Huna Totem Corporation remains committed to developing downtown Juneau’s fifth cruise ship dock, aiming for a 2028 opening despite increasing construction costs and delays that could lead to a smaller-scale project. The proposed dock, part of the Áak’w Landing waterfront development, is designed to ease visitor congestion and better distribute tourism traffic in Juneau’s busy downtown area.
The project site, located on the Gastineau Channel adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard station and near Egan Drive, received conditional use permits from the Juneau Planning Commission in 2023 and a tidelands lease from the Juneau Assembly last year. Norwegian Cruise Line contributed to the initiative by donating the $20 million property to Huna Totem in 2022, fueling expectations that the new dock will provide a more walkable access point to local shops and attractions while reducing vehicle congestion downtown.
Despite community concerns during permitting—some residents feared the dock would attract more traffic to a previously less congested area—corporation officials believe the development will help mitigate existing issues. Susan Bell, vice president of strategic initiatives at Huna Totem, emphasized the dock’s strategic location as a solution to the area’s traffic challenges. However, she acknowledged that economic factors such as steel tariffs and market volatility have forced the corporation to reconsider aspects of the original plan.
Among potential revisions is the scaling back of upland development elements, including modifications to the proposed underground parking facilities. Adjusting these components could require renewed approval from the planning commission, which may contribute to further timeline delays. Bell noted that the project’s initial target opening in 2025 has already shifted to 2028 due to these challenges.
The corporation plans to start construction soon and continues to push forward with the project. The dock is expected to play a significant role in reshaping Juneau’s cruise tourism infrastructure by offering an alternative docking location that distributes passenger flow more effectively and supports local businesses. While adjustments may be necessary to control costs, Huna Totem aims to maintain the project’s core objectives and long-term benefits for the community.