Alyeska or Seward?

[PC 462]

We are close to booking our first Alaska cruise tour on the Nieuw Amsterdam for May 2024. We are interested in the 14 day tour and cruise with the land portion first.  We've narrowed it down to two options- one goes to Alyeska and one goes to Seward.  They both sound nice to us.  Can anyone help with the pros and cons of each?

Thank you!

[crystalspin]

I don't know what the line is offering as shore excursions, but Seward has a number of "things to do". Whale-watching in Kenai Fjords (yes, you really do want to do this even though you are spending seven days on a ship), the Marine Center, Exit Glacier come to mind.

 

OTOH, Alyeska is 20 miles from the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which is worth a visit if you can't journey to Denali!

[vicd1969]

Seward is a port - so has some nice sea-based excursion possibilities (Whale watching, Fjord cruise, fishing, etc.) but also has nearby mountains and glaciers to explore. Alyeska is inland and offers more of a ski-resort vibe. But Alyeska is about halfway between Whittier and Anchorage so more convenient for getting from the airport. If you are the outdoorsy type, I would recommend Seward. 

Edited June 26, 2023 by vicd1969

[oaktreerb]

There is more to do in Seward.  The Kenai Fjords 6 hour tour is great.  It’s easy to get around Seward.  The Alyeska hotel is a lovely resort property with amazing views of Turnagain Arm.  We stayed there a few years ago.  Alyeska is best for those who have rented a car so that you can drive to see nearby attractions.

[crystalspin]

5 hours ago, PC 462 said:

...two options- one goes to Alyeska and one goes to Seward.  They both sound nice to us. 

Just to pipe up again. We visited Seward on the end of a 7-day HAL cruise in 2009, stayed there several days doing the things I mentioned, then self-drove to Palmer, Denali, and Fairbanks. We visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on the turn-around day on the 14-day Alaska Explorer, renting a van from Anchorage to get my 9-person family to AWCC, probably driving right by Alyeska... 

 

Happy to hear that HAL is going to port at Seward again! 

[AKJonesy]

When you say "One goes to Alyeska".  That is a resort in the town of Girdwood.  Depending on your ability and energy, both Seward and Girdwood (and surrounding) have much to offer.  So, I'll give you pros/cons of both.  First of all, each town, Girdwood and Seward have free shuttles so that will help you get around; although, they don't get you everywhere so that is also the downside. 

 

Alyeska/Girdwood:  Right out the back side of the Alyeska Hotel is the tram which goes up the mountain and if you look at the Alyeska Mountain webcam you will see the spectacular views you will get up there.  However, in May, there will still be some snow so you probably won't be able to hike up further from the top of the tram to the glacier, but you can definitely see it.  There are a couple of restaurants up there.  Not sure if both will be open in May.  You will have to call the Alyeska Hotel and ask.

Right where the tram is, there is a beautiful trail which takes you deep into the lush forest and close to the entrance, maybe 200 yards are some interpretive signs.  If you follow the trail, it will bring you to the hand tram.  Look that up online "hand tram near Alyeska hotel".  It is worth it even if the hand tram isn't open.  

Walkable from the Alyeska Hotel are a couple of restaurants.  If Sakura is open in Alyeska Hotel, I do recommend them, but other than that, I would take the shuttle or walk to Jack Sprat for dinner and The Bake Shop for breakfast hands down take my word for it.  Also, inside Alyeska Hotel on the 2nd floor and to the back of the hotel is the coffee shop with some pretty good breakfast items, soup and sandwiches, etc.  The must do at the Alyeska Hotel is the salt water swimming pool and walk in hot tub.  I am NOT talking about the Spa which is a huge upcharge.  Alyeska also has a gym.  I would also walk or take the shuttle to Girdwood Brewing.  You don't have to drink beer; they make great root beer and have food trucks for lunch items.  It's a cool place with a fun vibe and a must to.  Then walk into Girdwood; the town and there are some more restaurants and a cool old fashioned grocery store.  Another restaurant I recommend there is Double Musky.  The shuttle will take you there, but get there early; it is popular. Now, the downside.  Every place other than what I mentioned would require a car or a separate booking.  Just down the Seward Highway from Girdwood is the Alaska Conservation Center.  I take all of my guests there.  It is NOT a zoo.  If you go there, do not just take the bus through it.  To experience it, you have to get out and walk it.  Trust me.  The other place to go nearby Girdwood is Whittier for the 26 Glacier Cruise.  Again, trust me on this.  It is worth it and I take all of my guests.  

