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”
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Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitor
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) Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitors 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! A popular Alaska cruise port, Skagway is a fascinating place to explore, especially if you love history, unique local culture, and spectacular scenery. During a cruise stop in Skagway, you can step back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush while also enjoying the incredible natural beauty Alaska is known for.Skagway is the northernmost port in Alaska’s Inside Passage, located at the northern end of Lynn Canal. Once a bustling boomtown and the gateway to the Trail of ’98 and the Klondike gold fields, Skagway is much quieter today, with roughly 1,000 year-round residents. During the summer cruise season, however, the town comes alive as more than a million cruise passengers visit Skagway each year.Long before the Gold Rush, the area was used by the Tlingit people as a hunting and fishing ground. In 1896, gold was discovered on a tributary of the Klondike River, about 600 miles from Skagway. When news of the discovery spread, thousands of prospectors headed north, and Skagway quickly grew into a bustling frontier town with a population estimated at 8,000 to 10,000.Many of Skagway’s historic buildings from this era still stand today, along with the town’s distinctive raised wooden sidewalks. On June 28, 1900, Skagway officially became the first incorporated city in Alaska, beating Juneau by just one day. Skagway Cruise Port Most cruise ships visiting Skagway, Alaska, dock at one of the town’s waterfront cruise piers, including the Ore Dock, Railroad Dock, or Broadway Dock. The docks are conveniently located near downtown, making it easy for cruise passengers to begin exploring the historic town.The Railroad Dock has experienced changes in recent years because of rockslide concerns. Depending on current conditions and your ship’s docking location, access to the pier may be limited, so it’s a good idea to check your cruise line’s information before your visit. What You Need to Know About Skagway Cruise Port One of the great things about Skagway cruise port is how convenient it is for cruise passengers. The downtown area is within easy walking distance of the cruise docks, making it simple to explore on your own.There are also plenty of Skagway shore excursions to choose from, including the popular and historic White Pass & Yukon Route. If you haven’t booked an excursion before your cruise, you’ll find tour operators and vendors near the port offering options once you arrive. Currency in Skagway Although Skagway is just a short distance from Canada, it is located in Alaska, USA. The official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD).Most businesses in Skagway accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards, so you shouldn’t have any trouble making purchases during your visit. Language in Skagway English is the primary language spoken in Skagway. However, you may hear some uniquely Alaskan expressions during your visit.A few you might encounter include: Lower 48 – The 48 contiguous United States Break-up – The springtime period when the ice and snow finally begin to melt Cheechako – A newcomer or someone new to Alaska Skagway Time Zone Skagway is in the Alaska Time Zone. During Alaska’s cruise season, the area observes Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT), which is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind Eastern Time.Keep this in mind when booking excursions or making plans for your day in port. Your cruise ship will also provide the official onboard time, which is the time you should follow when returning to the ship. Skagway Weather During Alaska’s cruise season, temperatures in Skagway can range from the 40s to the low 60s Fahrenheit. While Skagway generally has a drier climate than some of the other Southeast Alaska ports, don’t assume you’ll always have sunshine.I’ve experienced some beautiful weather in Skagway—and I’ve also experienced one of the wettest days I’ve ever had in Alaska. It was POURING!Skagway can also be surprisingly windy because of its location at the end of Lynn Canal and the surrounding mountain valley. Even on a relatively mild day, the wind can make it feel considerably cooler.My Alaska cruise packing tip: Layers are your best friend. Mornings can start out chilly, while temperatures may warm up considerably later in the day. A waterproof jacket is also a smart addition, especially if you’re planning to spend the day exploring outdoors.If you’re wondering what to wear on an Alaska cruise, I recommend planning for changing weather rather than packing one heavy coat. Being able to add or remove layers throughout the day will make exploring Skagway much more comfortable.Tip: When considering what to wear on your Alaska cruise, dressing in layers is always a good idea. Mornings will start off cool, but the weather can warm up significantly later in the day. Getting Around Skagway One of the easiest things about visiting Skagway on a cruise is how walkable the town is. The cruise docks are just a short walk from downtown, and the terrain is generally flat, making it easy to explore Skagway on foot.Once you leave the ship, you can stroll along the waterfront and quickly reach the historic downtown area, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and plenty of opportunities to experience Skagway’s Gold Rush history.One thing to watch for is Skagway’s elevated wooden sidewalks. They’re part of the town’s historic character, but the uneven boards can be an easy place to trip if you’re not paying attention. Take your time, especially if you’re wearing sandals or other shoes that don’t provide much support.Overall, Skagway isContinueContinue reading “Skagway Alaska Cruise Port: Complete Guide for Visitor”