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Alaska Railroad Grandview Scenic Train - Anchorage to Seward

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

If your Alaska cruise embarks or disembarks in Seward, you will need a transfer to or from Anchorage which is 127 miles away. Cruise passengers can choose either a 3-hour bus transfer or a 4.5-hour ride on the Grandview Train of the Alaska Railroad . The train runs directly between the Anchorage airport and the cruise pier in Seward so it's a great option for cruise passengers.

The train fare is about 40 to 50 percent more than the bus, but the wilderness train route is more scenic and relaxing, passing by picturesque glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains. In addition, the road is very busy in the summer and circles around the mountains, so you won't get as close to the glaciers as you will on the rails.

The Alaska Railroad initiated the Grandview passenger train in 2000 to serve cruise ship passengers traveling between Seward and Anchorage. The train follows the Coastal Classic route, but the departure time is adjusted for the cruise ships.

At the Station in Anchorage

The Alaska Railroad train station in Anchorage is across the street from the Anchorage Airport, so it's easy to fly into Anchorage and take the train to your cruise ship. However, there's so much to do in Anchorage, it's better to fly in a few days before and spend some time sightseeing in the city.

In Seward , the Grandview Train terminal is at the cruise pier, so it is very convenient for those riding the train from Anchorage. Seward also has several hotels and accommodations for guests who want to arrive a day or so before their cruise and do some exploring of the region around Seward.

Alaska Railroad Dome Car

The domed-car seats on the Alaska Railroad Grandview Train are arranged four to a table, making for a comfortable ride with a scenic view through the roof of the train. It's fun to be able to see all of the surrounding scenery and mountain tops (even when it is raining or cool). Sitting at a table is also very conducive to conversation, so it offers people the opportunity to make new friends as they ride.

Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet

Clouds often cover the mountains, giving them an eerie appearance.  Visitors to Alaska soon learn to appreciate the "mist" that covers many of the mountain tops. Turnagain Arm, one of two arms at Cook Inlet, is subject to climate extremes and large tide ranges.

Waterfall Views

Alaska has many waterfalls, and this one is visible from the train. Cruise travelers will see many more waterfalls as their ship visits the fjords of Alaska.

Mountain, Marshes, and Wildlife

This type of marshy area is perfect for moose, but none were visible on this day. Visitors to Alaska should always be on the lookout for moose when they see a boggy or swampy area.

There are opportunities for viewing wildlife from the train and you may see black and brown bear, caribou, moose, bald eagle, ptarmigan, salmon, mountain goat, and Dahl sheep.

Mountain View

Even though the weather is not too cold in Alaska in the summer months, visitors will see snow-capped mountains year 'round. This photo was taken in July, and you can see snow in the mountains the entire summer season before the first snow showers start to fall in September. 

Spencer Glacier Views

Spencer Glacier rises 3,500 feet from a lake of blue icebergs. The train linking Anchorage and Seward includes a look at this glacier, one of many that cruise passengers have an opportunity to see since Alaska is famous for its tidal glaciers that seem to flow into the ocean.

Alaska Railroad Grandview Train - Coastal Classic Train

When on a train, it's always fun to get a photo of the rest of the train when you are going around a bend. The Alaska Railroad Grandview Train consists of regular passenger and dome observation cars pulled by diesel engines. 

River Views

The Coastal Train passengers see snow-capped mountains, lakes, glaciers, and even a few rivers and streams as their train makes its way from Anchorage to Seward. The rivers look grey as they carry glacial run-off on their journey to the sea. 

Bartlett Glacier

The Grandview Train passes within 800 feet of the Bartlett Glacier. The Coastal Classic train has local experts on board who will point out all of the important sites along the route. Bartlett Glacier is 30 nautical miles long and 5 nautical miles wide. It was named after Captain Robert A. Bartlett, of Newfoundland, an Arctic explorer.

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Horizon ABC: Aruba

Aruba by car, horizon abc: day 2, horizon abc: day 1, horzion abc: embarkation, alaska jewel: embarkation scenic cruise train.

One of the unique things about cruising from Seward is you can take the Alaska Railroad from the airport to the cruise terminal. I had heard it’s a scenic ride that lasts 4-5 hours. This was definitely on my list.

To get on this railroad they recommend you have a flight that comes in by 11am. Since NCL was booking my flights, I had to at a minimum request a Sunday flight to ensure I would be there in time for the train. To ensure I had time to spend in Anchorage, I requested the Saturday flight that I got.

I had two options for booking the train ride. Through NCL I could book it as an excursion. They are giving me $50 off of excursions making it a $69 train ride. Or I could book directly through Alaska Railroad for $119. If I booked through the railroad my only option was a 6:45am train. With the cruise line my only option was 1pm. I decided to book through the cruise line and spend more time in Anchorage instead of getting on the ship earlier.

The two trains leave from different locations. The train you book through the railroad leaves from the depot near downtown Anchorage. The train you book through NCL leaves from the airport. Since I was staying in downtown Anchorage, I had to add a $20 Lyft to my trip cost.

At the airport you have to go down to floor 0 from either the arrivals or departures area. Once you’re down there you’ll see this sign.

You go down a long hallway which is basically under ground below the taxis. Then you get to this.

Once upstairs I saw this sign saying baggage drop off outside.

I went outside the doors by the sign but found no baggage drop off.

You actually have to walk through this room, out the back door, and around the corner to where the buses are and baggage drop off. My goal was to be here at 12pm for the 1pm train. It’s 12:11 right now.

If you have a luggage tag you can place your bags with the others. If you don’t you get one at this table.

I dropped my bag at 12:15.

Once you have dropped off your bags you can get in line to get a  train ticket. I got in this line at 12:19.

At this point I’m starting to have my doubts about this train leaving at 1pm. I just got inside the building at 12:25.

At 12:48 I made it through the first line where you have to show them your passport and they give you your room key.

After that there’s a second line where you get your train ticket.

I got my ticket at 1:02. That was a relief because I was hearing whispers about them not having enough seats. I would suggest getting here more than an hour early.

Once you have your ticket you go up the escalator.

My ticket says car 556, seat 11B.

I am onboard at 1:04pm.

They have tables and 11B is on the aisle.

The bar is right behind me.

This is the menu.

I got a spicy bloody mary.

And we are on our way.

Mud flats. Those are very dangerous. You want to stay away from them.

Spencer glacier. If you are staying in Anchorage and want to see Spencer glacier they have a train stop and various tours at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop .

I finished my bloody mary and switched to Denali Lager.

Placer river

Bartlett glacier

Passing another train.

Now I’m trying a Railroad Golden Ale.

The runway at Seward Airport.

And we made it to the ship.

And I am off of the train at 5:52pm. Just short of five hours after the train’s scheduled departure time.

I inquired about our luggage and was told it would be delivered to our rooms on the ship.

Next time we’ll do embarkation.

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Seward Alaska

Situated on the sparkling blue waters of Resurrection Bay, surrounded by jagged snow capped mountains, and with the 1,000 acre Kenai Fjords National Park as a neighbor… Seward enjoys a well deserved reputation as one of the most scenic cities in Alaska.  This town of just under 3,000 residents is the epitome of visitor friendly with great restaurants and shops, a wide array of lodging choices and easy transportation options. From glacier cruises and fishing charters, to fantastic hikes and the Alaska SeaLife Center, there is no shortage of ways to explore the real Alaska in Seward.

