Location:
Cruise ships visiting Seward dock at the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, which is located about one mile from the historic downtown area, and adjacent to the Small Boat Harbor and 5 minutes walk from the trainstation. Some ships also use the Whittier port. The MS Amsterdam from Holland America line docks in Anchorage town itself.
An information office just across the main highway from the cruise dock is open whenever a cruise ship is in port. This is also the city's main visitors center, where you can find information and reserve shore-side excursions. You can walk into town from the dock or take a taxi or trolley from the visitors center. The city operates a complimentary shuttle from 8am to 6pm daily during the summer months, a big yellow school bus. Another information booth is located in an old railcar in town at the corner of Third Avenue and Jefferson, adjacent to Millionaire Row and its historic homes.
Because Anchorage does not have a easy to easy to navigate cruise ship port, the majority of the cruises advertised as originating in Anchorage really leave from the port of Seward. Seward is approximately 140 miles from the Anchorage Airport. Driving time is about 3 1/2 hours. Train travel via the Alaska Railroadtakes 2 1/2 hours. There is no overnight parking at the Seward cruise ship port.
The Alaska Park Connection offers twice daily summer coach service between Anchorage and Denali Park or Seward, including same day connecting service between Denali Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Seward.
If you are traveling roundtrip between Anchorage and Seward it is recommended to travel one direction by train and the other by bus. This approach allows you to enjoy the train ride, but also allows you to save time, money and see additional scenery on the bus.
Sightseeing:
The small coastal town of Seward is known for its scenic views, numerous visitor attractions, and as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Seward is located about 125 miles south of Anchorage, about 3 hours by road. The town is the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, dating back to its origins in the early 1900's. Seward has over 3,000 year round residents, however that number swells considerably during the summer visitor season. The town is famous in Alaska for its Fourth of July celebration that features a grueling foot race to the top of the 3,000 foot Mt. Marathon.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
Shore excursions available from Seward often include small-boat cruises to see glaciers and wildlife in Resurrection Bay, chartered salmon-fishing trips, tours of the Ididaride sled-dog kennels (including a ride on a wheeled sled pulled by dogs) and bus trips to Exit Glacier in nearby Kenai Fjords National Park. Many additional options are available; ask your cruise director or inquire at the visitors center.
The two boat tour companies are Kenai Fjords tours and Major Marine.
A 5$ a day shuttle bus runs from the cruise dock to the tour boat docks, Alaska SeaLife Center (20$) and downtown.
Currency:
The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $). ATM's everywhere.
Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely used and accepted, even for transactions worth only a few dollars. In fact, in some cases, it may be the only way to make a transaction. Note to overseas visitors: Prices of goods and services always seem lower than they really are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included.
Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices (except for gasoline, and in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay.
Tipping in America is widely used and expected. While Americans themselves often debate correct levels and exactly who deserves to be tipped, generally accepted standard rates are:
Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (Often this is the only income of the wait(ress). Tips are either left in cash or you can add it to the credit card slip) Note: Few restaurants add an automatic service charge, in which case it is up to you how much you tip extra. Check your bill!
Taxi drivers, hairdressers, other personal services: 10-15%
Bartenders: $1 per drink if inexpensive or 15% of total
Bellhops: $1-2 per bag ($3-5 minimum regardless)
Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab
Shuttle bus drivers: $2-5 (optional)
Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%
Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for long stays or $5 minimum for very short stays (optional)
Food delivery (pizza, etc.): $2-5, possibly more for very large orders