Seward, Alaska — Royal Caribbean Group, a global vacation leader, recently commemorated the opening of the Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey Alaska Railroad Terminal with partners Alaska Railroad, The Seward Company, Turnagain Marine Construction at an official ribbon cutting ceremony including Alaska dignitaries Representative Louise Stutes of Kodiak and Seward, 5th District; Representative Alyse Galvin of Anchorage, 14th District; Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Commissioner Julie Sande; and Seward Mayor Sue McClure.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the culmination of nearly a decade of efforts to unlock this world-class travel destination, bringing long-term economic opportunities to Seward and beyond,” said Josh Carroll, senior vice president, Deployment, Destination Development and Port Operations. “The journey to open the Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey Alaska Railroad Terminal as a portal to premier travel destinations would not have been possible without our supporting partners, government official stakeholders, and the local community.”
The new terminal replaces aging dock facilities that date to the mid-1960s, positioning Seward as a premier cruise turn port.
“We know how important the terminal is not just to Seward, but to communities across Southcentral and Interior Alaska as these cross-gulf cruise guests take the opportunity to explore Alaska by land as well,” said Bill O’Leary, President and CEO of the Alaska Railroad, the longtime owner and operator of the Seward passenger dock and terminal.
As the largest cruise terminal in Alaska, this state‑of‑the‑art facility is designed to elevate guest experiences by prioritizing optimized passenger flows, sheltered queuing, and efficient passenger processing. The facility’s direct adjacency to the Alaska Railroad station opens convenient onward travel to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the broader communities of Alaska. The terminal is divided into 41,500 square feet of enclosed space and 27,000 square feet of open, pass-through luggage transfer layout.
The modernization of the pier includes a shore power system, developed through the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Grant, resulting in cleaner air and reduced noise. With this alternative energy capability, any excess power generated during winter months will be stored in battery systems, serving as a backup power grid for Seward during unpredictable winter weather.
Built for year-round operations, the terminal serves as the community’s largest indoor space, enabling ongoing recreational sports, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, amidst winter weather conditions in the cruise off-season.
(Photo from Royal Caribbean Group)