Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Juneau? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise ships dock in Juneau at the Juneau Cruise Terminal, located on the waterfront in downtown Juneau. The terminal is a major hub for cruise ship traffic in Alaska, and handles over 2 million passengers each year. The terminal is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, and is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers.

Cruise Ship Dock Notes
Norwegian Bliss Whittier Docks at the Port of Whittier, which is about 70 miles from Juneau.
Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas Juneau Docks at the Cruise Ship Terminal in Juneau.
Princess Majestic Princess Juneau Docks at the Cruise Ship Terminal in Juneau.

1. Cruise Ship Docks in Juneau

Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal

The Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal is located on the waterfront in downtown Juneau. It is the main docking location for cruise ships visiting Juneau, and can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons. The terminal has a passenger capacity of 9,000 and includes a number of facilities for cruise passengers, including a gift shop, a food court, and a number of other shops and restaurants. The terminal is also located close to a number of other attractions in Juneau, including the Alaska State Museum, the Juneau-Douglas Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Mendenhall Glacier.

Other Docking Locations

In addition to the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal, there are a number of other docking locations for cruise ships in Juneau. These include:

  • Auke Bay: Auke Bay is located about 10 miles from downtown Juneau. It is a popular docking location for smaller cruise ships, and offers stunning views of the mountains and glaciers.
  • Tongass Narrows: Tongass Narrows is located about 15 miles from downtown Juneau. It is a popular docking location for larger cruise ships, and offers easy access to the Mendenhall Glacier.
  • Skagway: Skagway is located about 90 miles from Juneau. It is a popular docking location for cruise ships that are taking the Inside Passage to Alaska.

Pros and Cons of Each Docking Location

The different docking locations in Juneau offer a variety of pros and cons. The following table summarizes some of the key considerations for each location:

| Docking Location | Pros | Cons |
|—|—|—|
| Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal | Close to downtown Juneau | Can be crowded during peak season |
| Auke Bay | Scenic views | Further from downtown Juneau |
| Tongass Narrows | Easy access to the Mendenhall Glacier | Further from downtown Juneau |
| Skagway | Close to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park | Further from Juneau |

2. Factors Affecting Cruise Ship Docking Decisions

Size of the Cruise Ship

The size of the cruise ship is a major factor in determining which docking location is used. Larger cruise ships require more space, and may not be able to dock at all of the available locations. The Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal can accommodate ships of up to 100,000 gross tons, while Auke Bay and Tongass Narrows can accommodate ships of up to 50,000 gross tons. Skagway is only able to accommodate ships of up to 30,000 gross tons.

Time of Year

The time of year is also a factor in determining which docking location is used. During the peak summer season, the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal can be very crowded. Cruise ships may choose to dock at Auke Bay or Tongass Narrows during this time to avoid the crowds. Skagway is also a popular option during the peak season, as it is a popular stop for cruise ships taking the Inside Passage to Alaska.

Other Factors

Other factors that may affect cruise ship docking decisions include the weather, the availability of facilities, and the cost of docking. The weather in Juneau can be unpredictable, and cruise ships may choose to dock at a location that is less exposed to the elements. The availability of facilities, such as restaurants and shops, can also be a factor in the decision-making process. Finally, the cost of docking can vary from one location to another. Cruise ships may choose to dock at the location that offers the best value for money.

History of Cruise Ship Docking in Juneau

Juneau has been a popular destination for cruise ships for over a century. The first cruise ship to visit Juneau was the SS Princess Victoria in 1898. The ship carried a group of tourists from Seattle to Juneau for a week-long tour of the Alaskan coast.

In the early days of cruise ship tourism, Juneau was a small town with a population of just over 3,000 people. The city did not have a deep-water port, so cruise ships had to anchor in the harbor and passengers were ferried ashore in small boats.

In 1913, the Alaska Railroad was completed, connecting Juneau to the rest of the United States. This made it easier for cruise ships to reach Juneau, and the number of cruise ship visits to the city increased steadily.

In 1972, the Alaska Marine Highway System was established. This ferry system provides year-round service between Juneau and other ports in Alaska. The Alaska Marine Highway System has helped to make Juneau a more accessible destination for cruise ships, and the number of cruise ship visits to the city has continued to grow.

Today, Juneau is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in Alaska. The city receives over 1 million cruise ship passengers each year. Cruise ships dock at the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal in downtown Juneau. The terminal is located on the waterfront, just a short walk from the city center.

Early Days of Cruise Ship Tourism

The early days of cruise ship tourism in Juneau were a time of great excitement and growth. The city was a frontier town with a population of just over 3,000 people. The arrival of a cruise ship was a major event, and it brought a welcome influx of visitors and revenue.

