A “Port of Tomorrow” for Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class cruise ships is taking shape thanks to a recently-approved funding plan.
The new project will replace an outdated and failing cruise port facility with a state-of-the-art pier designed to accommodate more and larger cruise ships in a sought-after destination.
Related: Royal Caribbean adds a convenient new homeport
While the port’s development received green-light approval in August, its funding was dependent on a state house bill authorizing the state-owned railroad company that purchased the new port facility to issue $135 million in revenue bonds for the project. The new port’s revenue will cover the cost of the bonds, allowing the project to move forward without relying on state tax dollars.
The new cruise port is considered a key infrastructure investment for the future of the state’s tourism industry as well as Royal Caribbean’s expansion in the region.
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Quantum-class ships are built for cold weather trips.
Image source: Daniel Kline/Come Cruise With Me
New project will modernize Seward, Alaska cruise port
With funding secured thanks to the Alaska House’s approval of House Bill 65 on Feb. 17, Seward, Alaska will soon be home to the Alaska cruise industry’s largest turn port facility.
Royal Caribbean Group is a partner in the project, having committed to a 30-year pier usage agreement. Its cruise line brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, will annually guarantee a combined revenue of 140,000 passengers beginning when the new facility opens.
While Royal Caribbean will have preferential berthing rights at the port, Alaska Railroad will own and operate the facility as an open dock with other cruise lines calling on Seward as well.
Related: Royal Caribbean and Carnival 1 vote away from new Caribbean port
Construction of the port’s new floating double berth pier is slated for fall 2025 to ensure an uninterrupted summer cruise season. The new passenger dock is expected to open in spring 2026.
Along with a modern floating pier, the new port facilities will include an integrated transportation hub and new cruise terminal designed to provide passengers with a seamless and comfortable transition between land and sea adventures. A 150-foot transfer span will connect disembarking cruise passengers directly to an Alaska Railroad train or other ground transportation.
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas will sail from Seward in 2026
Royal Caribbean will sail four ships in Alaska in summer 2026 with Quantum-Class Ovation of the Seas sailing many of its itineraries from the new Seward cruise port. Alternating northbound and southbound voyages that start in Seward or Vancouver will offer passengers opportunities to experience seven to 13 nights of Alaska’s wonders in Juneau, Sitka and Skagway, and majestic views for miles in between like Hubbard Glacier, one of the state’s largest tidewater glaciers.
Passengers will also be able to extend their Alaska vacations from Seward with cruisetour experiences on land like trekking the tundra wilderness, taking in views from glass-domed rail cars, and meeting professional dog sledders and their dog teams.
Related: Cruise industry asks crucial port to rethink cruise ban
In addition to its commitment to Seward, Royal Caribbean is also investing in Alaska’s busiest cruise destination, Juneau. Royal Caribbean is partnering with Goldbelt Incorporated, the urban Alaska Native, for-profit corporation of Juneau, on a plan for an additional Juneau cruise port designed to improve downtown traffic congestion and enhance the local and visitor experience.
Situated on the back side of Douglas Island, located across the Gastineau Channel from downtown Juneau, the new cruise port would remove a significant amount of tour bus traffic from the city’s downtown by allowing passengers to depart directly from the island onto whale-watching tours or shuttle boats to Mendenhall Glacier.
Along with easing traffic, the new cruise terminal would also offer cruise passengers the opportunity to experience the region’s Tlingit culture through a recreated 1800s Alaska Native Tlingit village.
The new Juneau port facility is projected for completion during the 2027 Alaska cruise season.
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