Getting There

Seward is the southern terminus for Alaska Railroad as well as the Seward Highway, which is designated as a National Scenic Byway and an All American Road. In case that is not enough, it is also mile zero for the Iditarod National Historic Trail . The highway and railway route parallel each other for much of the 4.5 hour trip (by rail) between Anchorage and Seward, with the railroad breaking away for a glacier studded section traversing the Kenai Mountains. See our Seward schedule and train fares page for more information or select a specific train trip below.

Driving by car or bus is quite scenic as well, and a little shorter… it usually takes a little under 3 hours with a couple of stops to make the 125 mile trip. The Park Connection Motorcoach offers two trips per day between Anchorage and Seward, including special departures from the pier on cruise ship days , as well as same-day connecting service to Talkeetna and Denali Park. If you are traveling roundtrip, consider taking the train one-way and the bus the other .  One-way rental cars are available in Seward through Hertz Car Rentals.

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises all use Seward to embark and disembark passengers on their seven night cruises between Seward and Vancouver BC. While many of these passengers do not overnight in Seward, we highly recommend that cruise ship passengers do just that, and we can even help with the arrangements .

Where to Stay

There are easily over one hundred lodging choices in Seward, including B&Bs, motels, cabins, hotels and lodges. Our recommendations vary depending on what part of town you are interested in. Near the Seward Small Boat Harbor, the Harbor 360 Hotel and Gateway Hotel are great options. These properties boast a super convenient location near the rail station, Kenai Fjords cruises, Park Connection bus departures and the big cruise ship dock.

With its spectacular location on the road to Exit Glacier, just across the street from the Resurrection River, the Seward Windsong Lodge is always a great choice. This lodge features 180 guest rooms spread out in 15 buildings throughout the forested property. The award winning Resurrection Roadhouse Restaurant at the lodge is a top choice in Seward, as is the selection of local Alaskan beers on tap at the Seward Windsong’s Goliath Bar. The lodge offers courtesy shuttles in to town, the small boat harbor and train station. The Park Connection Motorcoach also picks up and drops off at the property.

Getting Around

Seward is a small town but is more spread out than Talkeetna or Whittier. The city has nice paved pathways and, depending on the weather and your level of fitness, Seward can be a great place to explore on foot. The downtown area where the Alaska SeaLife Center is located is a little more than a mile from the Small Boat Harbor, where most day cruises depart. In the summer, the Chamber of Commerce runs a shuttle, and there are taxi companies and bike rentals as well. Be sure to ask your hotel about transportation options before you book.

You have probably heard that a glacier and wildlife day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park is a “must do” part of your Alaska vacation… and we could not agree more. In addition, be sure to stop by the SeaLife Center, and if you have time get out to Exit Glacier. You can drive yourself if you have a car, but consider taking a guided tour which includes transportation. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, being just a short 15 minute walk to the face of the glacier. Exit Glacier is part of the 700 square mile Harding Ice Field, which is located in Kenai Fjords National Park, and was formed over 20,000 years ago.

Halibut and Salmon fishing in Seward are generally fantastic. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby is held every August, and is one of the most popular fishing derbies in the state. Seward is also home to a festive annual Fourth of July celebration, which includes the famous Mt. Marathon running race .

If you need help finding a nice Seward hotel, a Kenai Fjords cruise or other things to do in Seward, click here .

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Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion & Train Tour

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Excursion Overview

Take an unforgettable journey aboard skagway's scenic railway.

The Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion is our most popular Skagway excursion! Begin your excursion as you board the train in Skagway and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the Summit of the White Pass - a 2,865-foot elevation! Every passenger enjoys vast canyon views and complimentary bottled water throughout the fully narrated tour. On this Skagway train tour, relax in vintage passenger coaches as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and historic sites along the White Pass Railroad. See the original Klondike Trail of 1898 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls who passed this way in search of fortune. Passports are NOT required for this tour. Passenger coaches are heated and are equipped with restrooms. Please specify if you are traveling with a wheelchair. There is a short walk to the meeting location - a shuttle is available to take for an additional price paid to the shuttle driver day of.

Train Sold Out? Explore scenic Skagway another way!

Due to high demand, you may notice certain dates are unavailable to book for the 2024 season. Discover additional excursions to explore the White Pass, Klondike Highway, Yukon Territory, and more: Skagway Sightseeing and Yukon Tours

Train tours in October 2024:

Please note that from October 6th-23rd 2024, a slightly shorter tour, Journey to Inspiration Point will be operating. This shortens the Summit tour by a little more than a mile to allow for ongoing bridge maintenance before the snow arrives. A reduced fare will be reflected in your shopping cart due to the change in tour length.

Cruising to Alaska in 2025? Complete our excursions inquiry form.

Click here to sign up to be notified about excursions for 2025. Once your requested tour becomes available, our team will notify you via email. All of our tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so completing our Excursion Inquiries Form gives you the best chance of booking all of your desired experiences for next year.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Bottled water

Requirements:

• There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 2.75 hours (Roundtrip from downtown Skagway.)

• 2.75 hours - roundtrip scenic train trip to White Pass Summit

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the Skagway Train Depot. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is wheelchair/mobility scooter accessible. Guests that require accessibility accommodations, must go to the train depot 30 minutes before departure for additional time in loading. However, space is limited in lift-equipped cars. An optional shuttle, the Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (SMART Bus) is available to take guests to/from the docks to the Train Depot for an additional fee on the day of the tour. Please leave a comment during checkout if accessibility accommodations will be required. If the operator is unaware beforehand of necessary accommodations, they may not be able to accommodate guests the day of.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a valid passport is not required for this tour.

There is a short walk to the meetup location. Guests have the option to purchase tickets for the Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (SMART Bus)

No, although you will be entering Canada on this tour you will not be permitted to exit the train until it returns to Skagway.

Yes, each train car is equipped with a restroom.

Yes, this tour is a scenic train trip up and down the mountain pass.

Each rail car holds approximately 43 passengers. We do not assign seats, passengers will be instructed by the Station Master which train car they are welcome to board. Once in the assigned car, passengers are free to choose any seat available. Passengers will not be given their car assignment until the day of travel when they meet with the Station Master.

Guests must be able to climb steps into the train and bus. This tour has limited wheelchair accessible seating available upon request.

Layered clothing is recommended, it is possible for slight temperature drops due to elevation however the train cars are heated.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

Bottled water is included.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On aug 2024.

Very well organized.Loved the interaction of the guides and non stop information on every segment of the rails. Would recommend to all travelers.

The scenery and views were spectacular. We couldn't always hear the tour guide as the noise from the train and other passengers on the train tended to drown out the guide. otherwise the cars were clean and it was an exciting adventure.

We had a great time! We met some fun fellow travelers and loved the beautiful scenery. Jonathan looked after us very well on the entire journey!

It was a fantastic experience, and the staff was above and beyond!