SEWARD - You will probably be put up right downtown so you would have access to a couple of places to see and do.  If it is raining, I do recommend the SeaLife Center.  You can spend a few hours there; at least.  All of the shops are downtown and near the harbor and you could spend hours shopping if that is your thing.  There is a very cool coffee shop in an old church downtown so if you like coffee, don't get it from the hotel; walk over to the church place.  Can't remember the name.  Around 3-4 pm the fish will start coming in from the charters and you should go over there and catch that.  They hang all of the fish and then clean them up for those on fishing charters.  Ask anyone is Seward where it is - easy to find.  Now, the best of Seward also requires a vehicle; whether that is the one cab service in Seward, or an excursion.  I would say that Exit Glacier is a must see.  It is about 10 miles or so from downtown; maybe a few miles more.  There is a nice visitor center there; it's all free; except the ride.  I would stop over at the Visitor's Center.  It's a few blocks from the Harbor ON the Seward Highway.  They can advise you on how best to get to Exit Glacier.  I also recommend Miller's Landing which is a couple of miles following the inlet from downtown, but again, you need a ride there.  If you go on a hike or excursion that is arranged through Miller's Landing, you will get picked up at your hotel in Seward.  Now, I personally PREFER the 26 Glacier Tour from Whittier over the Kenai Fjords Tour from Seward.  Reason is that I feel you see more on the 26 glacier tour.  While the KF Tour is looking for whales, which you will not see on the 26 glacier tour, it doesn't mean you are going to find them.  Also, the last time I was on the KF Tour the Gulf was rough and we had to stay inside for half the tour.  The Gulf can get rough, but you can check the weather with the Harbor Master right there are the harbor in Seward BEFORE booking the KF Tour.  

 

Both Alyeska/Girdwood offer great things to do and see but both are going to require some kind of vehicle which YOU CANT rent in either town.  So, I'd take a look at those websites and see what you think you would be most interested in, then make your choice.  

[Rothko1]

Last year we rented a car and drove out to Alyeska.  It was beautiful.  The main hotel is at the base of the mountain, and as mentioned, there are wonderful hiking trails at the base.  We took the gondola up to the top of the mountain and enjoyed spectacular views.

 

Then we made a critical error - we decided to hike down the mountain rather than ride down.  Don't get me wrong, it was a wonderful hike down and was a fabulous trek.  But my legs and upper thighs were soooooo sore about two days afterwards, I could barely walk and taking steps down was a nightmare!  LOL  Live and learn.  We ate at a nice brewery called the Sitmark afterwards.

 

Then we drove to the Wildlife Conservation Center which is a MUST SEE.  Bears, wolves, reindeer, etc.  All sorts of animals up close and personal.  Highly recommended.  And as mentioned, get out and walk to the various animal enclosures.  We got so many amazing photos, especially the brown bear that was frolicking in the water.

[TequilaJane]

On 6/27/2023 at 6:44 AM, AKJonesy said:

When you say "One goes to Alyeska".  That is a resort in the town of Girdwood.  Depending on your ability and energy, both Seward and Girdwood (and surrounding) have much to offer.  So, I'll give you pros/cons of both.  First of all, each town, Girdwood and Seward have free shuttles so that will help you get around; although, they don't get you everywhere so that is also the downside. 

 

Alyeska/Girdwood:  Right out the back side of the Alyeska Hotel is the tram which goes up the mountain and if you look at the Alyeska Mountain webcam you will see the spectacular views you will get up there.  However, in May, there will still be some snow so you probably won't be able to hike up further from the top of the tram to the glacier, but you can definitely see it.  There are a couple of restaurants up there.  Not sure if both will be open in May.  You will have to call the Alyeska Hotel and ask.

