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If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, your adventure will almost certainly take you to Juneau Cruise Port. Nestled in the heart of the state’s capital city in southeast Alaska, this popular port is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich local culture, making it a favorite among cruise passengers.

Juneau Cruise Port Location and Address

Juneau Cruise Port is located in Juneau, Alaska’s downtown core, right along the scenic Gastineau Channel. The port, as well as the city it takes its name from, is located in southeast Alaska along the Alaskan panhandle. This makes it an ideal destination for cruise ships traveling the Inside Passage.

Beyond making it accessible for cruise ships, the port’s prime location offers visiting cruise passengers easy access to the city’s charming streets, bustling local markets, and historical sites.

The port is also conveniently positioned near some of the wider Juneau area’s key attractions, including the Mendenhall Glacier, which is just a short drive away. The port’s docks are also located within walking distance of some of the city’s most iconic restaurants and shopping destinations.

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From my own experience, the central location makes the port the perfect starting point for exploring everything Juneau has to offer; from a relaxing hike on nearby trails to adventurous whale-watching excursions. Trust me, you’re going to love your visit.

Juneau Cruise Port Address: 470 S. Franklin Street, Juneau, Alaska, 99801

Juneau Cruise Port Piers and Terminals

The Juneau Cruise Port features multiple docks that can accommodate cruise ships, including the AJ Dock, Franklin Dock, Cruise Ship Terminal, Intermediate Vessel Float, and Alaska Steamship Dock.

All of these docks can be used by visiting cruise ships, especially during the peak travel season, but which dock your cruise ship uses may depend on the cruise line, the size of the ship, and how busy the port is when you cruise.

The Franklin Dock, Cruise Ship Terminal, and AJ Dock are the main cruise ship docks, designed to provide visiting passengers with a comfortable and convenient experience, as well as ensure that all docking operations are conducted safely and efficiently.

While I have only personally visited the South Franklin Dock, here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from each of the port’s terminals:

The South Franklin Street Dock (FKL)

Given its passenger-friendly location within walking distance of downtown Juneau, the South Franklin Dock tends to serve as the primary landing area for most visiting cruise ships. The terminal offers modern amenities, including clean and accessible restrooms, comfortable seating areas, and a tourist information booth.

Unfortunately, you can’t access free Wi-Fi at the terminal itself, but the nearby Juneau Public Library at 292 Marine Way is just a 2-minute walk and offers password-free Wi-Fi that does not have any time limit.

While I had reception in town and didn’t need to rely on the Wi-Fi provided by the library or nearby cafés, quite a few of the other passengers made use of it when I visited. Keep in mind that Royal Caribbean passengers can enjoy high-speed internet at the port!

You will notice that the entire Franklin Street Dock is wheelchair accessible, with recent upgrades including paved pathways and ramps allowing all visitors to enjoy a welcoming experience.

Although it is not as close to downtown as the Cruise Ship Terminal, it only takes a few minutes to walk into the center of town from the South Franklin Street Dock. Personally, I loved the walk along the Juneau Sea Walk, which is an elevated boardwalk that hugs the water.

The Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal (CT)

Located just above the South Franklin Dock, the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal is slightly closer to downtown Juneau. The terminal is split into two piers, which have berthing spaces that can accommodate two full-sized cruise ships at any given time.

Like the Franklin Street Dock, the Cruise Ship Terminal is outfitted with modern amenities and is fully wheelchair-accessible. It also has a parking lot and taxi pickup and drop-off point just at the edge of the pier, so those hoping to avoid walking into town can easily take a cab.

Speaking of transportation, the Cruise Ship Terminal is also strategically located near the gondola lift station for the Mount Roberts Tramway, also called the Goldbelt Tram. As someone who has taken the Mount Roberts Tram, I can tell you it’s a must-do for panoramic views of the city and surrounding glaciers.

While it is only really used for tendering and docking smaller vessels, the relatively small Intermediate Vessel Float (IVF) docking point is located between the Cruise Ship Terminal and Franklin Dock.