If you have the opportunity to go on this excursion, I highly suggest you do it. They were accommodating when the cruise line kept changing up our itinerary. Such a fantastic excursion with a great company.

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Duration: 2.75 hours

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Adult (13+): $ 146.00

Child (3-12): $ 73.00

Infant (Under 3): $ 0.00

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Alaska Train Travel

Take the scenic route through the heart of alaska.

Alaska offers some of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys and every cruisetour includes scenic rail travel. With our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska rail service, comfortably travel from ship to train and then directly to one of our Princess Wilderness Lodges® in the Denali area. Most cruisetours includes this effortless and scenic rail transportation along the original route of the Alaska railroad.

Between Whittier/Denali or Whittier/Talkeetna

Exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® Alaska Rail Service

• Provides seamless travel between the ship and a Princess Wilderness Lodge in the Denali area in the same day for more time in the wilderness.
• Offers unobstructed views of the Great Land with huge glass-domed windows in every rail car.
• Includes a full-service dining room with made-to-order cuisine.
• Knowledgeable rail guides provide expert commentary while pointing out scenery and wildlife along the way.
• Includes an open-air observation platform so you can truly experience the great outdoors.

Between Anchorage/Talkeetna or Talkeetna/Denali

Princess® Rail Service

• Princess® Rail service takes you to and from Princess Wilderness Lodges®.

Onboard Train Experience

We take our passion for bringing what makes the Great Land special on board, weaving it into your Alaska rail service for a seamless immersion into the North’s vast wilderness.

Onboard narration

Thanks to knowledgeable Rail guides, enjoy a narrated trip during your ride. Gain unique insights, listen to inspiring stories and see unprecedented beauty. Our passionate guides are happy to answer questions, identify wildlife and help you understand the fascinating history of the Great Land. Select train routes can also enjoy a special visit from an Iditarod musher who bears riveting stories from the trail.

Pulling from train travel’s luxurious history, Princess prepares cuisine made to order for our guests in every one of our Alaska rail cars. Depending on your route, choose from breakfast, lunch or dinner. If a drink is all you’re after, relax in your seat and enjoy our beverage service. With food always nearby, fill up on delicious fare and the Great Land’s beauty that surrounds you.

Observation platform

Get even closer to Alaska’s beauty with our open-air observation platforms on select cars. Step outside to feel refreshed and even more immersed in the environment as it passes by you. Enjoy a front-row seat to Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes along the original route of the Alaska railroad.

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Take a Scenic Train Ride to Embark Your Silversea Cruise in Seward, Alaska

Published by admin on.

Heading south from Anchorage in the early morning, the scenic route follows Turnagain Arm, with dramatic vistas outside your windows and wildlife sightings possible around every turn. You might glimpse whales, sheep, and even bald eagles.

Stop briefly in the town of Girdwood before continuing on to the Kenai Mountains, through jagged snow-capped peaks and lush alpine meadows, arriving at Seward in the late morning. The total journey time is just over four hours.

With this much natural beauty to be found even before embarking your cruise, imagine how breathtaking your 7-day luxury Alaskan cruise with Silversea will be. Talk to your Stellar Travel advisor to make sure you don’t miss out.

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Cruise Guest Info

Seward serves as the point of embarkation and disembarkation for many Alaska cruise vacations, and as a port of call, is a highlight of a cruise itinerary. The Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, Resurrection Bay’s protected waters feature glacier-carved fjords, majestic mountain scenery, and age-old glaciers. If you are enjoying a port of call, or in Seward for the beginning or end of your cruise, be sure to spend some time with us and experience all that we have to offer!

CRUISE SHIP SCHEDULE 202 4

Cruise Ship Schedule - "Port of Call vs. Turn"

Do you want this schedule included in your google calendar? Click here!

CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL

The Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility (“cruise-ship dock” to locals) is where your ship will moor. Ships tie up directly to the dock, and no tenders are used to transport guests between the ship and shore. The terminal is located close to attractions, shops and galleries, restaurants, and lodging.

From May to September, vessels arrive and depart Seward’s harbor as part of the popular 7-14 day Alaska cruises, round-the-world itineraries, and special charter cruises.

EMBARKATION & DISEMBARKATION

Guests that arrive in Seward too early to check in at the cruise terminal may take advantage of local baggage storage options while exploring Seward. Because the town is so close to the cruise terminal, guests can depart the ship after check-in, and spend some time wandering Seward’s shops and galleries.

When disembarking in Seward, guests will be able to claim baggage in the cruise terminal. Baggage carts and storage are not available in the terminal, although local businesses offer some baggage storage options. Guests with reservations on the evening train to Anchorage may check in at the train depot beginning at 10 AM and check their bags at that time.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY IN SEWARD

With numerous transportation options available, cruise guests can easily arrive in Seward a day or two before their cruise departure date or remain in Seward following the end of their cruise. Seward is serviced daily from Anchorage with scheduled motor coach service and the Alaska Railroad. Taxis, other vehicles for hire, rental cars, and even charter air options allow guests to customize their travel.

Seward is walk-able, with level terrain, and most areas of interest are within 2 miles of the cruise terminal. For those who prefer not to walk, taxi’s and other transportation are available throughout town.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Guests beginning their cruise in Seward typically fly into Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage. Anchorage is 120 miles from Seward, and the trip to Seward can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the mode of travel. Guests can travel to Seward via train, motor coach, vehicles for hire, and rental car. We recommend that guests arrange their transportation to Seward in advance.

Guests ending their cruise in Seward typically fly home from Anchorage. Transportation to Anchorage should be arranged prior to your arrival in Seward, and guests should plan their flight to allow for sufficient time for both the disembarking process and travel to the airport. On average, guests should not plan to be at the airport before the afternoon. There is a rental car kiosk located in the terminal, however, guests wishing to rent a vehicle should definitely reserve one ahead of time. Guests holding reservations with local transportation providers will be met by their drivers in the terminal. Taxis are available outside the terminal and offer tour options in addition to local and long-distance (Anchorage) rates.

Need to park your car while on your cruise vacation? The City of Seward offers long term parking for passengers sailing out of Seward who wish to leave a vehicle in Seward.

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Russian River Cruises fleet

Ms pyotr velikiy, ms mustai karim, scenic tsar, viking akun, viking ingvar, ms general lavrinenkov, ms lunnaya sonata, viking truvor, ms yuri andropov, ms zosima shashkov, ms crucelake-lebedinoe ozero, ms leonid sobolev, ms mikhail sholokhov, review of russian river cruises.

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" hub provides detailed information on ships, itineraries, tours and prices on cruises along rivers and lakes in Russia. Here you'll also find concise info on the largest Russian cruise companies, including Vodohod , Mosturflot , Infoflot , Doninturflot-Orthodox , Imperial River Cruises Russia .

In the "Fleet" section you will find an extensive list or Russian cruise ships. By following each ship link you will find the ship's review, deck plans, scheduled itineraries and cruise pricing information. Live ship tracking is also provided on a digital map. It shows the vessel's current location, cruising speed and course.

In the "Itinerary" section you will find maps and day-by-day scheduled activities planned by Europe's largest cruise companies, also operating in Russia via chartered riverboats.