Right where the tram is, there is a beautiful trail which takes you deep into the lush forest and close to the entrance, maybe 200 yards are some interpretive signs.  If you follow the trail, it will bring you to the hand tram.  Look that up online "hand tram near Alyeska hotel".  It is worth it even if the hand tram isn't open.  

Walkable from the Alyeska Hotel are a couple of restaurants.  If Sakura is open in Alyeska Hotel, I do recommend them, but other than that, I would take the shuttle or walk to Jack Sprat for dinner and The Bake Shop for breakfast hands down take my word for it.  Also, inside Alyeska Hotel on the 2nd floor and to the back of the hotel is the coffee shop with some pretty good breakfast items, soup and sandwiches, etc.  The must do at the Alyeska Hotel is the salt water swimming pool and walk in hot tub.  I am NOT talking about the Spa which is a huge upcharge.  Alyeska also has a gym.  I would also walk or take the shuttle to Girdwood Brewing.  You don't have to drink beer; they make great root beer and have food trucks for lunch items.  It's a cool place with a fun vibe and a must to.  Then walk into Girdwood; the town and there are some more restaurants and a cool old fashioned grocery store.  Another restaurant I recommend there is Double Musky.  The shuttle will take you there, but get there early; it is popular. Now, the downside.  Every place other than what I mentioned would require a car or a separate booking.  Just down the Seward Highway from Girdwood is the Alaska Conservation Center.  I take all of my guests there.  It is NOT a zoo.  If you go there, do not just take the bus through it.  To experience it, you have to get out and walk it.  Trust me.  The other place to go nearby Girdwood is Whittier for the 26 Glacier Cruise.  Again, trust me on this.  It is worth it and I take all of my guests.  

SEWARD - You will probably be put up right downtown so you would have access to a couple of places to see and do.  If it is raining, I do recommend the SeaLife Center.  You can spend a few hours there; at least.  All of the shops are downtown and near the harbor and you could spend hours shopping if that is your thing.  There is a very cool coffee shop in an old church downtown so if you like coffee, don't get it from the hotel; walk over to the church place.  Can't remember the name.  Around 3-4 pm the fish will start coming in from the charters and you should go over there and catch that.  They hang all of the fish and then clean them up for those on fishing charters.  Ask anyone is Seward where it is - easy to find.  Now, the best of Seward also requires a vehicle; whether that is the one cab service in Seward, or an excursion.  I would say that Exit Glacier is a must see.  It is about 10 miles or so from downtown; maybe a few miles more.  There is a nice visitor center there; it's all free; except the ride.  I would stop over at the Visitor's Center.  It's a few blocks from the Harbor ON the Seward Highway.  They can advise you on how best to get to Exit Glacier.  I also recommend Miller's Landing which is a couple of miles following the inlet from downtown, but again, you need a ride there.  If you go on a hike or excursion that is arranged through Miller's Landing, you will get picked up at your hotel in Seward.  Now, I personally PREFER the 26 Glacier Tour from Whittier over the Kenai Fjords Tour from Seward.  Reason is that I feel you see more on the 26 glacier tour.  While the KF Tour is looking for whales, which you will not see on the 26 glacier tour, it doesn't mean you are going to find them.  Also, the last time I was on the KF Tour the Gulf was rough and we had to stay inside for half the tour.  The Gulf can get rough, but you can check the weather with the Harbor Master right there are the harbor in Seward BEFORE booking the KF Tour.  

 

Both Alyeska/Girdwood offer great things to do and see but both are going to require some kind of vehicle which YOU CANT rent in either town.  So, I'd take a look at those websites and see what you think you would be most interested in, then make your choice.  

Very good information. Thx

[shipshape sam]

On 6/27/2023 at 9:44 AM, AKJonesy said:

When you say "One goes to Alyeska".  That is a resort in the town of Girdwood.  Depending on your ability and energy, both Seward and Girdwood (and surrounding) have much to offer.  So, I'll give you pros/cons of both.  First of all, each town, Girdwood and Seward have free shuttles so that will help you get around; although, they don't get you everywhere so that is also the downside. 