The first cruise ship to visit Juneau was the SS Princess Victoria in 1898. The ship carried a group of tourists from Seattle to Juneau for a week-long tour of the Alaskan coast. The passengers were eager to see the natural beauty of Alaska, and they were also interested in learning about the history and culture of the region.

The SS Princess Victoria was not the only cruise ship to visit Juneau in the early days. In the early 1900s, a number of other ships began to make regular stops in the city. These ships included the SS Alaska, the SS Yukon, and the SS Malaspina.

The arrival of these cruise ships helped to put Juneau on the map as a tourist destination. The city became known for its beautiful scenery, its rich history, and its friendly people. Cruise ships helped to bring new visitors to Juneau, and they also helped to boost the local economy.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there have been a number of developments in the cruise ship industry in Juneau. The number of cruise ship visits to the city has continued to grow, and the city has made a number of improvements to its infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

One of the most significant developments in the cruise ship industry in Juneau has been the construction of a new cruise ship terminal. The new terminal was completed in 2013, and it is located on the waterfront, just a short walk from the city center. The terminal has a capacity of 2,500 passengers, and it includes a number of amenities such as a gift shop, a restaurant, and a viewing deck.

The construction of the new cruise ship terminal has been a major boost to the cruise ship industry in Juneau. The terminal has made it easier for cruise ships to dock in the city, and it has also helped to improve the experience for passengers.

In addition to the construction of the new cruise ship terminal, there have been a number of other developments in the cruise ship industry in Juneau. The city has made improvements to its roads and infrastructure, and it has also expanded its tourism offerings. These developments have helped to make Juneau a more attractive destination for cruise ships, and they have also helped to boost the local economy.

Future of Cruise Ship Docking in Juneau

The future of cruise ship docking in Juneau looks bright. The city is a popular destination for cruise ships, and the number of visits is expected to continue to grow. The city has made a number of improvements to its infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of visitors, and it is also working to expand its tourism offerings. These developments are expected to make Juneau an even more attractive destination for cruise ships in the future.

Juneau is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is also a popular destination for cruise ships. The city has made a number of improvements to its infrastructure to

Where do cruise ships dock in Juneau?

  • Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in Juneau, Alaska. It is located on the waterfront in downtown Juneau, and is the port of call for most cruise ships visiting the city. The terminal has two berths, which can accommodate ships up to 1,000 passengers.
  • Auke Bay Cruise Terminal is a smaller cruise ship terminal located about 10 miles (16 km) outside of Juneau. It is the port of call for some smaller cruise ships, and is also used by cruise ships for day excursions to Mendenhall Glacier.
  • Haines Wharf is a small cruise ship terminal located in Haines, Alaska. It is the port of call for some cruise ships that are visiting the nearby Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

What is the best cruise ship terminal to use in Juneau?

The best cruise ship terminal to use in Juneau depends on your personal preferences and the type of cruise ship you are on. The Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal is the most convenient option for most passengers, as it is located in downtown Juneau and is close to all of the major attractions. However, the Auke Bay Cruise Terminal is a good option for passengers who are looking for a more secluded and peaceful experience. And Haines Wharf is a good option for passengers who are interested in visiting the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

How do I get from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Juneau?

There are several ways to get from the cruise ship terminal to downtown Juneau. The most convenient option is to take a taxi or ride-sharing service. There are also several public transportation options available, including buses and shuttles.

What are the best things to do in Juneau?

There are many things to do in Juneau, including visiting the Alaska State Museum, hiking in the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, and taking a boat tour of the Inside Passage. For more information on things to do in Juneau, please visit the [Juneau Visitor Bureau website](https://www.juneau.org/).

What is the weather like in Juneau?

The weather in Juneau can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 30F to 60F. The best time to visit Juneau is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and there is less rain.

there are three main cruise ship docks in Juneau: the Juneau Cruise Terminal, the Auke Bay Cruise Terminal, and the Mendenhall Glacier Cruise Terminal. Each terminal has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider which one is the best fit for your needs before booking your cruise.

The Juneau Cruise Terminal is the largest and most centrally located of the three terminals. It is located just a short walk from downtown Juneau, making it easy to explore the city before or after your cruise. The terminal also has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a post office and a currency exchange.

The Auke Bay Cruise Terminal is located about 10 miles from downtown Juneau. It is a smaller terminal, but it is also more scenic, as it is located right next to Auke Bay. The terminal has a limited number of shops and restaurants, but it does have a free shuttle to downtown Juneau.

The Mendenhall Glacier Cruise Terminal is located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau. It is the most remote of the three terminals, but it is also the closest to Mendenhall Glacier. The terminal has a small gift shop and a snack bar, but there are no other facilities.

No matter which terminal you choose, you are sure to have a memorable cruise experience in Juneau.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.