June 11, 2026, by Seward Folly Staff

Seward docked its first Quantum-class cruise ship, the Ovation of the Seas, early Friday Morning, June 5. After a somewhat tumultuous few weeks, the new dock and the entire system were heavily tested by the Royal Caribbean’s largest vessel. A Viking cruise ship docked next to it was dwarfed by its enormous size.  The ship was launched in 2016, stretches 1,141 feet in length, and has a maximum capacity of 4,905 passengers, about doubling the city of Seward’s population.

By mid-morning, the town saw a large influx of passengers walking up and down Port Avenue, and a surge of tourists in the harbor area, but there were no major incidents. The massive organizational lift to accommodate that number of passengers appeared to pay off. 

The ship features both indoor and outdoor attractions, including the North Star, a glass capsule that elevates guests 300 feet above sea level for sweeping ocean views, and RipCord by iFly, which offers a simulated skydiving experience. The SeaPlex is the largest indoor activity space at sea, complete with bumper cars, roller skating, and even a circus school. There’s also the FlowRider surfing simulator and the versatile venue called 270, which offers panoramic views by day and transforms into a theater with robotic screens and aerial performances at night. Among the bars and lounges is the innovative Bionic Bar — where robotic arms serve drinks.

The day before, Royal Caribbean Group had commemorated the opening of the Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey Alaska Railroad Terminal with partners Alaska Railroad, The Seward Company, and Turnagain Marine Construction at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

Dignitaries attending included Seward Representative Louise Stutes, Representative Alyse Galvin of Anchorage, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Commissioner Julie Sande, and Seward Mayor Sue McClure.

“We were delighted to have the Lindsey family join us for the ribbon cutting to honor Dale and Carol Ann’s many contributions to Seward and our state, and to celebrate an important milestone for this project,” Royal Caribbean stated.   

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, acquired by the city of Seward. 

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.

The large ship is due in Seward every other Friday during the summer.