The Increase in Juneau Dockage Fees: What it Means for Cruise Tourism

June 4, 2025

Cruise lines docking at Juneau’s city-owned facilities will face significantly higher dockage fees starting in 2026. According to city officials, these changes will roughly double the amount cruise lines currently pay, bringing millions in additional revenue to the city. The Juneau Assembly recently approved the change unanimously.

New Regulation

The new regulation applies only to large cruise ships and shifts the fee structure from tonnage and vessel length to passenger capacity. Alix Pierce, Juneau’s Visitor Industry Director, stated that the updated fees make the city’s rates more competitive with private docks in the area and other ports in Southeast Alaska.

The adjustments are expected to substantially increase revenue. Last season, the city collected approximately $2.5 million in dockage fees; with these changes, that figure is projected to nearly double to about $5 million annually. These funds will contribute to the city’s Docks and Harbors enterprise fund, which offers more flexibility in how the revenue is utilized compared to other cruise-related charges.

Juneau currently owns two of the four cruise ship docks nearest to Marine Park. Meanwhile, the Assembly has also approved the development of another private dock, further expanding docking options for cruise lines. Pierce noted that cruise companies had been made aware of the forthcoming changes and are unlikely to resist.

Additionally, the city’s marine passenger fees, used for specific visitor-related projects under a settlement agreement with the Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, will remain unaffected by this adjustment. City port director Carl Uchytil emphasized that the dockage fees offer fewer restrictions, giving the city broader avenues for investment.

Source: KTOO

Effects on Cruise Passengers

This increase in dockage fees is likely to have a direct impact on cruise passengers. With the raised fees, cruise lines will likely pass on the additional costs to their customers, resulting in higher ticket prices for cruises that make stops in Juneau. Since Juneau is a staple on most Alaskan itineraries, this could potentially discourage some tourists from choosing an Alaska cruise, as they may opt for cheaper options.

We are interested in your thoughts! Share them below.

Stay tuned to thecrusingcompass.com for information, news, tips, and tricks on all things cruising and join in the conversation in The Cruising Compass Facebook group.

Alaska Destinations

Author

Amy Krieger

Amy, originally from West Virginia, now lives in Central Florida with her husband, Paul, and their three Spanish galgos—Hermes, Cinders, and Emerson. With a background in English Education and 11 years of teaching experience, Amy transitioned to a career in finance as the Manager of Loan Origination at Monera Financial, helping clients purchase Disney Vacation Club contracts. She also serves as the Senior Editor of DVCFan.com, sharing her expertise on Disney-related topics. A Disney Vacation Club owner, Annual Passholder, and avid cruiser, Amy enjoys exploring new destinations—Alaska being her favorite—and her top cruise ship is the Icon of the Seas. When not traveling or at theme parks, Amy loves reading, writing, running, spending time with family, and relaxing at home.

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Great Stirrup Cay Is Getting a Major Upgrade: Here’s What’s Coming

By Amy Krieger

July 30, 2025

For years, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay has offered beautiful beaches and a laid-back island vibe—but it’s also lagged behind other cruise line private islands when it comes to amenities and attractions. That’s about to change. Starting in Winter 2025, Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing a major transformation aimed at delivering a more immersive, all-ages experience. From a massive 28,000-square-foot pool and high-thrill waterpark to easier island access and upgraded guest areas, these additions promise to elevate the destination into a true highlight of any NCL itinerary.

Easier Access, Better Arrival – Coming Winter 2025

Walk Straight From Ship to Sand

Say goodbye to tender boats. With the new pier, you’ll be able to stroll directly from ship to shore, starting your day in paradise without delay. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer a slow start, you’ll have the flexibility to arrive at your own pace.

Explore with Ease

Once ashore, hop aboard the new island tram, designed to make exploring the entire island easier than ever. Whether you’re headed to the pool, beach, or waterpark, getting there is now part of the fun.

A Stylish Welcome

Your island adventure now begins at the Welcome Plaza, where shaded seating and tropical vibes set the stage. Then, don’t miss a stop at the Overlook Bridge—perched 40 feet above the ocean—for picture-perfect panoramic views of Great Stirrup Cay’s coastline.

Great Tides Waterpark – Winter 2025 Excitement

A Thrill Seeker’s Paradise

Launching alongside the new pier and plaza, the Great Tides Waterpark is a bold new addition that combines heart-pounding fun with laid-back leisure.

Highlights include:

High-speed, sea-inspired slides
Cliffside jump zones into crystal-clear water
Lazy river with winding tunnels (and hidden surprises!)
Vibrant splash area for kids
Grotto bar with tropical cocktails for adults

Whether you’re chasing thrills or chilling in the shade, Great Tides brings next-level excitement for every cruiser.

Great Life Lagoon – Opening Summer 2026

The Ultimate Caribbean Pool Experience

Clocking in at 28,000 square feet, the Great Life Lagoon will be one of the largest pools in the region—and it’s built for fun, relaxation, and unforgettable views.

What to expect:

Two swim-up bars with unlimited drinks
Gradual beach-style entry ideal for little ones
Water features and ocean panoramas
Loungers and cabanas with plenty of shade

Perfect for families, couples, and groups, the Lagoon is the heart of your next island day.

Splash Harbor – Opening Summer 2026

Little ones get to live The Great Life, too!
Splash Harbor is the brand-new, complimentary splash pad area designed just for kids—though grown-ups might find themselves tempted to join the fun. This colorful water zone offers a whimsical mix of spray features, fountains, and shallow water play, giving children endless ways to cool off and explore in a safe, inviting space.

