How To Cruise Into Kenai Fjords National Park

Forget beaches. This summer, trade sandy sandwiches for glistening glaciers and take a vacation that puts the “ice” in “magnificent.” As an adventure fiend, I'm always on the hunt for destinations that push experiences beyond the norm. The more shades of blue, the better. 

Alaska is widely considered the poster child for jaw-dropping scenery, wild outdoor activities and teeming wildlife. Zoom in a little, and you'll find the Kenai Fjords National Park, dishing up more natural drama than you'd find in a daytime soap. Between gentle whales, sky-high helicopter tours and the oddly elusive moose sightings, Kenai Fjords cruises are the ultimate way to give your summer vacation the makeover it deserves. 

In this guide, discover what makes cruising through the Kenai Fjords National Park so special, how to get there and what to expect as you're drifting blissfully through its glassy shores. 

What's The Hype About A Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise?

Life-Affirming Nature And Wildlife

Jaw-Dropping Photo Ops

You Can Choose Your Own Adventure

Between the onboard and land-based activities to pick from, planning the cruise is just as fun as the cruise itself. Consider which activities you'd like to do — hiking, helicopter tours, whale watching — and book your excursions early. 

Remember, Alaska's terrain and weather can be rugged, so pack accordingly for your activities. If you're planning to hike the glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park, pack sturdy hiking boots and poles, if needed. For kayaking excursions, bring a waterproof daypack and phone cover to protect your essentials. Photographers, prepare for unbelievable landscape shots — but don't neglect the abundant wildlife opportunities you'll come across along the way. Finally, both ice and sea reflect a lot of light, so, in the wise words of Baz Luhrmann, wear sunscreen (and pack a good pair of polarized sunnies).

Long Alaskan Summer Days

The summer months between June and August are considered the best time to visit the Alaskan Fjords. During this period, you'll encounter warmer weather, peak service availability and up to 19 hours of pure, unadulterated daylight to soak it all up. If you prefer your ice with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons (in May and September) offer a comfortable blend of mild weather and most major services are still available.

Speaking of services, arriving at the Royal Caribbean cruise port in Seward is relatively uncomplicated. Don't be fooled, though: it brings another layer of adventure before your cruise even sets sail. 

How To Get To Your Alaskan Kenai Fjords Cruise

1. Fly Into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Anc)

The Anchorage airport is the nearest arrival point for those flying into Alaska. It's about 130 miles from Seward and offers a range of accommodation options, amenities and last-minute prep opportunities. There are also several routes to the port, depending on time and the type of experience you want. 

I'd recommend arriving at least a day early. Alaska's weather and logistics can be unpredictable, and you don't want to cut it close. You can rest overnight in Anchorage or Seward, though securing accommodation can get trickier in Seward, especially during the peak summer months. Book well in advance — and rest assured, there are plenty of ways to move between the two locations and arrive at the port on time.

2. Make Your Way To The Seward Cruise Port

Rent A Car And Drive (Or Get A Shuttle Transfer)

The Seward Highway is a section of the AK-1 South, and you can expect to be on the road for just over two hours. It's worth mentioning that the views are spectacular — you'll see dramatic mountainscapes, waterfalls, fjords and wildlife along the way — so you may choose to account for a few extra hours of stops and exploring. 

While it's easy to rent a vehicle in Anchorage, rental car drop-offs can be limited in Seward, so it's a good idea to plan for return logistics in advance. If this option feels too complicated or you'd rather kick back and enjoy the views from afar, a shared shuttle or private transfer might be a good option. 

Jump On Board The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic

The Coastal Classic is a four-and-a-half-hour scenic train trip that travels between Anchorage and Seward. The train hugs the Turnagain Arm, known for its extreme tidal ranges, and runs through the Chugach Mountains, providing some of the best views in Alaska. In Seward, the train drops you off within a three-minute drive from the cruise port, making logistics relatively seamless. 

There are two round-trips per day operating between mid-May and mid-September. The first departs Anchorage at 6.45 a.m., and the second departs at 6.00 p.m. Bookings are also straightforward, and you can make them in one of three ways: 

● Online: Head to the Alaska Railroad website, select the “Rail Only” option, then enter your route, date, preferred time and class of service. You'll receive a confirmation email with your itinerary following your booking.

● Phone: Call the Alaska Railroad reservation department at 800.544.0552 and book over the phone.

● In person: Head directly to the Alaska Railroad's Anchorage depot at 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501, and purchase a ticket at the station. 

While booking in person at the depot is a great backup plan, it's recommended to secure your ticket online well in advance, especially during the busy summer months.

Hire An Independent Coach

3. Arrive At Seward Cruise Port

The Seward cruise port is located about one mile from downtown. Once you arrive, you'll need to drop off your luggage, check in at the port terminal with your documents and go through a standard security check. Boarding typically opens between late morning and early afternoon, depending on your sailing.

The only thing left to do at this point is jump on board and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

4. Optional: Pre- Or Post-cruise Stay

What Can You Do In The Kenai Fjords?

Once you’re gliding through Kenai Fjords, adventure time amplifies. You'll witness the best of Alaska in high definition from the ship's deck, and day excursions let you get up close and personal with the region's most prized natural gems. 

Here are a few ideas for mind-blowing things to do in the Kenai Fjords during your cruise:

● Glacier tours: Watch an active tidewater glacier calve dramatically into the sea as the Fjords warm up to the summer. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the thunderous echo that follows.

● Whale watching: If you like the idea of a whale tour in Alaska, Kenai Fjords is the place to do it. You can spot humpback whales, orcas and grey whales cruising the nutrient-rich waters from May to November.

● Kayaking: Paddle between fjords and icebergs for a serene and humbling perspective on the sheer scale of these ice monsters. 

● Helicopter tours: For the adrenaline-lovers, nothing comes close to a bird’s-eye view of the Harding Icefield. Combine a thrilling flight with surreal views of the glaciers feeding the park’s rugged coastlines, and you've got the recipe for the perfect daredevil summer shots.

● Wildlife spotting: The Kenai Fjords wildlife is unreal. Keep an eye out for seabirds, mountain goats, sea otters, Steller sea lions and other marine wildlife at sea. Or, peer over to land and search for a moose or black bears along the rocky shores — this one's especially fun if you're cruising with the little ones. 

No matter your pace, Kenai Fjords will make your camera and heart rate alike work overtime.

Have An Ice-cool Summer Cruising Through Alaska

If there’s one way to experience Alaska at full volume, it’s by cruise. Extended daylight hours and calm seas make it prime time for summer explorations — and getting there is not only effortless, but a rite of passage for those willing to brave the Kenai Fjords during the summer.

From mammoth glaciers and abundant wildlife to daredevil helicopter excursions, a Kenai Fjords cruise is the ultimate way to push your summer outside the norm and beyond the edge of imagination.