Fact Sheet

Seward 2026: Rebuilding Alaska’s World-Class Port

The Seward Company, on behalf of its partners the Alaska Railroad, Royal Caribbean Group and Turnagain Marine, presents this design-build plan to replace the aging Port of Seward and expand and modernize its infrastructure into a world-class cruise two-berth, floating pier and passenger facilities.

About the Seward waterfront pier replacement project

At the heart of the project lies a state-of-the-art floating double-berth pier, spanning 100 feet in width and 748 feet in length, complemented by a 200-foot-long split-transfer span to facilitate safe and efficient embarkation and disembarkation of cruise passengers and provisioning vehicles. Designed to rise and lower with Alaska’s extreme tides while mooring ships along both sides, the floating structure also elevates the rebuilt Port of Seward to Alaska’s most innovative and functional port, purpose-built to accommodate the cruise industry’s newest ships.

Additionally, a 41,500-square-foot cruise terminal will offer indoor shelter and amenities for passengers, ensuring a seamless and comfortable transition between land and sea adventures. Maximizing the 13 acres of upland space, the integrated transportation hub, terminal building and double-berth pier are designed to streamline the boarding experience while simplifying the operational requirements of a full-service port. Designed for passenger safety, the parking lot features a forward-only vehicle movement pattern, with 32 bus stalls and 48 car spaces.

Who is the Seward Company

The Seward Company leads the project, with Turnagain Marine overseeing the engineering, design and construction of the dock and terminal.

How is the project being funded?

On August 1, 2024, the Alaska Railroad’s Board of Directors approved the purchase of a $137 million new cruise facility in Seward, Alaska. The executed purchase agreement marks the beginning of construction for the Alaska cruise industry’s largest turn port facility opening in spring 2026. Included within the purchase agreement is a Royal Caribbean Group 30-year Pier Usage Agreement. The brands Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises combine to annually guarantee revenue of 140,000 passengers beginning when the redesigned facility opens. Alaska Railroad will own and operate the facility as an open dock with multiple brands calling on Seward.