The AJ Dock (AJD)

While all of the docking points are located within a short distance of the port’s main address, the AJ Dock is the only real exception. That is because it is roughly 1 mile south of the city center. With that said, it was still designed to offer a pleasant boarding and disembarking experience.

The AJ Dock features a dedicated shuttle service that transports passengers to and from downtown Juneau, but it is not complimentary. Those looking to explore downtown Juneau will have to pay the $5 shuttle fee.

The shuttle runs continuously throughout the day, dropping passengers at the Mount Roberts Tramway Station or the central Juneau near the Alaska State Museum, depending on preferences.

As for the facilities at the AJ Dock itself, there is ample seating in an indoor waiting area, clear signage directing visitors where to go, bathroom facilities, and a small tourist information booth. There’s also a parking lot and a small taxi pickup and drop-off point located beside the shuttle bus waiting area.

While it is smaller and a little further away from downtown, the location is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed start to your shore excursions. Personally, I think using quieter docks when visiting Alaska can help you embrace that sense of isolation that Alaska is so famous for.

Cruise Lines that Visit Juneau Cruise Port

Juneau Cruise Port’s docking areas are amongst the busiest in all of Alaska, so it is no surprise that a number of major cruise lines include a stop at the port as one of the highlights of their voyages, especially during peak Alaskan cruise season.

Here are some of the top cruise lines that list Juneau Cruise Port as a port of call on their itineraries:

Royal Caribbean Group

Carnival Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line

Princess Cruises

Holland America Line

Celebrity Cruises

Seabourn Cruise Line

Beyond the main cruise lines, some smaller, boutique cruise lines visit Juneau Cruise Port, normally docking at the relatively small Intermediate Vessel Float found between the Juneau Cruise Ship Terminal and the South Franklin Street Dock. These include small vessels like Safari Endeavour, operated by AdventureSmith Explorations.

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No matter which cruise line you choose to travel with, Juneau’s stunning surroundings ensure that every visiting cruise ship can offer an itinerary that showcases Juneau’s natural wonders—from its majestic glaciers to its incredible abundance of unique types of wildlife, like humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles.

How to Get to Juneau

I already touched on the fact that part of Juneau’s appeal is the fact that it truly feels remote and isolated. Given that Juneau is only accessible by boat or plane, you really start to appreciate just how out-of-the-way it actually is.

Here’s a quick overview of the two ways visiting cruise passengers can arrive in Juneau, Alaska.

Arriving by Plane

If you are choosing to arrive by air, you will almost certainly land at Juneau International Airport (JNU), which is about 8 miles northwest of downtown.

This city-owned and operated airport connects the city to Alaska’s other towns through daily Alaska Airlines flights. Delta Air Lines also operates seasonal routes to JNU from Seattle Tacoma International Airport, which is how some cruise passengers will arrive in Juneau.

A fun tip if you find yourself flying in or out of Juneau International Airport is to take a step outside to the airplane spotting area where you can watch seaplanes land on the man-made water runway operated by Alaska Seaplanes.

These unique aircraft run throughout the day, as they offer scheduled daily routes to other Alaskan towns, as well as chartered trips and sightseeing tours.  

From the airport, taxis and shuttle services are readily available to bring you into downtown Juneau, with occasional complimentary shuttle services taking cruise passengers directly to the cruise port from the airport.

Arriving by Boat

If you’re like most visiting cruise passengers and plan on arriving in Juneau from the water, your cruise ship will dock directly at one of the Juneau Cruise Port’s docks.

Even though the AJ Dock is a little bit of a hike, you’ll still arrive right in the heart of the city with all major attractions within walking distance or a short shuttle ride.

Alternatively, the Alaska Marine Highway System is a unique passenger ferry service that operates a 3,500-mile route that connects 35 Alaskan ports and towns along the Inside Passage.

While taking the ferry isn’t the most direct way to get to Juneau, the ferries can provide stunning views, and they’re equipped to carry up to 100 passenger vehicles at a time. The Auke Bay Ferry Terminal that serves the area is also located just 13 miles from downtown Juneau.

