Day Tours for Cruisers: How to Maximize Your Arrival Day in Seward

So, your Alaska cruise begins or ends in Seward, and you want to see marine wildlife and explore Kenai Fjords National Park before your next adventure. We can help make it happen with these Seward shore excursion options for Alaska cruises.

As Seward’s original day cruise operator, Kenai Fjords Tours has a variety of time-tested adventures to choose from. However, some may fit your itinerary a bit better than others. Here are a few things to consider:

• Arrival & Departure: Your ship may arrive in the Port of Seward as early at 5 a.m., or depart as late as 8 p.m. Double check your schedule before booking any excursions!
• Customs: Once you've disembarked, you still need to clear US customs in Seward, which can take up to an hour depending on traffic. Don't plan to be ready for a day tour any time before 10 a.m.  
• Shuttle: Kenai Fjords Tours offers a shuttle from the cruise port to our office, located near Seward's Small Boat Harbor. Just call us once you're ready and we'll send our driver over. 
• Luggage:  Kenai Fjords Tours will also hold your bags at our office while you're on the tour, so you can explore freely, free of charge.
• Heading North? You’ll need to arrive back in Seward in time to make your connection. Taking the train with Alaska Railroad? Kenai Fjords Tours has a free shuttle to the station, so you can catch the 6 p.m. to Anchorage. Travelling by bus? The Park Connection motorcoach departs at 6:30 p.m. from the Small Boat Harbor — right where our tours return to. 

Choose Your Cruise

With all that in mind, we’ve found that these two daytrips are often the best Kenai Fjords Tours options for cruise passengers:  

First Choice: The Classic Kenai Fjords National Park Tour has two departures at 8 a.m. (returns at 2 p.m.) and 11:30 a.m. (returns at 5:30 p.m.) for a six-hour cruise, including a hot lunch. It's your best bet to see as much as possible. You'll explore coastal rainforests, tidewater glaciers (including either the Holgate or Aialik) and remote islands. Plus, there’s always a chance to spot iconic marine wildlife while aboard, including whales, seals, puffins and eagles.

Second (Still Awesome) Choice: The Resurrection Bay Tour departs at 12:30 p.m. and cruises through some of coastal Alaska’s most dramatic and stunning scenery for four-and-a-half hours (returns at 5 p.m.). Keep an eye out for finned, furry and feathered creatures while marveling at the seaside cliffs and coves. Bring your appetite — this tour also includes a hot lunch to enjoy on board. 

Either way, you're in for a treat. Book your adventure today and we'll see you in Seward soon!