Royal Caribbean Group has detailed initial plans for a new cruise port facility in Juneau, Alaska. Royal Caribbean is working with Goldbelt Incorporated to develop Juneau’s Douglas Island.
The cruise company says it will help ease cruise-related congestion in downtown Juneau. Arriving visitors could depart directly on whale-watching tours and by boat to the Mendenhall Glacier.
McHugh Pierre, president and CEO of Goldbelt, Inc., says this would reduce Juneau bus traffic by around one-third.
Two Floating Berths on Douglas Island
The facility would have two floating berths. Situated on Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act land, cruise guests would be transported through a recreated 19th-century Alaska Native Tlingit village.
“Goldbelt has long sought to establish a cruise terminal and destination centered around Tlingit history on Douglas Island,” Pierre said.
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“We look forward to bringing this sustainable, culture-rich cruise ship terminal to life in partnership with Royal Caribbean Group.” At the same time, it would “provide community solutions to local transportation and economic development issues.”
Projected to Open In 2027
The Port of Tomorrow is named the port developer, and Turnagain Marine will carry out the design and construction. The project is slated for completion sometime during the 2027 Alaska cruise season.
“We are thankful to Goldbelt Incorporated and to the Juneau community for the partnership to bring solution-oriented initiatives, such as this port, to life,” said Preston Carnahan, AVP West Coast Destinations for Royal Caribbean Group.
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The port project will provide on-site worker housing and complement local infrastructure projects such as the second Juneau-Douglas crossing.
The location would also reduce fuel requirements and speed up journeys for ships sailing north to the port of Skagway or the Gulf of Alaska.
Juneau Visitor Industry Director Alexandra Pierce said that despite the relatively detailed plans announced, Royal Caribbean Group didn’t inform city officials.