What Cruise Passengers Can Do in Juneau, Alaska

While Juneau itself is packed with exciting things to do, it is the many unique excursion opportunities that are available to visitors that make it such a special place to visit.

Here are just some of the popular options for Alaskan adventures that are available to those visiting Juneau Cruise Port:

Whale Watching Tours

Juneau is arguably one of the best whale-watching spots in all of Alaska. With humpback whales migrating to the area after wintering in the warm waters surrounding Hawaii, it is no surprise that numerous excursion operators offer tours that are catered to visiting cruise passengers.

With most tours lasting between three and four hours, and some even offering money-back guarantees if you don’t see whales during the tour, it is no wonder that these budget-friendly excursions are amongst Juneau’s most popular.

Glacier Tours

A visit to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier provides an opportunity to take in truly breathtaking views. Most involve a canoe or kayak tour to explore the glacial ice up close, which can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To make things even easier, these tours usually include transportation from your cruise ship terminal.

Helicopter Tours

If you want to take in the serene natural landscapes from above, a helicopter tour can provide that unique bird’s-eye view of the glaciers, mountains, and dense forests that surround Juneau.

While these excursions tend to be in the $600 to $800 range, amongst the priciest shore excursions offered in Juneau, they’re something you will remember for the rest of your life. Plus, some include a dog sledding experience near Herbert Glacier!

Biking and Hiking Tours

For something a little bit more budget-friendly, taking a hiking or mountain biking tour of the surrounding area can be just as fun.

These types of excursions tend to cost less than $100 per person, but they still include scenic views from downtown Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier. Most are also narrated tours, so you can learn all about the area’s unique history, culture, and natural wonders.

There are even Juneau city tours where you can learn all about historic downtown Juneau’s exciting history, links to local native culture, and even take in a breathtaking view of Mendenhall Glacier from Brotherhood Bridge Park.

If you’re looking to keep things local and are not an adrenaline junky, I recommend taking one of these tours and asking your tour guide for food recommendations.

The best part is that most include roundtrip transportation from your cruise ship terminal, so they’re suitable for all ages, as well as those requiring a wheelchair, walker, or mobility scooter.

Gondola Ride

I mentioned the Goldbelt Tram earlier, but it’s worth repeating that this is one of the most memorable things you can do in Juneau.

Located just at the edge of the Juneau Cruise Terminal Dock, this gondola system takes visitors 3,819 feet up Mount Roberts for breathtaking, panoramic views of Juneau, Douglas Island, and the several mountains that surround the town.

At the top, you can head into the Mountain House where you’ll find a café, gift shop, art gallery, and theatre showing informational films about the area.

If you really want to treat yourself, head into the Timberline Restaurant for gourmet takes on local seafood and other ingredients. Tickets are $60 for adults and $45 for children, so it’s cheaper than most of the excursions offered in Juneau.

Dining in Juneau

While it might be isolated, Juneau is still home to numerous award-winning chefs. With numerous restaurants serving up fresh-caught seafood and other local ingredients, cafés offering coffee made locally roasted beans, and four craft breweries pouring their unique beers and spirits, Juneau offers a delightful array of dining options.

To make things even easier, many of these locally-owned restaurants, cafés, distilleries, and breweries are located within a short distance from the port. Here are a few recommendations for places that stood out to me when I last visited Juneau.

Heritage Coffee Roasting Co.

It’s no secret that Alaska can get pretty chilly, so why not warm up with a freshly roasted cup of joe from a locally owned and operated coffee company?

Established in 1974, this distinct coffee roasting company isn’t just a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee, you can purchase whole beans as a souvenir. With packaging that celebrates Juneau’s native heritage, it’s the perfect low-cost memento for your trip.

There are two locations downtown Juneau, as well as one at 230 South Franklin Street, which is just steps away from the cruise ship docks.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack

If you’re looking for something more substantial than a cup of coffee and a sandwich, but still want to keep things casual, Tracy’s King Crab Shack has two locations in Juneau, with one located less than half a mile from the port.

As you can probably guess, this local favorite specializes in buckets of fresh king crab legs and full seafood platters. Do yourself a favor and make sure you grab a bottle of Tracy’s Signature Crab Cake Sauce on your way out; it’s worth the trip to Alaska on its own.