What You Need to Know

Feature	Launch	Highlights
New Pier, Trams & Welcome Plaza	Winter 2025	Direct access to shore, shaded welcome area, tram system
Overlook Bridge	Winter 2025	Elevated views 40 ft. above coastline
Great Tides Waterpark	Winter 2025	Slides, lazy river, cliff jumps, kid zone, grotto bar
Great Life Lagoon	Summer 2026	Heated 28,000 sq ft pool, swim-up bars, cabanas
Splash Harbor	Summer 2026	Kid’s spash pad area

Why These Upgrades Matter

Pros:

Easier and faster island access
More activities for all ages and energy levels
Instagram-worthy scenery and photo ops
Seamless blend of luxury and adventure

Cons:

Lagoon pool won’t open until Summer 2026
Some guests may prefer the simplicity of the earlier island setup

Norwegian Cruise Line is reimagining Great Stirrup Cay as more than just a port—it’s becoming a fully immersive island destination. With the new pier, welcome plaza, overlook bridge, and waterpark launching Winter 2025, followed by the Great Life Lagoon opening in Summer 2026, this beloved private island is evolving into something even more spectacular.

Whether you’re seeking high-speed thrills, scenic views, or serene poolside moments, Great Stirrup Cay promises something for every traveler—and it’s all just getting started.

Stay tuned to thecrusingcompass.com for information, news, tips, and tricks on all things cruising and join in the conversation in The Cruising Compass Facebook group.

Carnival Festivale and Beyond: Introducing the Next Generation of Carnival

By Amy Krieger

April 11, 2025

Carnival Cruise Line shared exciting updates about its upcoming ships, announcing that the fourth vessel in its celebrated Excel-class fleet will be named Carnival Festivale. This nod to its legacy celebrates the tradition of giving new ships the names of Carnival’s early vessels, which helped popularize cruising for many Americans.

Set to debut in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will be homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida. While reservations and full itineraries will be available this summer, eager travelers can sign up for notifications now to stay informed.

Innovative Zones and Immersive Experiences

True to Carnival’s legacy of blending innovation and fun, Carnival Festivale will introduce three brand-new zones, two of which, located on Decks 6, 7, and 8, will celebrate music’s power to bring people together.

Music Creation Zone: This area will explore the process of creating music, using cutting-edge media, interactive features, immersive soundscapes, and dynamic lighting to engage guests.
Live Performance Zone: An entirely different space dedicated to the energy and excitement of outdoor music performances captures the essence of live entertainment through immersive experiences.

The third new zone, focused on vibrant outdoor family activities, truly embodies Carnival’s commitment to enhancing onboard experiences.

Family-Friendly Features for Every Age

Carnival is the go-to choice for families, hosting over 1 million children annually, and Carnival Festivale is taking family inclusion to the next level. The ship will offer approximately 1,000 interconnecting staterooms, nearly a 70% increase compared to earlier Excel-class ships, addressing the needs of families traveling together. This replaces the typical Family Harbor staterooms found on other Excel ships.

Carnival Festivale will also make accommodations for its youngest cruisers, aged six months to two years, with a dedicated area for Carnival’s Turtles program. Enhanced youth programming and new open-deck experiences will provide even more activities for kids of all ages.

Sunsation Point: A New Outdoor Adventure Zone

The top three decks will feature a brand-new outdoor zone called Sunsation Point, designed to be a hub of family fun and entertainment.

Carnival WaterWorks Ultra will take center stage as the largest and most family-oriented water park Carnival has introduced, featuring six slides, including two family raft slides and others suitable for guests as short as three feet tall.
Besides water fun, the area will include treehouse-inspired adventure trails, dedicated toddler splash pads, shaded seating, and dry play areas.
Additional attractions like a sports court, ropes course, miniature golf course, outdoor games, and themed arcade spaces round out this activity-packed area.

Evenings at Sunsation Point promise to be just as exciting, with extended water park hours, vibrant lighting, DJs, and special evening activities—marking the first time Carnival has activated its WaterWorks area after dark.

Exciting Culinary Updates

Carnival Festivale will also introduce new dining experiences, developed under the expertise of Carnival’s Chief Culinary Officer, Emeril Lagasse. This includes a fresh dining venue that will replace ChiBang!, while popular staples like Guy’s Burger Joint, Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, and Big Chicken will remain onboard.

Further menu and dining details are expected to be revealed in the coming months, promising more foodies something to look forward to.

A Look into the Future

Carnival also unveiled details about its fifth Excel-class ship, Carnival Tropicale, set for delivery in spring 2028. Like its predecessor, it will carry forward many of Carnival Festivale’s innovative features, along with brand-new concepts and theming. The ship’s homeport and reservation details will be announced in advance of its debut.

Looking even further ahead, Carnival’s Project Ace is underway, with three colossal ships—boasting over 3,000 guest staterooms and a capacity of almost 8,000 guests—scheduled for delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033. At 230,000 gross tons, these vessels will establish a new industry standard as the largest in the Carnival Corporation fleet and the most spacious fun ships in the world.

“These ships are our next-generation Fun Ships,” Carnival CEO Christine Duffy shared, emphasizing their unique blend of dining, entertainment, and redesigned outdoor amenities.

Stay Tuned

Carnival Festivale’s arrival in 2027 promises an exciting new era for cruising, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology and innovative guest experiences. To learn more about upcoming ships, exclusive itineraries, and onboard features, stay turned to thecruisingcompass.com.

The Increase in Juneau Dockage Fees: What it Means for Cruise Tourism

New Regulation