Introduction

Juneau has long been a cruise ship destination for those sailing to Alaska, with the city being a primary port of call. While the Alaska market for large cruise ships has grown, both in size of vessels and in the number of visitors, the demand for a more intimate Alaskan experience on small cruise ships has also grown. As the small cruise ship industry continues to grow, it is essential to concentrate necessary growth on the marine facilities and services to accommodate this growing industry.

The Juneau Small Cruise Ship Master Plan will analyze existing and future market demand for small cruise ship voyages, determine needs and capacity for marine and shore side services, identify potential sites, and develop master plan recommendations with associated costs. The master plan will provide necessary background information and recommendations to allow the Port of Juneau to work with the Docks and Harbors Board and the public in prioritizing and delivering the needed facilities to support small cruise ships visiting Juneau.

Industry research indicates that Juneau will continue to be a desired port of call and can expect small cruise ship traffic to increase in modest amounts over the next five to ten years*. Based on current and future demand, the Port of Juneau staff recommends constructing a 350-foot small cruise ship float with berths on both sides and the necessary uplands development to support the marine facility. The planning team identified 13 sites to study based on the relevant criteria and conducted a site inventory of each site. Each site inventory and assessment looked at regulatory requirements and restrictions, biophysical impacts, transportation facilities, utility and site amenities, associated costs, and the overall visitor experience. 

As the planning process continues in 2020, the 13 sites will be reduced to 3-5 sites for further investigation and eventually a preferred site selected. These selected sites and the preferred site will each have a marine and uplands master plan developed supported by estimates. The project is expected to be completed in early 2021.

Project goals:

• Identify small cruise ship forecast and market trends.*
• Evaluate opportunities for infrastructure investment
• Develop cost estimates and infrastructure options through schematic design
• Produce a master plan document to guide Docks and Harbors for the next decade 

*This project started in early 2019, prior to the pandemic. While COVID-19 has impacted the 2020 season (and perhaps longer), we are using this period to plan for the future when impacts have ended.