When most people think about the end of their Northbound Alaskan cruise, they think about getting from the cruise port to the airport as quickly as possible. But what if that transfer could become one of the highlights of your vacation?
After disembarking our Royal Caribbean cruise in Seward, we faced a common challenge for Alaska cruisers: the cruise port and Anchorage Airport are roughly 120 miles or two to three hours apart. While there are plenty of transportation options available—including motorcoaches and scenic trains—most take you directly from point A to point B without giving you the opportunity to truly experience the incredible scenery along the way.
Since we had several hours between leaving the ship and our flight home, I decided to book an extended land transfer tour from Seward to Anchorage. Lasting more than eight hours, it turned out to be the perfect ending to what had already been an amazing family vacation.
Our day began right at the cruise port, where communication from our guide was excellent from the start. He arrived in a newer Mercedes Sprinter van that accommodates up to 12 guests. For reference, our group consisted of five adults, and we were paired with another family of five that included three young children. Even with ten passengers, there was plenty of room for everyone to spread out and relax. One thoughtful touch was the welcome bag provided to each guest, filled with snacks and bottled water. It may seem like a small detail, but it was greatly appreciated throughout such a long day of exploring.
Our first stop was the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park area and Exit Glacier. We were given about an hour and a half to hike and explore the trails. My family chose the more challenging route in hopes of getting as close to the glacier as possible. As we neared the top, something happened that perfectly summed up the level of service we experienced throughout the day. Our guide came running up the trail to find us so he could take a family photo with the glacier in the background. After snapping our pictures, he asked if we had seen the other family. Since they had younger children, they had chosen a less intense trail. Without hesitation, he turned around and ran back down the mountain to find them and make sure they also got memorable family photos. That level of dedication and personal attention is something you don't often find.
After our glacier adventure, we settled back into the van for a scenic drive through some of Alaska's most beautiful landscapes. Along the way, we stopped at a local shop and restaurant where guests could grab coffee, snacks, and ice cream. If you ask my teenagers, this may have been their favorite stop of the entire day!
Next, we visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, one of the highlights of the tour. Here we were able to see bears, moose, bison, and other native Alaskan wildlife up close. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience animals that many visitors hope to see during their cruise but don't always encounter in the wild.
The adventure continued with several scenic stops, including Beluga Point, where dramatic mountain views meet the coastline, and Potter Marsh, a beautiful wetland bird sanctuary filled with wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
As we approached Anchorage, our guide continued to showcase some of the area's most interesting locations. We drove through Earthquake Park, which offered panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape, and even stopped near the Anchorage airport to watch seaplanes take off and land.
Eventually, we arrived at Anchorage Airport, where our family's journey came to an end. Our guide dropped us off before continuing on with the other family for a few additional stops in Anchorage.
Looking back, this wasn't just an airport transfer—it was a full-day Alaskan adventure. Instead of spending hours simply getting from the cruise port to the airport, we experienced glaciers, wildlife, scenic viewpoints, local culture, and unforgettable family memories.
If you're sailing into Seward and have extra time before your flight home, I highly recommend considering a land transfer tour. It's a fantastic way to squeeze even more adventure into your Alaska vacation and experience parts of the state you might otherwise miss.
If you're interested in a memorable journey home instead of just another transfer, reach out to your favorite Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist.
