Royal Caribbean Group has officially inaugurated the Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey Alaska Railroad Terminal in Seward, Alaska, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and partnership. The facility, now the largest cruise terminal in the state, replaces aging dock infrastructure from the mid-1960s and positions Seward as a premier turn port for guests exploring Alaska’s iconic destinations.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Alaska dignitaries, local leaders, and partners such as Alaska Railroad, The Seward Company, and Turnagain Marine Construction. Josh Carroll, senior vice president of Deployment, Destination Development and Port Operations at Royal Caribbean Group, described the opening as the result of sustained collaboration with government stakeholders and the local community.
Seamless Ship-to-Rail Connectivity
The terminal sits directly adjacent to the Alaska Railroad station, enabling smooth passenger flows from ship to train. Guests can continue their journey to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and communities across Southcentral and Interior Alaska without leaving the terminal complex. The facility includes 41,500 square feet of enclosed space plus 27,000 square feet of open, pass-through luggage transfer layout, designed to handle high volumes efficiently.
Alaska Railroad President and CEO Bill O’Leary noted that the terminal is vital not only for Seward but for the broader region, as visitors increasingly combine cruise travel with overland exploration. The integration of rail and cruise infrastructure is a model that other destinations may look to replicate.
Year-Round Community Asset
Beyond the cruise season, the terminal is built for year-round operations and serves as Seward’s largest indoor space. It is designed to host recreational sports, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings during the colder months when cruise ships are absent. Royal Caribbean demonstrated this dual-use purpose by inviting the entire Seward community to celebrate the culmination of its Port Partners small business accelerator program. Standout business Exit Glacier Greenhouses received a $20,000 grant to scale operations, highlighting the company’s commitment to long-term economic development in coastal communities.
Shore Power and Clean Energy
The modernisation of the pier includes a shore power system developed through the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Grant. This system delivers cleaner air and reduced noise for the local community. Any excess power generated during winter months is stored in battery systems, serving as a backup power grid for Seward during unpredictable winter weather. This blend of cruise infrastructure, renewable energy, and community resilience sets a new standard for port development in Alaska.
The terminal is named in honour of Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey, recognising their contributions to Seward and the state. With its modern design, clean energy systems, and year-round community use, the facility is set to serve Seward for decades. For travel professionals, the terminal represents a significant upgrade in guest experience and operational efficiency, reinforcing Alaska’s position as a top cruise destination.
