Seward, Alaska cruises
Your guide to Seward.
Follow one of many scenic hiking trails, try your hand at zip-lining or venture to the glacial wonderland of Kenai Fjords National Park on a visit to this stunning city. If less active pursuits appeal, downtown Seward offers ample galleries and museums to advance your appreciation of the Alaskan way of life. Admire the artful murals decorating the streets of this historic city or observe seals gracefully swimming below the water’s surface at the ever-popular Alaska Sealife Centre.
Exploring.
Whether walking the characterful streets of its charming downtown, joining a fishing expedition out to sea or surveying the views from atop a mountain, Seward offers an action-packed port call on an Alaska cruise. You’ll find many ways to explore the area by land, air and sea, while relaxation abounds in any number of ambient galleries and shops selling natively made crafts. Learn more about Alaska’s unique culture in the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, or see how local wildlife is protected in the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre. Outdoors also brings much to admire, from the colourful murals brightening up the city’s streets to the poignant Mariner’s Memorial overlooking Resurrection Bay.
Eating and drinking.
One of the joys of a port call in Alaska is the chance to savour some of the region’s locally caught seafood and a stop in Seward is no exception. The city is awash with vibrant eateries, celebrating the provenance of Alaskan produce. You’ll find everything from fine dining restaurants specialising in menus designed around seasonally foraged ingredients, to lively craft beer bars serving up amber ales brewed in the Last Frontier. Seward Harbour and downtown are your two best bets for eating out whilst in the city. You’ll find traditional smokehouses serving infused steaks and salmon at the harbour and a tempting choice of sweet pastries and cakes among the bakeries downtown.
Shopping.
Finding a native souvenir to take home is an easy feat in Seward. The city offers an array of shopping opportunities anchored around local handicrafts and artisanal wares made by resident artists. As with eating out in Seward, the city’s ambient downtown district and its harbour are your two go-to places if shopping appeals whilst in port. In both locations, you’ll find decorative items crafted within Alaska, including jewellery, woven goods and ceramics. Many galleries also offer paintings, traditional carvings and etchings created by local artists, while anyone seeking to add to their winter wardrobe will be pleased with the choice of outdoor clothing retailers represented in the city.
Beyond Seward.
A trip to Seward wouldn’t be complete without spending at least a few hours in Kenai Fjords National Park. This icy wonderland is what Alaska is all about and Seward offers several ways to take in the breathtaking scenery that is the calling card of this majestic natural wilderness. Half of the park is covered by ice, and glaciers dominate the landscape. While seals, whales and sea lions openly frolic in the water, turning your attention to the sky brings a chance to see bald eagles and sea birds circling overhead. Several roundtrip boat charters offer the chance to tour the park in just a few hours while a helicopter tour will give you an incredible bird’s eye view of the scenery from above.