Volga River Cruises in Russia

Volga river cruising in Russia places you in another time. The longest and largest river in Europe stretches from Ivan the Terrible to Catherine the Great. Today, live along the central artery of Russia looks like it always has - the villages, the churches, the people, just like an old painting you have seen in a gallery.

The Volga flows through central Russia into the Caspian Sea and is often called the national river of Russia. 11 of the 20 largest cities of the country, including the capital Moscow, are in Volga's watershed. Some of the world's largest reservoirs can be found along the river, which has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture, referred to as Mother Volga (Volga Matushka) in Russian folklore and literature.

Explore the land of the Tsars while sailing down the historic Volga river, typically between Moscow and St Petersburg , the traditional homeports (of embarkation and debarkation). Tour landmarks are the Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow, the Hermitage and Catherine Palace in St Petersburg.

Once unthinkable as a cruise vacation destination, Russia is today more accessible than ever, with stops along its largest European lakes and rivers. For river travel lovers accustomed to European itineraries, the Russian experience will be quite different. Russia has a special feel of uniquely designed riverboats. Built to handle larger lakes (Lake Ladoga for example, is the largest European freshwater body of water), these vessels usually feature larger size and capacity (up to six decks), deeper draft, and most of them are refurbished instead of being newbuild.

The itineraries offered are activity-intensive in Moscow and St Petersburg, with long periods of cruising and less ashore time in the middle. Smaller "Golden Ring" cities (so named due to their historic significance) are full of icon-riddled monasteries and Orthodox churches. Most cruise lines hire local experts and fill the days of sailing along the river with lectures on country's history, cooking demonstrations and language lessons.

Most of the tours offered by the companies sailing along Volga River are identical, so customers choosing between the different itineraries should look at how the river ships spend the time within Moscow and St. Petersburg. Some lines have their guests stay onboard, which can be as far as 1 hour out of both cities. Others put their clients up at hotels near the center of the city, with several meals at customer's expense.

Compared with other river routes, Russia features a short season, between early May and late October, with high season in June (known as White Nights because of the endless daylight), July and August. Even if the weather is chilly, there are some advantages to sailing early or late: you'll beat the crowds which can make a visit to the Hermitage a bear. Most Russian museums lack air-conditioning, and while the climate is generally temperate, in the summer Moscow often experiences high humidity heat waves.

Remember to think about your Russian visa at least 2 months before your voyage, to have enough time to fill out the paperwork, including a lengthy online application. And don't forget that the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Even in the cities, you'll rarely find signs in English, so learning some letters and a few phrases will help you get around.

Doninturflot-Orthodox Cruise Company

Orthodox Cruise Company operates a fleet of USSR-design large river ships and serves mainly foreign tourists. The parent company Doninturflot (established in 1992) is the shipowner and manages the fleet.

• Doninturflot started operations with the ships MS Maxim Litvinov, MS Mikhail Sholokhov and MS Sergei Dyagilev.
• Since 2002, Docturflot charters Akademik Glushkov (currently MS Igor Stravinsky) owned by OOO Rosflotinvest.
• In 2004 was acquired MS Anton Chekhov from Yenisei River Shipping Company (Russia).
• In 2006 were acquired MS Peter Tchaikovsky and MS Ivan Bunin from the Moscow-based cruise shipping company "Passenger Port".
• In 2008 was bought MS General Lavrinenkov from "Ukrrechflot" (Ukraine).
• In 2011 was bought MS Marshal Koshevoy (from Ukrrichflot, Ukraine) but in April 2013 the ship was sold to Viking Cruises (now operates as Viking Akun ).
• In 2016, was purchased MS Tikhi Don from the UK-based Grand Circle Travel company. In 2017, the ship started operations for Orthodox Cruise Company serving international tourists.

Imperial River Cruises Russia

"Imperial River Cruises Russia" was founded in 1992 and operates on inland waterways in both Russia and Ukraine. Company's chartered ships navigate on the rivers Volga, Don, Neva, Svir, Dnieper (also on the Danube) and the Russian lakes Onega and Ladoga.

The most operated itineraries are between Moscow and St Petersburg (visiting Uglich, Kostrom, Yaroslavl, Goritzy). Specially designed itineraries visit Vladimir, Suzdal, Zagorsk, Solovki Island. Also offered are itineraries Moscow-Volgograd and Moscow-Rostov, roundtrips from Kiev, and even grand voyages connecting two seas - Baltic and Black. Also offered are themed cruises - especially on food and music, with live performances by grand orchestras and choirs.

Imperial River Cruises Russia has an exclusive partnership with "Orthodox Cruise Company" - one of Russia's largest tour operators. As their names suggest, both companies target mainly foreign tourists - booking in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia. Ships' capacity varies between 180-250 passengers. English (or German) speaking licensed tour guides are provided on all excursions. The daily onboard entertainment program offers live musical performances, folk shows, enrichment lectures.

Russian river cruise deals

• Departure port (dock/berth), check-in, boarding and landing times are indicated on the company's website and on passenger boarding passes. Ship's exact departure time is clarified on the website the day prior departure.
• Kids discount ticket prices are offered for children up to 14 years of age (14-yo including), the age being fixed on departure day.
• Kids from 2 to 5 years of age (5-yo including) travel free of charge, but without providing an additional bed (if there are no free beds in the cabin). Shore excursions are also free of charge.
• Toddlers (kids under 2) travel free of charge, but the bed, food, and tour services are not provided. Extra beds in staterooms (baby cribs, cots) are not available on the ship.
• TWIN (double cabin) single supplement rate is 75%.
• Ticket prices are inclusive of 3 meals a day. Onboard dining includes Breakfast (buffet style, drinks - cocoa, milk, juices, hot-cold dishes), Lunch (buffet style) and Dinner (waiter-served, 1 Starter, 1 Main course (choice of 3 / meat-fish-vegetarian), 1 Dessert (choice of 2 or fruits). Water in pitchers is always provided. Tea/coffee is served.
• On embarkation day and disembarkation day (at the end of the voyage) meal times depend on landing times. If a land tour coincides with a meal time (lunch), passengers are provided with complimentary food at a local restaurant (cafe) or given "dry rations".
• Ticket price inclusive onboard events are Welcome Aboard ("bread and salt" ceremony), Welcome Cocktail (complimentary 1 glass of champagne or juice per person), "Tea Ceremony" (with traditional pies), "Vodka Show" (blini and vodka tasting), Cocktail Party (once per cruise, complimentary 1 cocktail per person), Captain's Dinner (gourmet menu, once per cruise), mulled wine or ice tea (weather-depending / upon returning from excursions), complimentary Coffee Station (coffee, hot water, packed tea, milk, cocoa, cookies), 1 bottled water (0.33l pp per day in cabins). Tickets are also inclusive of foreign language speaking guide services, onboard entertainment (language class, singing lessons, live music, nightly dancing music, Wheelhouse tour).
• Complimentary excursions are detailed in the ship's cruise itinerary program. Optional tours are available for onboard booking. For excursion services, foreigner passengers may be charged with additional fee pp per day (varies by cruise tour length).
• Cruise tickets don't include land transfers (excepting foreign travel agency bookings), beverages and snacks (in onboard bars-lounges), phone calls, sauna visits, optional excursions, travel insurance, gratuities, personal spendings. Ticket prices include 18% VAT.
• Smoking on the ship is allowed only in designated areas (marked with "Place for smoking" signs). Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces and on open decks (except at designated areas).
• On most ships are available health gymnastics and morning exercises (led by a certified physician/ship's doctor), oxygen cocktail, dietary food.
• On most ships are provided (free of charge) the following medical services - emergency medical care (assistance required for sudden acute illnesses, conditions, exacerbation of chronic diseases), measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, primary treatment of wounds.
• Boarding starts 2 hours prior to departure. All passengers must be boarded at least an hour prior to departure. Late passengers missing their cruise tour are not refunded.
• Russia's main river cruise departure ports are Moscow , St Petersburg , Astrakhan , Nizhny Novgorod , Perm , Samara , Kazan , Volgograd , Rostov-on-Don , Saratov .

