Seward Cruise Terminal Opening Delayed After Inspection Uncovers Issues

Seward's newly rebuilt cruise terminal will miss its May 14 opening by eight days due to inspection findings requiring removal of marine structures before operations begin. The $137 million facility, developed through partnerships between the Alaska Railroad Company, Royal Caribbean Group, and Turnagain Marine, features a double-berth floating pier and 41,500-square-foot terminal. Large clusters of piles must be cleared from the seabed prior to receiving vessels. During the delay, affected cruise ships including Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas, Silversea's Silver Moon, Celebrity's Celebrity Summit, and Viking's Viking Venus are being rerouted to Whittier, approximately 88 miles away. Smaller UnCruise Adventures vessels reportedly proceeded as scheduled. The facility is expected to open May 22 and accommodate larger ships for the 2026 Alaska season.

Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Catie Kovelman (May 18, 2026).