Goldbelt Inc. Unveils Ambitious $500M Cruise Port Project for Douglas Island, Juneau, Alaska
Goldbelt Inc. has recently unveiled its ambitious plan for a $500 million cruise ship port on the "backside" of Douglas Island, which it presented to the Juneau Assembly in late September. Dubbed Goldbelt Aaní, the project was initially announced last autumn in collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group, although the full scope of the initiative is now being disclosed.
McHugh Pierre, President and CEO of Goldbelt, shared that the port aims to serve as a semi-private cruise destination while promoting Lingít culture and providing economic opportunities for the Juneau community. The company owns approximately 1,800 acres along Douglas Island’s northwest coastline, with the port set to occupy about 250 acres at the end of North Douglas Road.
The development will roll out in phases, starting with essential infrastructure like docks, roads, a welcome center, and wastewater treatment systems. Later phases will introduce additional features such as employee housing, childcare facilities, retail spaces, dining options, and a replica Lingít village to honor indigenous heritage.
Current efforts include obtaining permits, with discussions underway with city planners and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The design plans include two floating cruise berths linked to the shore, various visitor attractions highlighting cultural elements, and amenities like a small-boat harbor and marine fuel terminal.
Furthermore, innovative ideas such as skybike cable loops, elevated observation platforms, and cultural performance venues have also been mentioned in the permit documents, though these features remain speculative.
Goldbelt intends for the docks to accommodate the largest cruise ships currently visiting Juneau. The project is expected to take several years, with offshore works potentially lasting two years and onshore construction possibly requiring five or more years. The first ship calls are anticipated by 2028.
During the Assembly meeting, concerns were raised regarding the ability of North Douglas Highway to handle increased cruise traffic. Pierre assured that Goldbelt aims to minimize road use by directing visitor access from the water and possibly offering shuttle ferry services. Despite the city’s voluntary limit of five cruise ships per day, he stated that prospective clients are committed to adhering to this cap, and the new port could help distribute visitor flows more evenly throughout the region.
Goldbelt has pledged to provide regular updates to the community as the project progresses. While formal permit applications have yet to be submitted, the initiative is in an ongoing developmental phase, with environmental reviews, cultural consultations, and municipal approvals still in the pipeline.
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