Seward Luggage Storage: What to Do Before Hotel Check-In

Seward luggage storage is one of the first things cruise ship and train passengers need to think about when they arrive in town. Most travelers get into Seward early—by 8 am if they’re coming off a cruise, or around 11:15 am by Alaska Railroad. But hotel and Airbnb check-ins typically don’t start until 3 or 4 pm. That leaves you with a few hours, your bags in tow, and a big question: what to do in Seward before check-in?

Luckily, you don’t have to spend the day dragging luggage around. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your best options for secure, convenient storage near the cruise terminal and train depot. Even better, we’ll share how to turn those in-between hours into a fun, stress-free start to your Alaskan adventure—with tips on sightseeing, eating, and exploring right away.

📌 Why Early Arrivals Are Common in Seward

If you’re arriving in Seward by cruise ship or on the Alaska Railroad, chances are you’ll be here hours before you can check into your hotel or vacation rental. Most cruise ships dock at the Seward Cruise Terminal between 6:00 and 9:00 am, and passengers disembark shortly after. The Alaska Railroad train from Anchorage pulls into the Seward depot around 11:15 am, dropping off visitors ready to explore—but often with nowhere to stash their bags.

That’s where the timing gets tricky. Most hotels, lodges, and Airbnbs in Seward don’t offer check-in until 3:00 or 4:00 pm, and early check-in isn’t always guaranteed, especially in the busy summer season. That leaves you with 4 to 6 hours in town, your luggage in hand, and a few key decisions to make: where to store your bags, and how to make the most of your first day in this stunning little coastal town.

The good news? Seward is compact, walkable, and full of things to do—especially if you’re not hauling a suitcase behind you.

🧳 Where to Store Your Luggage in Seward

Worried about dragging your suitcase around town? Don’t be. Seward luggage storage options are surprisingly convenient, especially for cruise ship passengers and those arriving by train.

If you’re coming off a cruise, your easiest option is right at the terminal. Several tour companies—like Seward City Tours—offer luggage storage and day tours, so you can hop off the ship, drop your bags, and jump straight into exploring. These services are designed to sync perfectly with cruise schedules, and your bags will be kept safe and secure while you’re out having fun.

If you’re arriving by Alaska Railroad, you’ll find similar services available near the train depot. Some local tour operators and shuttle companies offer short-term luggage storage, and a few downtown businesses and hostels may also allow bag drops if you ask ahead.

Lastly, if you’ve booked a day cruise or Kenai Fjords tour, check with the company—many will hold your bags while you’re out on the water.

No matter how you’re arriving, the key is to plan ahead and confirm storage options early—especially in peak summer when demand is high.

🚌 Why Seward City Tours

All of our tours include free, full-day luggage storage, no matter which option you choose. That means whether you hop on our 1-hour Historical City Tour at 8:30 am or book the full-day Seward Deluxe Tour, we’ll securely store your bags for the entire day—and even deliver them to your hotel, Airbnb, or lodge once check-in time rolls around.

Taking the short tour? Great. You’ll get a fun and informative overview of Seward’s history and sights, then have the rest of your day free to explore—without your luggage slowing you down.
Choosing the Deluxe Tour? Even better. This all-inclusive adventure includes the Historical City Tour, a scenic trip to Exit Glacier, lunch at a local favorite restaurant, and admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center. It’s the perfect way to experience the best of Seward in just a few hours—and we’ll even drop you (and your bags) off at out-of-town locations like Bear Creek or Lowell Point if that’s where you’re staying.

Want to see start times, pickup locations, and pricing? Check out our tours page here.

Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your first day in Alaska.

🚢 A Perfect Day in Seward for Cruise Ship Passengers: Get Started Early!

If you’re disembarking from a cruise ship in Seward and looking to dive straight into the action, we’ve got the ideal itinerary for your first day—designed to be relaxing, scenic, and a true taste of Alaska.

8:30 am: Choose Your Morning Adventure

Start your day right with one of our guided tours, both of which include complimentary all-day luggage storage and pickup right at the cruise ship terminal.

Option 1: 1-Hour Historical City Tour (8:30–9:30 am)
Explore Seward’s charming streets and fascinating history on this quick but engaging tour. You’ll cruise past scenic spots, learn about our quirky past, and get oriented to town with a local guide. It’s the perfect bite-sized intro to Seward.

Option 2: History & Glacier Combo Tour (8:30–11:00 am)
Looking for a bit more adventure? This extended tour starts with our classic city tour and then heads out to Exit Glacier, the only land-based access point to Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll have time to take in glacier views and hear about the dramatic landscape changes before returning to town by 11 AM.

💼 No matter which tour you choose, we’ll store your luggage for free and deliver it to your in-town accommodations by check-in time. If you’re staying out of town and join our Deluxe Tour instead (which departs at 11:30 am) we’ll even bring your bags—and you—directly to your final destination.  

Midday Itinerary Based on Your Tour

If you took the Historical City Tour:

9:30 – 10:30 am: Coffee & Pastry at Resurrect Art Coffee House

Head over to Resurrect Art, a cozy café inside a converted church where you can relax with a local coffee and fresh pastry. Admire the local artwork, take a seat by the stained-glass windows, and enjoy the peaceful morning vibe.

10:30 – 11:30 am: Stroll Through Two Lakes Park

After your caffeine boost, take a short walk to Two Lakes Park. This hidden gem features moss-draped trees, glacially fed lakes, and a tranquil setting right in the heart of Seward. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and connect with Alaska’s natural beauty.

If you took the History & Glacier Combo Tour:

You’ll wrap up around 11:00 am, having already taken in the best of Seward’s town and glacier scenery—all before lunch. You can now hop into the rest of this itinerary starting with lunch.

11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Lunch at Zudy’s Café

& Shopping at Primrose Provisions

Head to Zudy’s Café, a local favorite nestled inside an old railroad station by the waterfront. Savor sandwiches, salads, and a slice of house-made cake while taking in views of Resurrection Bay. After lunch, stroll next door to Primrose Provisions to browse curated Alaskan goods, gifts, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine in their cozy tasting room.

1:30 – 3:30 pm: Explore the Alaska SeaLife Center

Spend the afternoon at the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you can get up close with rescued sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, and other native marine life. This world-class aquarium also serves as a marine research facility and offers interactive exhibits that bring Alaska’s underwater world to life.

3:30 – 4:00 pm: Hotel Check-In & Relax

After your day of exploring, it’s time to settle into your hotel or Airbnb. Your luggage will already be there, thanks to our tour services, so you can kick back and relax.

4:00 pm Onward: Dinner & Drinks

Treat yourself to dinner at The Flamingo Lounge for casual eats or try The Cookery for an elevated Alaskan dining experience with seasonal fare and local seafood.

Still feeling energetic? Check out Seward’s evening scene:

• 🎱 Tony’s Bar – great for pool and ping pong
  
  
• 🍺 Seward Alehouse – perfect for catching a game
  
  
• 🎶 The Yukon Bar – features live music, karaoke, and nightly events
  
  

📍 Ready to book your tour and let us handle the details? Check out all our tour options, start times, pickup locations, and pricing here.

🙌 Start Your Trip Right with a Tour (and Skip the Luggage Hassle)

Booking a guided tour on arrival is hands-down the best way to make the most of your first few hours in Seward. Whether you want to uncover the town’s rich history, get insider tips from passionate locals, or just avoid waiting around with your bags, our tours help you hit the ground running. You’ll get oriented quickly, see the highlights (and some hidden gems), and enjoy your time stress-free while we handle your luggage.

📌 Traveling during peak season (June–August)? Be sure to book your tour in advance—spots fill up fast!