 

Alyeska/Girdwood:  Right out the back side of the Alyeska Hotel is the tram which goes up the mountain and if you look at the Alyeska Mountain webcam you will see the spectacular views you will get up there.  However, in May, there will still be some snow so you probably won't be able to hike up further from the top of the tram to the glacier, but you can definitely see it.  There are a couple of restaurants up there.  Not sure if both will be open in May.  You will have to call the Alyeska Hotel and ask.

Right where the tram is, there is a beautiful trail which takes you deep into the lush forest and close to the entrance, maybe 200 yards are some interpretive signs.  If you follow the trail, it will bring you to the hand tram.  Look that up online "hand tram near Alyeska hotel".  It is worth it even if the hand tram isn't open.  

Walkable from the Alyeska Hotel are a couple of restaurants.  If Sakura is open in Alyeska Hotel, I do recommend them, but other than that, I would take the shuttle or walk to Jack Sprat for dinner and The Bake Shop for breakfast hands down take my word for it.  Also, inside Alyeska Hotel on the 2nd floor and to the back of the hotel is the coffee shop with some pretty good breakfast items, soup and sandwiches, etc.  The must do at the Alyeska Hotel is the salt water swimming pool and walk in hot tub.  I am NOT talking about the Spa which is a huge upcharge.  Alyeska also has a gym.  I would also walk or take the shuttle to Girdwood Brewing.  You don't have to drink beer; they make great root beer and have food trucks for lunch items.  It's a cool place with a fun vibe and a must to.  Then walk into Girdwood; the town and there are some more restaurants and a cool old fashioned grocery store.  Another restaurant I recommend there is Double Musky.  The shuttle will take you there, but get there early; it is popular. Now, the downside.  Every place other than what I mentioned would require a car or a separate booking.  Just down the Seward Highway from Girdwood is the Alaska Conservation Center.  I take all of my guests there.  It is NOT a zoo.  If you go there, do not just take the bus through it.  To experience it, you have to get out and walk it.  Trust me.  The other place to go nearby Girdwood is Whittier for the 26 Glacier Cruise.  Again, trust me on this.  It is worth it and I take all of my guests.  

SEWARD - You will probably be put up right downtown so you would have access to a couple of places to see and do.  If it is raining, I do recommend the SeaLife Center.  You can spend a few hours there; at least.  All of the shops are downtown and near the harbor and you could spend hours shopping if that is your thing.  There is a very cool coffee shop in an old church downtown so if you like coffee, don't get it from the hotel; walk over to the church place.  Can't remember the name.  Around 3-4 pm the fish will start coming in from the charters and you should go over there and catch that.  They hang all of the fish and then clean them up for those on fishing charters.  Ask anyone is Seward where it is - easy to find.  Now, the best of Seward also requires a vehicle; whether that is the one cab service in Seward, or an excursion.  I would say that Exit Glacier is a must see.  It is about 10 miles or so from downtown; maybe a few miles more.  There is a nice visitor center there; it's all free; except the ride.  I would stop over at the Visitor's Center.  It's a few blocks from the Harbor ON the Seward Highway.  They can advise you on how best to get to Exit Glacier.  I also recommend Miller's Landing which is a couple of miles following the inlet from downtown, but again, you need a ride there.  If you go on a hike or excursion that is arranged through Miller's Landing, you will get picked up at your hotel in Seward.  Now, I personally PREFER the 26 Glacier Tour from Whittier over the Kenai Fjords Tour from Seward.  Reason is that I feel you see more on the 26 glacier tour.  While the KF Tour is looking for whales, which you will not see on the 26 glacier tour, it doesn't mean you are going to find them.  Also, the last time I was on the KF Tour the Gulf was rough and we had to stay inside for half the tour.  The Gulf can get rough, but you can check the weather with the Harbor Master right there are the harbor in Seward BEFORE booking the KF Tour.  

 

Both Alyeska/Girdwood offer great things to do and see but both are going to require some kind of vehicle which YOU CANT rent in either town.  So, I'd take a look at those websites and see what you think you would be most interested in, then make your choice.  