Russian cruise ships

Currently, in Russia is operated a huge fleet of over 200 river cruise ships. All these vessels were built during the USSR (Soviet Union) times, roughly in the period between 1950-1990. Depending on class and series, these boats differ in terms of size, equipment (different engine designs), passenger capacity, onboard facilities and venues, cabins (types and number). Amenities additionally differ by shipowner (cruise company).

All these old-design Russian ships were completely refurbished and rebuilt for their new shipowners, Some of these ships are operated (via partnerships or under charter) also by foreign companies (like Viking, CroisiEurope, Uniworld, AMAwaterways, Grand Circle, Nicko). During their multi-million-dollar drydock refits, vessels passenger capacities were considerably reduced to improve travel comfort and safety.

Most boats are of the following classes:

• "Rossiya" (Project 785, 36 vessels built 1952-1958)
• "Baykal" (Project 646, 15 units built 1953-1956)
• "Rodina" (Project 588, 49 vessels built 1954-1961)
• "Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya" (Project 26-37, 14 units built 1957-1962)
• "Dunay" (Project 305, 47 vessels built between 1959-1964)
• "Kuybyshev" (Project OL400, 9 units built 1975-1983)
• "Vladimir Ilyich" (Project 301, 22 vessels built between 1975-1983)
• "Dmitri Furmanov" (Project 302, 27 vessels built between 1983-1991)

Regardless of their age, all these motor ships undergo regular drydock refurbishments , machinery and safety checks, scheduled repairs (including annual surveys). Drydocks are every 5 years and include repairs, hull inspection, propulsion-steering inspection, general maintenance works.

Each ship is equipped with life-saving appliances (lifeboats and rafts) in amounts exceeding the boat's max passenger and crew capacity. Each cabin is equipped with lifejackets with illustrated instructions in several languages. All ships are equipped with modern fire-fighting systems. Crew and staff are experienced and highly professional certified employees.

Itinerary of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" itinerary section provides information on itineraries and ports of call offered by the largest Russian and European river cruise companies - Vodohod, Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, CroisiEurope. Each foreign company has a partnership with a local company and operates as a joint venture one or more Russian ships.

For detailed itinerary information (routes) visit our pages of the following departure ports - Saratov , Volgograd , Samara , Perm , Nizhny Novgorod , Cheboksary , Rostov-on-Don ,  Kazan , Astrakhan , Moscow , St Petersburg .

