Royal Caribbean to Build New Juneau Port to Reduce Congestion

Royal Caribbean is partnering with Goldbelt Incorporated to build a new cruise port in Juneau, Alaska, aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow. Set to open in 2027, the “Port of Tomorrow” will feature two berths and a recreated Alaska Native village, while diverting a third of downtown bus traffic, enhancing both visitor and resident experiences.

Royal Caribbean to Build New Port in Juneau, Alaska to Ease Congestion

As Alaska continues to see rising cruise traffic, Royal Caribbean Group is taking steps to alleviate the congestion. The cruise line has partnered with Goldbelt Incorporated, an Alaska Native for-profit corporation, to co-develop a new port on Douglas Island, just west of downtown Juneau. The port is intended to ease crowding, improve traffic flow, and enhance the visitor experience, while benefiting local businesses.

Some Juneau residents have expressed frustration with the large crowds cruise ships bring, leading to a recent ballot initiative proposing to ban cruise ships on Saturdays. However, 60% of voters rejected the measure, with 3,873 votes against it and 2,586 in favor.

Royal Caribbean’s planned project, called “The Port of Tomorrow,” is expected to be operational by the 2027 Alaska cruise season. The port will include two floating berths overlooking the scenic Chilkat Range and aims to strengthen Juneau’s infrastructure while relieving downtown traffic.

The new port will also offer a cultural experience, with passengers entering a recreated 1800s Alaska Native Tlingit village. There, they will learn about the heritage of Goldbelt Incorporated shareholders through stories, art, dance, and traditional foods.

One major benefit of the new port is its location. Set on Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act land on Douglas Island, the site will allow direct access to popular whale-watching tours and shuttles to Mendenhall Glacier, diverting some traffic away from Juneau’s busiest roads. The project is estimated to reduce bus traffic in downtown Juneau by nearly one-third.

The port’s location along major shipping routes also offers environmental advantages, shortening travel distances and reducing fuel consumption for ships heading to Skagway or Sitka.

Juneau, which hosts over 1.6 million cruise passengers annually, is a key stop for major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and Viking. The new port aims to accommodate the growing number of visitors while maintaining the city’s infrastructure and honoring its Alaska Native heritage.

This new development is set to support Juneau’s booming tourism industry, which generated $30 million in direct spending and $3.7 million in municipal revenue on Saturdays alone in 2023. The new port will help manage this growth, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy a better experience in the capital of Alaska cruising.