We stayed in Girwood last August and enjoyed a raft trip that included a short train ride and paddling around some ice bergs before paddling downstream and back to train pickup.  Conservation center is neat too.  We watched with granddaughter a National Geographic like program and knew the names of some of the animals when we were there in August 2022.

 

Moose feeding/interaction is hit or miss for a fee at conservation center though.  Can't totally control them.  🙂

 

I am printing out your post as we want/hope to go back to Alaska and if lucky, spend a week on the Kenai peninsula.  Then head north to Fairbanks for the Aurora in late August or early September.  We had a great couple of days for the Aurora late August 2022 and there are some neat daytime attractions , like to large boat trip and the mine trip

 

[cruisequeen4ever]

It all depends on what you’re going for. If you want. Nice hotel, Alyeska all the way. If you’re going for SeaLife, it’d be Seward. You can hike to a glacier in Seward. You can hike a mountain in Girdwood (the town where Alyeska resort is). Both have good restaurants. Alyeska has spa services. Seward has fishing. Seward has more shops to walk around and explore. Hope that helps! Happy planning!

[quack2]

On 6/27/2023 at 6:44 AM, AKJonesy said:

When you say "One goes to Alyeska".  That is a resort in the town of Girdwood.  Depending on your ability and energy, both Seward and Girdwood (and surrounding) have much to offer.  So, I'll give you pros/cons of both.  First of all, each town, Girdwood and Seward have free shuttles so that will help you get around; although, they don't get you everywhere so that is also the downside. 

 

Alyeska/Girdwood:  Right out the back side of the Alyeska Hotel is the tram which goes up the mountain and if you look at the Alyeska Mountain webcam you will see the spectacular views you will get up there.  However, in May, there will still be some snow so you probably won't be able to hike up further from the top of the tram to the glacier, but you can definitely see it.  There are a couple of restaurants up there.  Not sure if both will be open in May.  You will have to call the Alyeska Hotel and ask.

Right where the tram is, there is a beautiful trail which takes you deep into the lush forest and close to the entrance, maybe 200 yards are some interpretive signs.  If you follow the trail, it will bring you to the hand tram.  Look that up online "hand tram near Alyeska hotel".  It is worth it even if the hand tram isn't open.  

Walkable from the Alyeska Hotel are a couple of restaurants.  If Sakura is open in Alyeska Hotel, I do recommend them, but other than that, I would take the shuttle or walk to Jack Sprat for dinner and The Bake Shop for breakfast hands down take my word for it.  Also, inside Alyeska Hotel on the 2nd floor and to the back of the hotel is the coffee shop with some pretty good breakfast items, soup and sandwiches, etc.  The must do at the Alyeska Hotel is the salt water swimming pool and walk in hot tub.  I am NOT talking about the Spa which is a huge upcharge.  Alyeska also has a gym.  I would also walk or take the shuttle to Girdwood Brewing.  You don't have to drink beer; they make great root beer and have food trucks for lunch items.  It's a cool place with a fun vibe and a must to.  Then walk into Girdwood; the town and there are some more restaurants and a cool old fashioned grocery store.  Another restaurant I recommend there is Double Musky.  The shuttle will take you there, but get there early; it is popular. Now, the downside.  Every place other than what I mentioned would require a car or a separate booking.  Just down the Seward Highway from Girdwood is the Alaska Conservation Center.  I take all of my guests there.  It is NOT a zoo.  If you go there, do not just take the bus through it.  To experience it, you have to get out and walk it.  Trust me.  The other place to go nearby Girdwood is Whittier for the 26 Glacier Cruise.  Again, trust me on this.  It is worth it and I take all of my guests.  

