Juneau, Alaska Implements Cap on Cruise Passenger Arrivals

The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) and the cruise lines visiting the port have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at managing visitor industry volume in the capital city, according to a press release.

The agreement sets a daily limit of 16,000 lower berths, with a cap of 12,000 on Saturdays, and includes an annual commitment to optimize the schedule, review visitor numbers, and discuss community goals.

This MOA, negotiated by CBJ and the Cruise Lines International Association in Alaska (CLIA), is based on recommendations from the Visitor Industry Task Force (VITF) established in 2021 and strengthens the collaboration between the parties.

Alexandra Pierce, Juneau Visitor Industry Director, stated, “The cruise industry is vital to our local economy, and we need to improve our infrastructure and grow our tour capacity to create a great guest experience and reduce impacts on residents.”

She added, “With this agreement, we are committing to a cap to manage our busiest days and to meet annually to ensure that our visitor numbers remain sustainable. This work is difficult, time-consuming and extremely important for our community. We appreciate the partners who helped us get here.”

CBJ emphasized that these daily thresholds are essential for preserving both the resident and visitor experience and providing a stable market for local businesses dependent on the cruise industry.

The City also highlighted the partnership and collaboration between the community and industry to sustain a vibrant visitor industry in Juneau and Southeast Alaska.

Renée Limoge Reeve, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at CLIA, commented, “This latest agreement reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to work with CBJ and the residents of Juneau to deliver win-win partnerships. Cruise lines are committed to being strong partners with the community and the City’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining a dialogue to foster solutions to the issues highlighted by the VITF.”

She continued, “We’ve heard the community’s concerns and will continue to partner with CBJ to improve the experience of residents and visitors alike.”