By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Kenai Fjords Cruise
A Day We’ll Never Forget on Our Kenai Fjords Cruise
Some travel days stay with you forever — and our day cruising through Kenai Fjords National Park out of Seward, Alaska, with Major Marine Tours was one of them.
From the moment we left Seward Harbor, glassy water reflected snow-capped peaks as sea otters floated alongside the boat. And, the farther we cruised into Kenai Fjords National Park, the more alive the scenery became. By the end of the six-hour Kenai Fjords Cruise, we’d spotted orcas, sea lions, and puffins — and stood just a short distance from the towering face of Holgate Glacier.
If you’re planning a Seward Alaska adventure, this is the excursion that captures everything Alaska is known for — towering glaciers, incredible wildlife, and those “I-can’t-believe-I’m-here” moments that make the trip unforgettable.
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Tip: Check in at the Harbor 360 Hotel side of Seward Boat Harbor. Open in Google Maps
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Table of Contents
- Why Choose a Kenai Fjords Cruise?
- Booking Your Kenai Fjords Cruise with Major Marine Tours
- Our Day Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park by Cruise
- Tips for Booking Your Kenai Fjords Cruise
- Is the Major Marine Tour Worth It? Absolutely.
Why Choose a Kenai Fjords Cruise?
The Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise is one of the top-rated wildlife and glacier cruise in Alaska for a reason. The park itself is a wild mix of ocean, mountains, and ice — home to nearly 40 glaciers and abundant marine life. Also, cruising here takes you to places unreachable by road, where Holgate and Aialik Glaciers spill directly into turquoise fjords.
Compared with other Seward boat tours, Major Marine Tours delivers both variety and value. You’re not only sightseeing — you’re stepping into an open-air documentary, with experienced captains narrating geology, history, and wildlife behavior along the way.
Whether you’re interested in Kenai Fjords glacier tours, Seward whale watching, or simply the best Kenai Fjords cruise from Seward, this experience checks every box.
Booking Your Kenai Fjords Cruise with Major Marine Tours
We booked our tour through Viator, selecting the Major Marine Tours Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier & Wildlife Cruise.
Because, Major Marine Tours reviews consistently mention friendly crews, comfortable boats, and the chance to see whales up close — and they delivered on all three.
Major Marine offers several cruise lengths, but the 6-hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise hits the sweet spot. It’s long enough to reach remote fjords yet short enough to enjoy in a single day while staying in Seward. Seating is assigned indoors, a huge plus on chilly days, with open-air decks available on a first come, first serve basis, for photos and wildlife spotting.
Tip: If you’re on a Kenai Peninsula road trip, plan to stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on your way from Anchorage to Seward, then join the Kenai Fjords Cruise the following day.
Our Day Exploring Kenai Fjords National Park by Cruise
Departure from Seward Harbor on Major Marine Skana
We started the morning with coffee from Resurrect Art Coffee House before checking in with Major Marine Tours inside the Harbor 360 Hotel.
Check-in moved quickly and was well-organized. We boarded the stable catamaran Skana around 11:30 a.m., found our assigned indoor seats, and then headed straight to the open upper deck, claiming the best views. Within minutes, we were gliding past fishing boats and seabirds across Resurrection Bay.
The weather shifted from cloudy to sunny, and while the air stayed cool, the excitement on board warmed everyone up.
As the town of Seward disappeared behind us, the captain introduced the crew and outlined the day’s route — a scenic journey through Kenai Fjords National Park toward Holgate Glacier.
Tip: Arrive early to snag upper-deck seating — those open-air views are worth it.
Whales & Wildlife Along the Fjords
Not long after leaving Resurrection Bay, the first wildlife sightings began.
It was a group of harbor seals lounging on sunlit rocks, looking like white grubs on the shoreline.
Moments later, the captain pointed out a cluster of Steller sea lions piled together on a nearby shoreline — being lazy and impossible not to smile at.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: a pod of killer whales surfacing in Aialik Bay.
At first sight, everyone rushed to the side of the boat, trying to get the best views as cameras clicked in rapid bursts.
The captain slowed the vessel, giving us plenty of time for photos as the orcas glided through calm water — their tall dorsal fins slicing the surface, tails slapping the waves, and mist rising from each blowhole. Watching them so close in their natural habitat was nothing short of magical.
We even spotted a puffin flying low across the water, before disappearing into the distance — a small but memorable sight that added to the sense of wonder.
At one point, the captain slowed the boat again to point out mountain goats perched impossibly high on the cliffs. Their white coats stood out against the rocky landscape. The captain gave us extra time to admire them, a reminder of just how untouched this region still is.
These kinds of moments is what defines an Alaska wildlife cruise — unpredictable, awe-inspiring, and worth every minute.
Glacier Views from the Major Marine Cruise
As we continued deeper into Kenai Fjords National Park, the scenery grew even more dramatic. Towering cliffs rose from turquoise water, dotted with waterfalls and lush green moss.
Earlier in the day, we caught a distant glimpse of Bear Glacier, the park’s largest piedmont glacier, before continuing toward the highlight of the trip — Holgate Glacier.