SEWARD - You will probably be put up right downtown so you would have access to a couple of places to see and do.  If it is raining, I do recommend the SeaLife Center.  You can spend a few hours there; at least.  All of the shops are downtown and near the harbor and you could spend hours shopping if that is your thing.  There is a very cool coffee shop in an old church downtown so if you like coffee, don't get it from the hotel; walk over to the church place.  Can't remember the name.  Around 3-4 pm the fish will start coming in from the charters and you should go over there and catch that.  They hang all of the fish and then clean them up for those on fishing charters.  Ask anyone is Seward where it is - easy to find.  Now, the best of Seward also requires a vehicle; whether that is the one cab service in Seward, or an excursion.  I would say that Exit Glacier is a must see.  It is about 10 miles or so from downtown; maybe a few miles more.  There is a nice visitor center there; it's all free; except the ride.  I would stop over at the Visitor's Center.  It's a few blocks from the Harbor ON the Seward Highway.  They can advise you on how best to get to Exit Glacier.  I also recommend Miller's Landing which is a couple of miles following the inlet from downtown, but again, you need a ride there.  If you go on a hike or excursion that is arranged through Miller's Landing, you will get picked up at your hotel in Seward.  Now, I personally PREFER the 26 Glacier Tour from Whittier over the Kenai Fjords Tour from Seward.  Reason is that I feel you see more on the 26 glacier tour.  While the KF Tour is looking for whales, which you will not see on the 26 glacier tour, it doesn't mean you are going to find them.  Also, the last time I was on the KF Tour the Gulf was rough and we had to stay inside for half the tour.  The Gulf can get rough, but you can check the weather with the Harbor Master right there are the harbor in Seward BEFORE booking the KF Tour.  

 

Both Alyeska/Girdwood offer great things to do and see but both are going to require some kind of vehicle which YOU CANT rent in either town.  So, I'd take a look at those websites and see what you think you would be most interested in, then make your choice.  

On the other hand, there are so many people on the 26 Glacier Cruise, and so little outdoor rail space, photography from the boat can be very frustrating.  I much prefer Kenai Fjords tours for that reason.  Smaller boats, but fewer people.  Also, I have been amazed by wildlife opportunities in Kenai Fjords.  On Wednesday, I had humpbacks, orca, sea lions, puffins, otters and multiple bird species.  The next day in Whittier on the 26 Glaciers, I only saw sea lions and birds. I would give a slight nod to 26 Glaciers for glacier variety, and you can get some good shots if you muscle your way up to the rail.

[oaktreerb]

27 minutes ago, quack2 said:

On the other hand, there are so many people on the 26 Glacier Cruise, and so little outdoor rail space, photography from the boat can be very frustrating.  I much prefer Kenai Fjords tours for that reason.  Smaller boats, but fewer people.  Also, I have been amazed by wildlife opportunities in Kenai Fjords.  On Wednesday, I had humpbacks, orca, sea lions, puffins, otters and multiple bird species.  The next day in Whittier on the 26 Glaciers, I only saw sea lions and birds. I would give a slight nod to 26 Glaciers for glacier variety, and you can get some good shots if you muscle your way up to the rail.

I’ve done the Kenai Fjords once several years ago.  I’ve done the 26 Glacier Cruise 3 times.  The 26 Glacier Cruise was crowded every time and i’ve seen plenty of glaciers anyway.  The Kenai Fjords was more interesting because of the variety of wildlife (including puffins) and the amazing scenery on a beautiful clear Alaska day.

 

 

[AKJonesy]

19 hours ago, quack2 said:

On the other hand, there are so many people on the 26 Glacier Cruise, and so little outdoor rail space, photography from the boat can be very frustrating.  I much prefer Kenai Fjords tours for that reason.  Smaller boats, but fewer people.  Also, I have been amazed by wildlife opportunities in Kenai Fjords.  On Wednesday, I had humpbacks, orca, sea lions, puffins, otters and multiple bird species.  The next day in Whittier on the 26 Glaciers, I only saw sea lions and birds. I would give a slight nod to 26 Glaciers for glacier variety, and you can get some good shots if you muscle your way up to the rail.

I have found that when the crew announces there is something to see, that is when most people rush outside.  We just waited a bit and then once people got their photos they moved out of the way.  Same thing on the KF Tours.  I like to mention 26 glacier tour because it is more than just 26 glaciers and there is a no sea sick guarantee for those concerned about getting sick.