Volga River cruise ports highlights

• St Petersburg (Russia's second-largest city - after Moscow) was built by Tzar Peter the Great in 1703. It is located in the Neva River delta (Gulf of Finland's east coast). Saint Petersburg includes the territories of more than 130 islands interconnected by over 300 bridges. The city has a huge number of cultural and historical sights, architectural landmarks, museums, magnificent palaces (Russian Tsars' former residences), grand parks, wide avenues, bridges, numerous monuments. Among its most famous tourist attractions are the Hermitage museum (housing over 2 million pieces of art). Two days is never enough to see everything in this remarkable city. However, passengers will usually visit the Hermitage, admire the city's 19th-century architecture during a canal cruise tour, take in a cultural performance, visit one of the Versailles-style palaces in St. Petersburg's countryside (Pushkin or Peterhof).
• Moscow (Russian Federation's capital and largest city) was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The city was destroyed several times - by the Mongolians, Napoleon, the Nazis. The heart of the city lies in the Red Square, which contains Lenin's Tomb, St Basil's Cathedral, and GUM Department Store. Kremlin's red walls also border the square. Inside the fort are the Armoury (containing the Faberge eggs) and 9 onion-domed churches. Art-fans can seek out Pushkin Gallery or see a show at Bolshoi Theatre.
• Yaroslavl is one of the Golden Ring cities of Russia, and the largest city to visit during the middle of your Volga cruise. The town is famous for its gorgeous churches. It also offers several pedestrian-only streets full of shops and cafes, as well as a lovely embankment used as a park.
• Uglich has a provincial setting. It was found in the 10th century and was a scene of some of medieval Russian history's most remarkable events. Here were exiled the Ivan Terrible’s 7th wife and her son Tsarevich Dmitry. Soon after, Tsarevich was mysteriously murdered here. Soon after, a dedicated to this event church ("Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood") was erected. Within the Uglich Kremlin walls is the town's oldest building - "Prince’s Palace". Other attractions are St. John’s Church and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
• Astrakhan was founded at the end of the 13th century and is located on the Volga's left bank. Port’s activities extend 100 km downstream and over 300 km upstream along the river. The city is a major trading center and its main business is freight shipping (coal, timber, salt, food, industrial products). Astrakhan is not linked to the railroad network. Cargoes are transferred by floating cranes from river ships to seagoing vessels.
• Goritsy is a small village on River Sheksna, famous for its Resurrection Convent, At approx 4 ml (7 km) from Goritsy is Kirillov - a pilgrimage site with many historical and architectural monuments. Among those are the Kirillo-Belozerski monastery, Ferapont monastery (UNESCO site), 12 churches, 25 civil monuments.
• Kizhi Island (Lake Onega) is located approx 70 km (40 ml) to the northeast of Petrozavodsk. The island has two onion-domed churches. Also here is the 17th-century-built 22-domed church - constructed without using a single nail. Its "Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior" and "Church of the Intercession" were rebuilt several times and are preserved in their original 17th-century design.
• Mandrogi (Mandroga) is a small village on the Svir river recently created as a tourist attraction. It features small wooden log cabin houses. Its “town of masters” is a market for hand-made Russian art craft, including paintings, painted wooden dolls, embroidery, pottery. Other attractions are the elk nursery and the quail farm, horse-riding tours, food tasting (pastry), vodka tasting (museum of Russian vodka).
• Kostroma is also one of the Golden Ring cities, and once was one of Russia's 3 largest cities - after Moscow and Yaroslavl, It is located at the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kostroma. Among the attractions are the St Ipathy monastery, an open-air museum (traditional wooden architecture- izbas, mills, churches are gathered in one place).
• Kizhi is famous the whole world over. It has become the symbol of the grandeur of unique Russian culture. Visiting the Kizhi Islands gives a great chance to appreciate the enchanting medieval atmosphere and get acquainted with the customs and free spirit of men living in a spacious area with a rigorous climate
• Kazan. The largest port in the Volga basin, it transships cargoes transported by water alone or by water and rail. The port receives coal from Kuznetsk Basin for Kazan's heat and electric power plant, food and industrial products, and ships out products of city's enterprises and Siberian timber. The port includes Tsentral’nyi, Kama, and Volga cargo areas, as well as a number of landings, the biggest of which is Naberezhnye Chelny and Chistopol’. The basin of the Tsentral’nyi Cargo Area and passenger area are protected by a breakwater.
• Novgorod (Nizhniy Novgorod) is an ancient stronghold founded by Gran Prince Yuri as a frontier post, is now the 5th largest city of Russia as well as one of the main centers of river tourism in the country. In the 19th century, Nizhniy became the trade center of the whole state as it was the place of the biggest fair in the Russian Empire. A proverb of that time says: "Moscow is the heart of Russia, St. Petersburg is its head, and Nizhniy Novgorod - its pocketbook". The city was renamed "Gorky" in Soviet times, in honor of the writer Maxim Gorky, born there. Until 1990, Nizhniy Novgorod was “closed” to foreigners as USSR protected its military secrets. Nizhniy Novgorod is included in the UNESCO list of 100 cities constituting world cultural and historical value.
• Samara - during the Soviet period the city was named Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet party figure Valerian Kuybyshev. The shortest ways from Central and Western Europe to Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Central Asia run through Samara. The city has a rich cultural heritage: Alexey Tolstoy spent his childhood and youth there. Maxim Gorky started his literary career in the city - he worked in "Samara Newspaper". The Czech writer Yaroslav Gashek also worked in Samara, during the Civil war. Famous artists like Ilya Repin, Ivan Ayvazovsky, Vasily Surikov, lived in the city. During the Great Patriotic War, the Seventh Symphony of Dmitry Shostakovich was performed in Samara for the first time.
• Tver - the White Trinity Church (1564) is the sole ancient monument of Tver as in 1763, there was a great fire after which the city was rebuilt in Neoclassical style. There are also a lot of buildings of Catherine the Great. Tver State University is highly rated in the region. In 1931, Tver received the name Kalinin, in honor of the Soviet leader Mikhail Kalinin. The city was occupied by the German army in 1941. Only 2 months later it became the first big city in Europe liberated from the occupation.
• Ulyanovsk is located on the right bank of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. Port's activities extend 90 km downstream and 100 km upstream along the Volga. The port unloads mineral construction materials, food, and industrial products for the cities of Saransk and Uljanovsk, and ships out coal from Kuznetsk Basin, automobiles, foodstuffs. Its passenger area was rebuilt in 1969 and includes a large number of landings, the biggest being Melekess and Sengilei. The basin of the port of Ulyanovsk is protected by a breakwater.
• Saratov (founded in 1590) is the capital city of a huge province that as size equals the territories of Albania, Belgium and Switzerland combined. In the late 19th century, Saratov became a center for industry and trade, Among the city's attractions, are Moskovskaya street (Europe's longest straight street), one of Europe's longest bridges (2,8 km long), children’s theater, puppet theater, Russia’s oldest circus, musical conservatory, beaches, Art Galleries, Lipki Park, two large casinos.
• Volgograd (currently Stalingrad) was founded in 1589. This is a major port and shipping hub linking Donets Basin with the Urals and Upper Volga Region. It ships grain, coal, food, and industrial products upstream and receives mineral construction materials and timber. The port’s districts are situated within the cities of Volzhsk and Volgograd (Tsentral’nyi). Kamyshin is the biggest landing belonging to the port. Among Volgograd's attractions is the Mamayev Hill with numerous sculptures devoted to the WW2 victims and topped with the world’s largest freestanding statue “Mother Russia” (height 52 m / 171 ft). Adjacent is the "Museum of the Defense" (war artifacts, weapons, uniforms).

All ships listed here operate on Russian waterways. To this long list should be additionally added the following boats, which are currently listed in the fleets of their own companies:

• Scenic Tsar (company Scenic Cruises )
• River Victoria (company Uniworld )
• Viking Rurik , Viking Akun , Viking Helgi , Viking Ingvar , Viking Truvor (company Viking Cruises )

Viking River Cruises in Russia - Itinerary "Waterways of the Tsars"

Viking's itinerary is named "Waterways of the Tsars" (13-day cruise) inclusive of:

• all transfers and port charges
• Riverview stateroom
• 10 guided tours (audio headsets provided)
• all onboard meals (including 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners, Welcome Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner)
• complimentary beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks with all dinners and lunches)
• complimentary Wi-Fi
• visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• enrichment events (onshore live music and dance performances), onboard Russian language lessons, history-themed lectures, Russian cooking workshop, Russian tea time).
• Viking's Russian cruise fares are between USD 5,100 - 5,600 PP. Prices are inclusive of international airfare from 30 USA airports.
• Airport transfers (meet & greet) are included only when flights are purchased through Viking Cruises.

Optional (additionally priced) extensions are:

• (pre-cruise) 2-night Moscow hotel package (Radisson Royal Hotel or similar), with included 2 breakfasts, Moscow Subway guided tour, Viking host services.
• (post-cruise) 3-night Helsinki hotel package (Radisson Blu Plaza or similar), with included 3 breakfasts, guided walking tour, Viking host services, train travel (St Petersburg to Helsinki), all hotel and ship transfers.

Itineraries are two: northbound (Moscow to St Petersburg) or the reverse southbound (St Petersburg to Moscow).

• (Day 1) Moscow arrival, airport to ship transfer, onboard dinner
• (Day 2) half-day Moscow tour (Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, Moscow Metro)
• (Day 3) free time full-day Moscow touring, or an optional morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery Russian fine art museum). Other optional tours are in the afternoon (Cosmonaut Museum, Jewish Moscow) and in the evening (Moscow by Night).
• (Day 4) Moscow tour to Kremlin (Tsar’s Canon, Tsar’s Bell, 2 cathedrals), scenic Moscow Canal cruise (after lunch) as the ships departs the city.
• (Day 5) Uglich arrival (after lunch), disembarkation for a guided walking tour (Kremlin of Uglich, Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, tea at a local family home), before dinner departure
• (Day 6) Yaroslavl arrival in the morning, guided tour (covered food market, handcrafted souvenirs shopping), free time, ship lunch, departure.
• (Day 7) Kuzino morning arrival, tour to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (guided walk- wooden chapels, Assumption Cathedral, museum), children’s school, ship lunch, afternoon departure.
• (Day 8) Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) afternoon arrival, walking tour (Open Air Museum of Architecture- wooden houses, windmills, churches, Preobranzhenskaya Church), evening departure.
• (Day 9) Mandrogy (Svir River cruising) afternoon arrival (Vodka Museum, handmade Russian craft shopping, optional banya / Russian bathhouse visit, optional tour (matryoshka doll making workshop), Lake Ladoga cruising to Neva River.
• (Day 10) — St Petersburg (Neva River cruising), early morning arrival, onboard breakfast, guided tour (Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum), onboard dinner and evening live Russian ballet performance.
• (Day 11) St Petersburg tour to Pushkin district (Catherine Palace), ship lunch, city tour (St Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt), optional evening folklore performance.
• (Day 12) free time St Petersburg touring (optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, optional afternoon kommunalka tour, optional St Petersburg canal cruise from), onboard lunch and dinner.
• (Day 13) St Petersburg - onboard breakfast, ship disembarkation, ship to airport transfer for the return flight.