The closer we cruised to Holgate Glacier, the colder the air became. A chill rolled across the deck from the towering wall of blue ice ahead. Also, you could hear faint cracks echoing through the fjord and see deep crevices glowing a brilliant blue in the sunlight. The crew paused the boat at a safe distance, giving everyone time for photos while sharing facts about glacial movement and the park’s geology.
Adding a bit of fun, crew members scooped up small chunks of glacial ice to make a special drink for passengers. For just $5, you could sip a margarita made with real glacier ice — the perfect souvenir moment from a day spent among Alaska’s frozen giants.
Lunch and Onboard Amenities
Lunch was served shortly after leaving Seward — a simple but satisfying deli spread with your choice of roast beef, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich, plus chips, a granola bar, and plenty of coffee and water. It wasn’t fancy, but it hit the spot after a afternoon spent watching wildlife and glaciers.
In addition, onboard amenities made the cruise comfortable: a heated cabin, clean restrooms toward the back of the boat, and binoculars available for everyone to use.
An on-site bar also served beer, wine, and mixed drinks — perfect for sipping while taking in the views of Kenai Fjords National Park from the deck.
Returning to Seward – Our Cruise Takeaway
The return trip to Seward was calm and peaceful, with sunlight sparkling on the bay and snow-dusted peaks framing the horizon. A few passengers dozed off in the heated cabin, while others lingered on deck, still hoping for one last wildlife sighting.
As we neared the harbor, the captain pointed out unique rock formations and a bald eagle perched high on a cliff — a fitting farewell to Kenai Fjords National Park.
Pulling back into Resurrection Bay, the mood on-board was a mix of excitement and quiet reflection. Everyone seemed to know they’d just experienced something special.
For us, what stood out most was the balance between adventure and comfort. The Major Marine Tours crew made the day feel seamless — from spotting whales and glaciers to learning about the park’s history and geology. Out of our ten days exploring the Kenai Peninsula, this cruise easily ranked as one of our favorite memories.
For anyone visiting Seward, Alaska, a Kenai Fjords Cruise truly captures the best of what makes this part of the state so unforgettable — the wildlife, the scenery, and the feeling of being surrounded by something bigger than yourself.
🐋 Book Your Kenai Fjords Cruise Adventure
Experience glaciers, whales, and the rugged coastline of Kenai Fjords National Park on a full-day Major Marine Tours cruise from Seward. This six-hour tour takes you deep into Aialik Bay and Holgate Glacier — one of Alaska’s most unforgettable experiences.
➜ Check Current Availability on Viator
Tips for Booking Your Kenai Fjords Cruise
If you’re planning a Kenai Fjords Cruise, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Book early — especially in summer:
Tours with Major Marine fill quickly from June through August. If you’re visiting in peak season, reserve at least a few months in advance to lock in your preferred departure time and boat size. - Dress in layers:
Even on sunny days, temperatures on the water can drop quickly as you approach the glaciers. A waterproof jacket, gloves, and a warm hat make a huge difference — especially on the open deck. - Arrive early for check-in:
Boarding starts about 30 minutes before departure at the Harbor 360 Hotel in Seward Boat Harbor. Arriving early gives you time to grab coffee, find good upper-deck seating, and settle in before the cruise begins. - Bring a camera:
Wildlife sightings happen fast. Whether it’s a whale surfacing or a sea lion basking on the rocks, you’ll want to be ready. - Combine it with other nearby attractions:
If you’re driving from Anchorage, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center along the way — it’s a great warm-up for the animals you’ll see in the wild. You can also explore Exit Glacier after the cruise or extend your trip with a day of Halibut fishing in Seward - Looking for a place to stay:
See my full breakdown of the best places to stay in Seward, Alaska — from harbor-view hotels to cozy cabins.
Is the Major Marine Tour Worth It? Absolutely.
Looking back, this Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise was one of the best travel decisions we made during our Alaska trip. It combined everything we hoped to experience — wildlife, glaciers, and scenery that feels almost unreal.
What makes Major Marine Tours stand out is how well they balance comfort and adventure. You’re not just along for the ride; you’re learning about the park’s history, geology, and ecosystems from a team that clearly loves what it does.
The six-hour tour felt just right — long enough to reach Holgate Glacier and see plenty of marine life, yet not so long that you’re exhausted by the end of the day. Between the stable catamaran, friendly crew, and breathtaking views, it’s easy to see why this cruise ranks among Alaska’s most popular.
If you’re debating whether to add a Kenai Fjords Cruise to your itinerary, do it. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a Kenai Peninsula road trip, connecting seamlessly with other must-do experiences, like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Kenai River fishing charters.
Adventure Awaits. Book It!
Alaska Road Trip: 10 Remarkable Days on the Kenai Peninsula Places to Stay in Seward Alaska: You’ll Love This Coastal Town Alaska Wildlife Tour: The Best Way to Meet Alaska’s Wildlife Face-to-Face at AWCC Best Kenai River Fishing Guides: My Top 3 Picks Kenai River Fishing Charter: My Honest Review of King of the River in Alaska Ultimate Alaska Itinerary: Anchorage to Kenai in 10 Epic Days
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