Key aspects:
- A lease agreement has been finalized for a new cruise terminal in downtown Juneau.
- The Áak'w Landing project was designed and built by Huna Totem Corporation.
- The project will include a marina, retail space and cultural attractions and will be built in three phases.
The city and borough of Juneau and the Huna Totem Corporation have finalized a tidal land lease agreement, bringing a new cruise terminal downtown to Alaska's capital a step closer.
The project, called Áak'w Landing, is not just a cruise terminal, but a complete waterfront destination that provides not only berth space but also dining, retail and cultural experiences for cruise guests and Juneau residents.
“Áak'w Landing is a meaningful investment in Juneau's future.” said Russell Dick, President and CEO of Huna Totem Corporation. “This project further revitalizes the city center waterfront by creating a welcoming space to share our culture and providing opportunities for local businesses, events and community use.”
Of particular interest to eager cruise shippers, the new terminal will be located in downtown Juneau, a perfect location for day port excursions in a vibrant community.
Cruise Hive previously reported on the partnership, which Juneau Council gives green light Exactly one year ago, in early April 2025.
The 2.9-acre land for the new terminal was donated to Huna Totem by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) in 2022. Although NCLH's cruise brands, including Norwegian Cruise Line, will have priority berthing rights at the terminal, it will not be an exclusive terminal.
This would be great news for busy cruise ship ports, especially since Juneau's crowded days mean Some boats must pick up guests ashore Instead of docking, such as Grand Princess It was recently announced that he will visit Alaska’s capital on May 27, 2026.
A total of 95 ships are expected Juno Through 2026, demand for Alaska itineraries will only continue to grow. The additional capacity provided by the new terminal will help keep operations smooth and efficient, providing space not only for ships but also within walking distance of downtown attractions, restaurants and shops.
This will provide additional financial benefits to local businesses, particularly cruise ship guests who may not book tours or excursions but prefer to explore the port independently.
Sustainability is also an important part of the project, with shore power being incorporated into the facility. This will allow ships to reduce emissions when docked, protecting the environmental integrity of the area.
Currently, ships tendered due to a lack of available berth space must run their engines at all times while in Juneau, creating strong environmental concerns.
Phase III construction
The purpose of Áak'w Landing is Construction in three phases. The first includes a marina on Eagan Avenue, underground parking facilities, retail space and a welcome center for the hotel.
Phase two includes additional retail space and an upper-level plaza with cultural connections, while phase three is a learning center for indigenous knowledge, science and culture.
The overall design for the entire project has yet to be finalized, but now that the lease agreement is confirmed, development can proceed. Huna Totem intends to make community engagement a key component at all stages of the project.
“This project reflects extensive community input and collaboration over many years,” said Dick. “As the project moves into its next phase, we remain committed to working closely with the community to bring this unique development to life.”
The company is also working with the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure the facility serves the greater public interest. The dock arrangement is designed to be compatible with the Coast Guard's proposed dock, which may occasionally use icebreakers and other support vessels as needed.
This unique collaboration between Native tribes, city officials and the U.S. Coast Guard will ensure the new facility is fully integrated into the community and a useful addition to Juneau for years to come.