Uniworld Cruises in Russia - itinerary "Imperial Waterways of Russia"

The 13-day long itinerary is named "Imperial Waterways of Russia" and operated by the ship River Victoria. Uniworld's Russian cruise fares range between USD 5,200 and 9,900 PP (depending on cabin category.

• Day 1 – Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport arrival, ship transfer, embarkation)
• Day 2 – Moscow (city tour, metro tour, Arbat Street) - Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Russian lunch included, onboard Captain’s Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner
• Day 3 – Moscow (Kremlin, Armory Museum)
• Day 4 – Moscow (leisure day)
• Day 5 – Moscow Canal and Volga River cruising to Uglich (walking tour)
• Day 6 – Yaroslavl (Lake Rybinsk cruising) - city tour
• Day 7 – Goritsy (Lake Onega cruising) - monasteries, St Cyril of the White Lake Monastery, Children’s Arts and Crafts,
• Day 8 – Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) - Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
• Day 9 – Svir River cruising to Mandrogi, Lake Ladoga cruising - Mandrogi walk tour (picnic lunch)
• Day 10 – St Petersburg (city tour, canal cruise, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, ballet performance at Alexandrinsky Theatre)
• Day 11 – St Petersburg (Catherine Palace, Pushkin Park)
• Day 12 – St Petersburg (Winter Palace - Hermitage Museum, Captain’s Farewell Reception, Gala Dinner)
• Day 13 – St Petersburg (disembarkation, transfer and return flight).

Scenic River Cruises in Russia - itinerary "The Imperial Wonders Of Russia"

The itinerary is operated by Scenic Tzar and named "Imperial Jewels of Russia". Its duration is 15-day, along Volga and Svir rivers. Scenic Cruises deals are inclusive of:

• Scenic Enrich - handcrafted, Scenic passengers exclusive tour experiences (private shows, family meals prepared by local hosts)
• Scenic Sundowners - exclusive cocktail events
• all onboard meals (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunches and dinners)
• onboard doctor
• onboard entertainment
• in-cabin room service
• Wi-Fi internet (Mac mini infotainment system via the cabin's TV)
• all gratuities
• Scenic's Russian cruise fares are USD 11,500 PP.

Day-by-day itinerary info: Day 1 (Moscow), Day 2 (Moscow, Sundowners canal cruise), Day 3 (Moscow - Kremlin), Day 4 (Moscow - Cosmonaut meeting), Day 5 (Moscow - Tretyakov Gallery), Day 6 (Uglich), Day 7 (Yaroslavl - city tour), Day 8 (Goritsy - Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery), Day 9 (Kizhi Island - Church of Transfiguration), Day 10 (Mandrogi - Museum village), Day 11 (St Petersburg - Hermitage), Day 12 (St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace), Day 13 (St Petersburg - Private Ballet performance), Day 14 (St Petersburg - canal cruise), Day 15 (return flight).

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Reservation Terms and Conditions

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Embarkation from Seward for Alaska cruise

By CruzinMel , November 7, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Hi there - I've been digging around, looking for a review from someone who embarked from Seward for an Alaska cruise, and I can't find anything.  

If you have started from Seward, do you mind sharing what you remember about it?  Specifically, I'm looking for what time you checked in, how difficult it was to get to the terminal, and any advice.  I've reserved a room at the Harbor 360, but that's as far as I've gotten.  Thanks in advance!

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Seas2mountains

We have done this two times in Seward and most recently in June 2022 with both times our stays were at Harbor 360. You can easily walk from Harbor 360 to the cruise port If walking about a half mile with luggage isn’t a problem for you.  

We got to the cruise port both times at about 10:30am or 10:45am. They started check-in at about 11am. We were able to give our luggage to the porters before 11am.  Both times, we were the first two guests to board. The ship will be empty until about 5pm when other guests arrive from the train or other excursions.    

If you have a bit of time in Seward, we highly recommend Major Marine tours for the day before the cruise. 

40 minutes ago, Seas2mountains said: We have done this two times in Seward and most recently in June 2022 with both times our stays were at Harbor 360. You can easily walk from Harbor 360 to the cruise port If walking about a half mile with luggage isn’t a problem for you.     We got to the cruise port both times at about 10:30am or 10:45am. They started check-in at about 11am. We were able to give our luggage to the porters before 11am.  Both times, we were the first two guests to board. The ship will be empty until about 5pm when other guests arrive from the train or other excursions.     If you have a bit of time in Seward, we highly recommend Major Marine tours for the day before the cruise. 

Thank you!  

Ours is a Monday departure, in the evening.  I'm planning to get to Seward from Anchorage on Saturday morning, and hoping to do a Kenai Fjords trip with Major Marine either that day or Sunday before embarkation.  A visit to the Sea Life Center is also on my list.   I'm struggling with the timing, so understanding the terminal helps.  If it's walkable, we are good to go - the maps didn't help me that much 

Thanks again!!

It is very walkable if 1/2 mile isn’t a problem. 

If you like to have time on the ship like we do, you can arrive to the cruise port at 10:30 or 10:45 and will be among the first of guests to arrive.   

22 hours ago, CruzinMel said: Thank you!     Ours is a Monday departure, in the evening.  I'm planning to get to Seward from Anchorage on Saturday morning, and hoping to do a Kenai Fjords trip with Major Marine either that day or Sunday before embarkation.  A visit to the Sea Life Center is also on my list.   I'm struggling with the timing, so understanding the terminal helps.  If it's walkable, we are good to go - the maps didn't help me that much    Thanks again!!

The Kenai Fjords boat tours are awesome.  Such an amazing amount of wildlife and natural scenery! You will really enjoy it.  Wear lots of layers -- this was the excursion that made me very glad that I paid attention to the advice to pack lots of layers when traveling to Alaska!  I wore every single layer that day including raincoat and winter scarf/hat/gloves.

The Sea Life Center is also great. It's a good chance to get up close to wildlife since it's in a controlled environment. I think my favorite thing was watching the puffins swim underwater. It looked like they were flying, not swimming! 

Sorry, I'm not much help with walkability in town, because I was having serious knee problems during my Alaska trip.  I do recall that the shuttle buses and other services in Seward are very limited on days when there's no cruise ship in port. So keep that in mind!  There were plenty of good places to eat and shop in certain parts of town, especially near the Sea Life Center. 

Thinking about an Alaska cruise departing Seward, how do you get from Vancouver to Seward?

cruiserbear55

1 hour ago, jjjct said: Thinking about an Alaska cruise departing Seward, how do you get from Vancouver to Seward?  

Swim? Seriously, fly to Anchorage and take a bus to Seward.

2 hours ago, jjjct said: Thinking about an Alaska cruise departing Seward, how do you get from Vancouver to Seward?  