The Red Dog Saloon

Located roughly 0.3 miles from the port, the Red Dog Saloon is a must-see destination for any visitors to Juneau. Although it has moved to different areas of the town throughout its history, this Juneau mainstay has been serving up food and drinks to locals and visitors since Juneau’s early mining era.

It still retains the classic swinging saloon doors you’d expect from an old-fashioned mining town watering hole, but don’t let the rugged exterior fool you, the food was some of my favorite in all of Juneau. Try the beer battered Alaskan cod, it’s incredible!

Deckhand Dave’s Wild Alaskan Fish Tacos

Located in the heart of downtown just half a mile from the port, this casual spot serves up delicious fish tacos, local beer, and even a Mexican-inspired take on seafood chowder.

Deckhand Dave’s was founded by a former fishing boat cook, so it’s no surprise that all of their seafood is freshly sourced and sustainably caught. This means you can feel good about your decision to fill up on these mouth-watering tacos.

The Hangar on the Wharf

This former floating airplane hangar dates back to 1940. Today, it serves as a truly unique restaurant and craft beer bar that serves up fresh Alaskan seafood, house-made burgers, hearty bowls of pasta, and much more. It also offers over 125 different beers, with 25 draft offerings from local breweries.

The huge windows and outdoor seating area offer incredible views of the Gastineau Channel, and you can see cruise ships coming and going from the port. Given it’s only a 0.4-mile walk from the cruise ship port, it’s a convenient spot for those with limited time to explore Juneau.

Shopping in Juneau

Downtown Juneau might seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but it is a treasure trove for shoppers looking for unique Alaskan souvenirs. With a thriving local arts scene and plenty of Alaskan-inspired souvenirs on offer, it’s easy to find something you can buy to remember your time in Juneau.

Here are just a few of my suggestions for those looking to pick up a souvenir or two:

Annie Kaill’s Fine Crafts Gallery

If you’re an art lover, this art gallery and hand-made jewelry store has been one of Juneau’s favorites since 1975. From pottery and paintings to miniature totem poles and soapstone carvings, you’ll be sure to find something that matches your unique preferences.

Mendenhall Mall

If you are looking for more options, Mendenhall Mall is Juneau’s top shopping destination. From local shops offering local souvenirs to more big-box stores carrying cruise essentials and clothing, you will be able to find whatever it is that you are looking for.

The mall is also home to several eateries, so it’s an easy spot to grab a quick bite. Keep in mind that it is 9 miles away from the port in nearby Mendenhall Valley, but it only takes 15 minutes to get there by taxi.

Shopping Near Juneau Cruise Port

If you’re low on time, don’t worry, there are numerous shops located at the port itself. Caribou Crossing, Alaska Mining Co., Trove, Northstar Gift Shop, Simply Natural, and Del Sol are just some of the options located in the port area.

With everything from T-shirts, mugs, and Christmas decorations to smoked salmon and local honey, you’ll easily find a souvenir that matches your tastes just by walking the shops outside the port on South Franklin Street.

The Best Time to Visit Juneau

Unsurprisingly, the best time to visit Juneau is during the peak of Alaska cruise season, which runs from late April to early October. The summer months, especially June and July, are ideal for enjoying long daylight hours and relatively comfortable outdoor temperatures between the mid-60s and high 70s.

This makes it a perfect time of year for shore excursions and spotting Alaska’s famed wildlife. While this time of year is the busiest for a lot of good reasons, the crowds can make it a little difficult to book the excursions you want to experience, so I’d recommend doing so well ahead of time.

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On the other hand, if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind the cooler temperatures, visiting during the shoulder seasons in May and September can also be a great way to experience a different side of Juneau.

Remember that these less busy months can get really chilly and daytime rainfall can interrupt any outdoor plans you may have, especially if you visit in October.

Personally, I think visiting during the shoulder months can offer a more serene experience; just make sure you pack appropriately for the time of year.

Juneau Cruise Port, Alaska: Overview and Guide

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