New Áak’w Landing Cruise Dock Approved in Juneau Alaska

A major new cruise dock is moving forward in Juneau, and for future passengers, it could change what a port day in Alaska feels like.

Local officials have approved a key agreement allowing construction of Áak’w Landing, a new downtown waterfront development led by Alaska Native-owned Huna Totem Corporation, a developer of cruise destinations across Alaska.

An aerial rendering of Áak’w Landing highlights the proposed cruise dock, waterfront promenade, and visitor areas. Credit: Huna Totem Corporation

Right now, not every ship visiting Juneau can pull up to a pier. On busy days, some ships anchor offshore, and passengers are brought into town by smaller tender boats, adding time and often creating congestion at peak arrival points.

Áak’w Landing is intended to change that.

Stepping Straight Into Juneau

According to Huna Totem Corporation, the project is designed to allow more ships to dock directly. That means passengers could walk straight off the ship and into downtown Juneau rather than arriving by tender.

The company says the dock’s location will provide easy pedestrian access to shops, excursions, and local attractions, helping streamline the start of a port visit.

A rendering of Áak’w Landing shows planned public spaces with retail, dining, and cultural elements along Juneau’s waterfront. Credit: Huna Totem Corporation

The development is also positioned as a way to better manage crowds. Juneau already has several cruise docks, but they can become overwhelmed during peak season. By adding a new docking location, Huna Totem says the project will help distribute passengers more evenly and reduce congestion along busy downtown corridors like South Franklin Street.

Beyond the dock itself, the project includes plans for retail, dining, and cultural spaces along the waterfront. Huna Totem says these elements are intended to create more opportunities for local businesses and community use, while giving passengers more to experience close to where they arrive.

Environmental features are also part of the plan. The dock will be built with shore power capability, allowing ships to plug in and reduce emissions while in port. The company also says moving ships from anchorage to dock could improve local air quality and harbor safety.

Built on Alaska Experience

The developer brings experience from other Alaska cruise destinations. The company is best known for Icy Strait Point, a purpose-built cruise stop in Hoonah that combines dock infrastructure with cultural programming and attractions. Áak’w Landing is expected to bring a similar approach into a downtown setting.

Áak’w Landing is targeting its first full season of operations in 2028.