I'm working on my airfare now, actually.  If I had the time and $$, I'd probably cruise from Vancouver to Seward, and then cruise back - much more fun than a plane!  🙂   I have always wanted to do a BTB cruise, in all seriousness. Seward is small and doesn't have a large airport - you fly to Anchorage and then either drive or take a bus or train to Seward.  I'm leaning toward the train, myself.

Salmon Berry Tours has a great 5 tour from Anchorage to the ship. 

2 hours ago, cruiserbear55 said:   Swim? Seriously, fly to Anchorage and take a bus to Seward.

Did I mention anything about swimming?

cruiseny4life

14 hours ago, jjjct said: Did I mention anything about swimming?  

You did ask how to get from Vancouver to Seward. You could take the Alaska ferry if swimming's not your thing.

   Was simply trying to inject a little humor in my answer to your question. Obviously, you didn't take my answer as humorous. So...have a good life!

cruisequeen4ever

Seward is an easy embarkation port. You can walk to the port and likely wait in a short line to check in unless you happen to get there right after a bus arrived. Embarkation is so spread out throughout the day that it prevents large lines. If you’re done exploring Seward, you might as well head right to the cruise terminal around 11:00 before the train drops off the first set of pax around 11:15. 

we are embarking in seward in 2024. hope we made the right choice. i was thinking flying in 2 nights early and do the kanai fojords but since i booked ncl air I dont know if I will have time and wishing I just booked the cruise out of vancouver and ended in seward. It looks like a nice little town. 

9 hours ago, cruisequeen4ever said: Seward is an easy embarkation port. You can walk to the port and likely wait in a short line to check in unless you happen to get there right after a bus arrived. Embarkation is so spread out throughout the day that it prevents large lines. If you’re done exploring Seward, you might as well head right to the cruise terminal around 11:00 before the train drops off the first set of pax around 11:15. 

Ooh, that is good advice - thanks!!

Let Me Travel!

Hi….doing the Seward to Vancouver cruise at the end of May 2023….we will fly into ANCHORAGE then the next morning take the train to Seward..about a 4.5 to 5 hour train ride…it will give us a taste of a land cruise…the train ride is offered as an NCL excursion, so I’m assuming they will take care of our luggage…we should get to the ship between 2 and 3 in the afternoon.  We are sailing on the SPIRIT.  Please let me know if you took this cruise or will be taking it…we are still 200+ days out, but I’m getting pretty excited!

8 hours ago, Let Me Travel! said: Hi….doing the Seward to Vancouver cruise at the end of May 2023….we will fly into ANCHORAGE then the next morning take the train to Seward..about a 4.5 to 5 hour train ride…it will give us a taste of a land cruise…the train ride is offered as an NCL excursion, so I’m assuming they will take care of our luggage…we should get to the ship between 2 and 3 in the afternoon.  We are sailing on the SPIRIT.  Please let me know if you took this cruise or will be taking it…we are still 200+ days out, but I’m getting pretty excited!

We’re sailing on the Spirit May 17. We’re taking an NCL fight in the day before and staying at the NCL hotel. Then we’re taking the shuttle to the cruise port.  It’s my understanding that the train leaves at 12 pm.  Where are you staying overnight and how are you getting back to the train?  It leaves from nearby the airport.  You’ll need to be there around 11 am.   I looked into the train but it seems easier to just stay at the hotel and go to the port from there.  JMHO.   

We’re really excited too!

@Let Me Travel!  and @janice2348

We have cruised out of Seward two times - most recently this past June. We booked the train on our own from Anchorage after flying in the day or several days prior. If you book the train on your own, it will leave from Anchorage at 6:45am and gets to Seward at 11:20am. 

If you can fly in earlier, the Major Marine tour in Seward and the town itself with nearby Exit glacier and the Sea Life Center were very much worth it!  I think Seward is my favorite cruise port of all due to the beautiful scenery.   Have wonderful cruises! 

We made reservations at the comfort Inn in Anchorage the night before the cruise.  The hotel has shuttle service to and from the airport so we can board the train at the dedicated train station at the airport between 11AM and 12PM….I guess we will get to the ship closer to embarkation time…works for us! We can’t wait!

8 hours ago, Let Me Travel! said: We made reservations at the comfort Inn in Anchorage the night before the cruise.  The hotel has shuttle service to and from the airport so we can board the train at the dedicated train station at the airport between 11AM and 12PM….I guess we will get to the ship closer to embarkation time…works for us! We can’t wait!

I hope you enjoy your cruise!

On 11/9/2022 at 3:56 PM, v3cruiser said: we are embarking in seward in 2024. hope we made the right choice. i was thinking flying in 2 nights early and do the kanai fojords but since i booked ncl air I dont know if I will have time and wishing I just booked the cruise out of vancouver and ended in seward. It looks like a nice little town. 

As an Alaskan who has done the one-way Alaska cruise many ways, both starting in Alaska and starting in Vancouver, I can tell you that both ways are fun, but if you want an easy embarkation, starting in Alaska is hands-down easiest. I hope you get the flights that you want; you could call and request to fly in a day or two early by paying their fee to do so. I would think it wouldn’t be too late since your cruise is so far off from now. Spending more time in Anchorage is what I would recommend and just a little time in Seward as there’s much more to do out of Anchorage than Seward. The boat tour others are referencing is excellent and one night in Seward would certainly be fun. it’s an adorable town. Happy planning!

2 hours ago, cruisequeen4ever said: if you want an easy embarkation, starting in Alaska is hands-down easiest.

Just because I'm curious, why is it easier to embark from Alaska than Vancouver?

Just now, CruzinMel said: Just because I'm curious, why is it easier to embark from Alaska than Vancouver?

Just a guess... no need for CBP pre-clearance prior to embarkation.

2 hours ago, CruzinMel said: Just because I'm curious, why is it easier to embark from Alaska than Vancouver?

Having made the trip in both directions, I agree that the south bound experience is nicer/ more vacation oriented: Fly to ANCHORAGE, a mid size town that is easy to navigate, stay a little or a lot as you prefer, then catch the train from inside the ANC airport direct to Seward , a very scenic trip. Walk from the train depot a short distance to the ship.  Begin a wonderful scenic cruise ,.     Northbound, it’s get to Vancouver airport or cross the border by land, make your way through very crowded traffic to the cruise port where there may be two to four ships loading at the same time. Deal with the crowds and finally get to the ship worn out..  

On 11/10/2022 at 4:46 AM, Let Me Travel! said: Hi….doing the Seward to Vancouver cruise at the end of May 2023….we will fly into ANCHORAGE then the next morning take the train to Seward..about a 4.5 to 5 hour train ride…it will give us a taste of a land cruise…the train ride is offered as an NCL excursion, so I’m assuming they will take care of our luggage…we should get to the ship between 2 and 3 in the afternoon.  We are sailing on the SPIRIT.  Please let me know if you took this cruise or will be taking it…we are still 200+ days out, but I’m getting pretty excited!

How do you book this? I see the embarkation offer and screen shot it, but it shows in Canadian dollars only. And when i look for this excursion, it only offers Vancouver to airport debarkation offer. 

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