Juneau to Nearly Double Cruise Ship Dock Fees by 2026

City officials in Juneau have approved a significant increase in dock fees for large cruise ships, a move that is expected to bring in millions more in revenue.

As reported by KTOO, the Juneau Assembly voted unanimously on Monday to implement the fee hike, which applies only to major cruise vessels using city-owned docks.

Juneau’s Visitor Industry Director, Alix Pierce, explained that the adjustment is intended to align city dock rates more closely with those of private facilities in Juneau and other Southeast Alaska ports.

“We know that our rates are definitely low compared to the private docks here, and other ports in the region are also looking at their fee structure,” she said.

The new fee structure also changes how cruise ships are charged. Instead of basing rates on the ship’s tonnage and length, the city will now calculate fees based on passenger capacity.

This shift is projected to double the amount cruise lines will pay in docking fees, potentially doubling the city’s income from cruise operations starting in 2026. In 2023, Juneau collected about $2.5 million from dockage fees, with a similar amount forecasted for 2025.

Pierce indicated that cruise operators are unlikely to object to the changes. “We’ve been talking about it for long enough that they know it’s coming. I think, in the end, they’ve known that it’s coming for a few years,” she said.

The increased revenue will flow into Juneau’s Docks and Harbors enterprise fund, giving the city more flexibility in how the money can be used compared to other cruise-related taxes.

In addition, the Assembly gave the green light to the construction of a new private dock in downtown Juneau. This facility will be developed by Huna Totem Corporation.