🇺🇸 Seward, USA — Cruise Port Guide
A fjord-side gateway to glacier country — tidewater ice calving into the sea, sea otters and puffins offshore, and the Kenai Peninsula's wild interior just beyond town.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Seward
Best May through September; expect a cool, changeable maritime climate typical of the Kenai Fjords region, with temps in the 50-60°F range and frequent rain.
Getting back to the ship on time
Kenai Fjords wildlife cruises and glacier hikes or kayak trips run in remote fjord areas prone to weather delays and long return transits, so independent travelers should avoid booking the last possible return before all-aboard.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Seward
Kenai Fjords glacier cruise
Boat tour to tidewater glaciers, whales, otters and puffins.
Exit Glacier walk
Short hike to a glacier you can approach on foot.
Alaska SeaLife Center
Aquarium and rescue centre for puffins, seals and octopus.
Mount Marathon trail
Steep trail up the peak behind town, for the fit and adventurous.
Kayaking Resurrection Bay
Paddle calm fjord waters framed by mountains.
Downtown Seward stroll
Historic Fourth Avenue shops and murals.
Popular excursions
Iditarod Sled Dog Experience
Meet racing huskies and ride a summer training cart at a mushers' kennel.
What to eat
- Wild Alaskan halibut
- King salmon
- Alaskan king crab legs
- Reindeer sausage
- Sourdough bread
Weather by month
Best time to visit: May–Sep (Alaska season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31° | 20° | 5.9" |
| Feb | 34° | 22° | 5.5" |
| Mar | 38° | 25° | 4.2" |
| Apr | 45° | 32° | 3.6" |
| May | 53° | 40° | 3.3" |
| Jun | 59° | 46° | 2.4" |
| Jul | 63° | 51° | 2.8" |
| Aug | 62° | 49° | 5" |
| Sep | 56° | 43° | 9.5" |
| Oct | 45° | 34° | 9" |
| Nov | 36° | 26° | 6.5" |
| Dec | 32° | 22° | 7" |
Local phrases
A little history
Seward is the official starting point of the historic Iditarod Trail, used for supply routes long before the famous sled-dog race.
Kenai Fjords National Park protects the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the US.
The town rebuilt after a devastating 1964 tsunami triggered by the Good Friday earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded.
Sea otters, once hunted to near-extinction here, have rebounded and are now commonly spotted in the harbor.