Juneau’s Cruise Dockage Fees Set to Surge Nearly Double by 2026

In a significant move for cruise operations, Juneau, Alaska, is set to nearly double its dockage fees for cruise ships starting in 2026. The Juneau Assembly unanimously approved this increase on May 19, 2025, aiming to align public port charges with those of privately operated docks in Southeast Alaska. Alix Pierce, the director of the Juneau Visitor Industry, mentioned that cruise lines have been aware of this fee hike for years.

This fee adjustment follows previous discussions about implementing passenger fees, which the city plans to collect through enhanced port charges. Interestingly, the new dockage fees will be calculated based on the passenger capacity of each ship rather than its tonnage, which is expected to generate around $5 million annually for the municipality.

With the new structure, Juneau city officials intend to use the revenue more flexibly, not just limited to tourism-related projects. The anticipated revenue from passenger-related fees is expected to reach approximately $21.45 million in 2026, supported by a forecast of 1.65 million cruise visitors.

The city operates two of its four docks near Marine Park, which are often preferred by large cruise lines. Current fees from cruise passengers include a Marine Passenger Fee and a Port Development Fee among others. A significant portion of this revenue is earmarked for tourism-related improvements, including planned expenditures on projects like shore power expansion and enhancements to local waterfronts.

Competing interests within the community have emerged, with some residents advocating to limit the number of cruise ships and daily visitors to manage tourism impacts better. A recent proposal aimed to cap the number of annual cruise passengers at 1.5 million, but it failed to gather enough support. In light of these developments, Royal Caribbean is looking to bypass the new dock fees by developing a new port on Douglas Island, adjacent to Juneau, which will not be subject to the city’s fee structure.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.

Editorial Team

At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising.

Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry.

Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.