The Seward Company Floating Cruise Dock and Passenger Terminal Project
What is the Seward Company’s project all about?
The Seward Company is undertaking the design, build, and construction of a world-class, floating cruise pier and passenger terminal at the Port of Seward, Alaska. This project will replace the current Alaska Railroad cruise port facility, which is outdated and failing.
What are the key features of the proposed cruise dock and passenger terminal?
The centerpiece of the project is a state-of-the-art floating double berth pier that measures 100 feet wide and 748 feet long, equipped with a 200-foot-long split transfer span to ensure safe and efficient embarkation and disembarkation of cruise visitors and provisioning vehicles. Additionally, there will be a 41,500-square-foot cruise terminal providing indoor shelter for passengers.
Who is involved in the project?
The Seward Company is leading the project, with Turnagain Marine, the general contractor, designing and constructing the pier and terminal. Ultimately, ARRC will purchase the real property with bonds secured with a long-term use agreement with Royal Caribbean Group.
What are the benefits of this project?
This project will (1) expand and modernize the aging railroad facilities at the Port of Seward (2) enable the facility to accommodate more and larger cruise ships, (3). create jobs during the project and for many decades afterward, (4) grow the visitor industry along the Railbelt, (5). support local businesses, (6) increase revenues for the city and borough through increased sales tax collection and their share of the commercial passenger vessel excise tax, (7) support long-term sustainability of the Alaska Railroad.
How will this project impact tourism in the region?
Seward will become a premier port of call for Royal Caribbean Group’s Quantum-class cruise ships (4,100 passengers), which will bring new opportunities for growth and expansion of Alaska’s visitor industry.
When will the project be completed?
Design and construction are scheduled to start immediately, with completion expected by spring 2026.
How is the project being funded?
The Seward Company as a private developer group will build the new dock and terminal to sell to the Alaska Railroad Corporation. To purchase the project, ARRC bonds will be secured by a long-term use agreement with anchor customer Royal Caribbean Group.
What measures are being taken to ensure community involvement and environmental sustainability?
The Seward Company is committed to working closely with local community stakeholders, government agencies, and tourism industry partners to ensure the successful completion of this vital waterfront project.
What can you tell me about the Port of Seward?
As the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward’s waterfront annually draws thousands of residents and visitors to the shores of Resurrection Bay. Annually, more than 200,000 people and all types of cargo enter or exit this strategic ice-free, deep-water port via the railroad dock facilities, which are directly connected to the state’s rail and road system.
How can I learn more about the companies involved in this project?
For more information about The Seward Company, its partners, or the project, please visit
