The mainstays of Seward's economy are commercial fishing, commerce and tourism. Tourism is a big deal in quaint Seward, with the locals from Anchorage come to town to enjoy the recreational opportunities it offers. More than one hundred thousand cruise ship passengers pass through Seward to either start or end their cruises. Most people come to Seward to see the beautiful glaciers and wildlife to be found in the Kenai Fjords National Park, which is located south of the town, or Exit Glacier, which is located north of the town, or to go fishing for the ample quantities of salmon and halibut that teem in Resurrection Bay and surrounding waters, or to recreate on the Kenai peninsula. And of course Seward is the north terminus on the Vancouver to Seward cruise circuit.

Yet Seward has charms of its own. Seward is one of the more colorful towns in Alaska, owing to the outdoor murals located throughout the town. The restaurants are good, and for some reason they serve up some of the best pizza in the state. Plus if you're a fan of aquariums, Seward's Alaska SeaLife Center is a first rate institution dedicated to the study of Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife.

Cruise ships visiting Seward dock at the Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, which is located about one mile from the historic downtown area, and adjacent to the Small Boat Harbor. With only 2,700 residents, Seward is not a big town, even by Alaskan standards. There is no overnight Port of Seward parking, so be sure to set up a hotel and parking package for one of the few Seward Cruise Port hotels nearby.

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