the higher price tag.GoldStar Service takes the experience up a level—literally. You’ll ride in an upper-level dome car with panoramic windows, plus enjoy a bar, outdoor viewing platform, and dining car.No matter which class you choose, you can walk around the train, use the restrooms, grab a meal, and enjoy views from both sides of the train. Checked luggage travels separately in the baggage car, while you keep your carry-on items with you.And keep your camera ready! The train passes through some incredible Alaska scenery, including glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, rugged mountains, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. You may even spot bald eagles, moose, or—if you’re lucky—a bear.Fares and travel times vary by season and travel date, so check current schedules and pricing when planning your trip. Ready to ride the rails? Don’t wait until the last minute—book your Alaska Railroad journey from Anchorage to Seward in advance and secure your seat on this unforgettable scenic route. It’s more than a transfer; it’s one of the best ways to start your Alaska adventure.Use this link to book your journey and make the ride part of your cruise experience. Book here Turn Your Transfer into an Adventure If you’re staying a day or two in Seward, consider booking your transportation through a local tour operator rather than simply taking a direct transfer.Why? You can turn the journey from Anchorage into part of your Alaska adventure, with opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints, explore interesting sights, and experience more of the area along the way.There are several good tour operators in Anchorage, but this is one of my favorites. I love that you can combine your transportation with sightseeing instead of spending the entire trip simply getting from Point A to Point B. Book Here You Made It to Seward! Well…you’ve made it to Seward! Now the fun begins. Seward is a wonderfully walkable port town packed with restaurants, museums, a public aquarium,ContinueContinue reading “Seward Alaska Cruise Transfers: Train Rides, Tours & Things to Do”

Explore Anchorage: Must-Do Activities and Attractions

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. What is there to do in Anchorage?  LOTS! Some of our favorite activities are renting bikes, visiting the Ulu factory  or just walking around downtown.  There is also a great museum that is well worth the time. (Several of the cruise line busses depart from this location.)  You can even go to a baseball game!  And don’t forget to get a reindeer sausage…absolutely delicious! Baseball Baseball in Alaska, you ask?  Yes!  Anchorage is home to two teams of the Alaska Baseball League: the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and Anchorage Bucs. In addition to the Glacier Pilots and Bucs, high school and American Legion games are played at Mulcahy.  It has a natural grass outfield and an infield of FieldTurf and has one of the largest capacities of any outdoor sports facility in Alaska. Many college players go north each summer to play and to be seen by major league scouts. Biking Biking is a great option for all fitness levels, because the experience is what you make of it. Take relaxing rides along paved trails and enjoy the scenery.  Or….try a thrilling mountain bike adventure. Biking makes for a great individual or family activity away from larger tours.  There are many trails in and around Anchorage and several places to rent.  One of our favorite rides is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.  The trail starts in the downtown area and stretches for 11 miles, offering breathtaking views of Alaska’s natural beauty. It is an easy journey around the Anchorage airport, with paved paths and the chance to see wildlife and beautiful scenery.  Be sure to give the wildlife a wide birth though….they are WILD and will attack is threatened. Seeing grizzly bears and moose in Anchorage is common, showing a city living in harmony with the nearby wilderness. Ulu Factory The Ulu factory is close to downtown.  It is down the hill, close to the train station.  The factory provides a free shuttle, if you choose not to walk.  It runs from 10:00am and to 7:00pm June, July and August  Inside you can watch the knives being made, the blade and handle assembled and packaged.  A staff member will be happy to take you on a personal tour.   You can also see a demonstration on how to use, sharpen and care for an Ulu knife and cutting bowls.  There is a nice gift shop in the building where you can purchase the knives and other Alaska products.  Just behind the building is a salmon creek with viewing platforms.  If the salmon are running, this is a great location to see them. Anchorage Museum The Anchorage Museum is a large art, history, ethnography, ecology and science museum located in a modern building in the heart of Anchorage.  It is dedicated to studying and exploring the land, peoples, art and history of Alaska.  The museum is located at 625 C Street.  Cost of admission is $18/adult, $12/senior, student or military with ID, $9/ages 3-12 and free for 2 and younger.  We found it to be a pleasant way to spend a few hours and learn more about Alaska. Earthquake Park In 1964, Anchorage was hit by a devastating earthquake, one of the most powerful quakes ever recorded, significantly impacting Anchorage. The city initially considered developing the affected area but opted to preserve it as a park due to the soil’s instability. This decision has provided a space for reflection and education on the forces that shape our world. Earthquake Park Visitors can engage with informative plaques detailing the quake’s events and its effects on the region. It features an extensive walking trail, offering a peaceful journey through shaded forests and alongside the bay with picturesque views. This park is more than just a green space; it’s an educational journey into a pivotal moment in Alaska’s history. It offers a unique opportunity to understand the 1964 earthquake’s impact and enjoy the natural beauty that has emerged in its wake. Explore Downtown Downtown is very walkable with shops, a tourist information center (where you can get information on a free, guided walking tour) and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center (where you can learn about Alaska’s wildlife and wilderness through a scavenger hunt for children).  At least one of the shops will have a piece of glacier ice you and touch! Visit a Brewery or Distillery If you are a beer lover, you can visit two breweries downtown….49th State Brewing Co and Glacier Brewhouse.  Mid-town you will find Broken Tooth Brewery, Cynosure Brewing and Matanuska Brewing Company.  Each brewpub has a full menu of beers and food available. There are also several distilleries in Anchorage you can visit. Alaska Spirits and Anchorage Distillery are two of them. Where to Eat? Snow City Cafe serves classic comfort dishes for those searching for hearty meals. For a more upscale dining experience, Jens’ Restaurant & Wine Bar serves fine food and wine with a touch of Alaskan influence in a fun and elegant atmosphere. Other dining options include Ginger, which offers Pacific Rim cuisine and classic Asian specialties. Club Paris, which offers a traditional steakhouse experience for both lunch and dinner and Kincaid Grill, which specializes in seafood and Alaskan Regional cuisine. We ALWAYS make sure to visit one of the hot dog carts downtown and get a reindeer sausage.  Believe me…there is nothing like it!  You can get a regular or spicy one, with or without grilled onions.  YUM! Aviation Museum Is anyone in your group an aviation enthusiast? The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum offers a fascinating look into aviation’s pivotal role in Alaska’s past and present. Aviation is a vital mode of transportation across the state’s vast and remote areas, making this museum a must-visit for anyone interested in the unique aspects of Alaskan life. The museum is home to an impressive collection of educational exhibits, including numerousContinueContinue reading “Explore Anchorage: Must-Do Activities and Attractions”