Overnight in Seward prior to Holland America cruise?

Question

We will be arriving Anchorage late in evening on a Monday, early in June (2 days earlier than start of Holland America trip which starts with accomodations at Captain Cook hotel on Wed.). HA transportation to Denali on Thurs morning.

We're thinking of spending Monday night in Anchorage, picking up a rental car Tues morning, driving to Seward and visiting the SeaLife Center in the afternoon (it's open until 7pm). Overnight in Seward on Tues and then a half-day cruise on Wed. before returning to Anchorage.

Does this seem reasonable to do with the one overnight? It would be nice to have another day in Seward, but the flights into Anchorage are considerably more expensive on Sunday. We might consider that anyway.

Would also appreciate rec. for cruise in Seward.

Thoughts?

Answer

Your plan of spending one overnight in Seward prior to your Holland America cruise is feasible, but it will be a fairly tight schedule. Driving from Anchorage to Seward takes about 2.5 to 3 hours without stops, so with a morning departure, you should arrive in time to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center in the afternoon. Spending the night in Seward will allow you to start your half-day cruise the next morning without feeling rushed.

Here are some points to consider for your itinerary:

Monday night in Anchorage: This makes sense given your late arrival, allowing you to rest before starting your drive to Seward on Tuesday.
Tuesday drive to Seward: Consider leaving early in the morning to maximize your time in Seward. The drive itself is scenic along Turnagain Arm, so you may want to allow time for stops to enjoy the views and take photos.
Alaska SeaLife Center: Open until 7pm, it’s a perfect stop for your afternoon in Seward. It’s both educational and family-friendly, and you can comfortably explore it in a couple of hours.
Overnight in Seward: This will give you a good night’s rest and position you well for your half-day cruise on Wednesday.
Wednesday cruise options: Half-day cruises are ideal if you want to return to Anchorage the same day. Popular options include Kenai Fjords National Park tours that feature glacier viewing and wildlife spotting, including whales, sea otters, puffins, and seals. If you book early, you can secure a morning cruise that ends by early afternoon, giving you time to drive back to Anchorage for your next leg of the trip.

If you wanted to extend your stay in Seward for an additional day, it would certainly make your experience more relaxed and allow for a full-day cruise or additional activities like kayaking, hiking to Exit Glacier, or exploring the town. However, as you noted, flights into Anchorage are more expensive on Sunday. With only one overnight, your itinerary is doable, just a bit compressed.

In summary, your plan is reasonable and can work well with proper timing. Book your cruise in advance to ensure availability, and plan for an early departure from Anchorage to make the most of your single day in Seward. If budget and time allow, consider adding another day for a more relaxed schedule, but one overnight can still provide a rewarding experience.

Overnight in Seward prior to Holland America cruise?

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