Royal Caribbean Cancels Juneau Calls Amid Port Fee Dispute and Private Berth Delays

Introduction

In June 2025, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) canceled multiple scheduled port calls to Juneau, Alaska, affecting several upcoming sailings. The decision follows a recent recalibration of docking tariffs by the Port of Juneau, which now bases fees on passenger capacity rather than gross tonnage—significantly increasing costs for large cruise ships. While RCI has not officially linked the cancellations to the fee changes, industry observers note the timing suggests a direct correlation. This development marks an escalation in ongoing tensions between the cruise line and Juneau authorities, with implications for passengers, local businesses, and the broader Alaskan cruise market.

Details of the Incident

Port Fee Policy Change

• On May 19, 2025, Juneau implemented a new docking fee structure based on passenger capacity, rather than vessel tonnage.
• The change is expected to generate approximately $5 million more in revenue this season, primarily from larger vessels like those operated by Royal Caribbean.

Itinerary Adjustments

• Confirmed itinerary changes include at least four sailings aboard *Ovation of the Seas* that were originally scheduled to visit Juneau in June and July 2025.
• Royal Caribbean cited “port availability changes” as the reason for the omissions, though the move aligns with strained relations over the fee dispute.
• Alternative ports such as Ketchikan and Sitka have been substituted in place of Juneau on affected itineraries.

Historical Tensions

• In 2024, Royal Caribbean publicly opposed Juneau’s “ship-free Saturdays” initiative, even funding campaigns against the policy.
• The cruise line had also announced plans—without prior consultation—to build a private berth in partnership with a local Indigenous group, prompting backlash from city officials who claimed they were blindsided.

Future Outlook

• The private terminal project is still underway and expected to be completed by 2027, potentially resolving future conflicts.
• In the interim, RCI has opted to bypass Juneau until a resolution can be reached or its own facility becomes operational.

Response and Impact

Passenger Experience

• Cruise passengers previously scheduled to dock in Juneau will miss out on popular excursions including glacier tours, whale-watching, and ecotourism activities.
• Affected guests are being notified and offered alternative port experiences or onboard credits where applicable.

Local Economic Impact

• Merchants in Juneau, historically reliant on cruise passenger spending, face a notable loss of business during peak season.
• This incident highlights how cruise-port negotiations can significantly affect local economies dependent on tourism revenue.

Industry-Wide Implications

• The dispute reflects a growing trend in Alaska port–cruise line tensions, driven by evolving regulations, community pushback, and commercial competition.
• Other major cruise lines may reassess their port strategies if similar fee structures are introduced in other Alaskan destinations.

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean canceled multiple Juneau port calls amid a dispute over the city’s new docking fee structure based on passenger capacity instead of vessel tonnage.
• The updated fee system is projected to increase port revenue by approximately $5 million per season, disproportionately affecting large cruise operators.
• At least four *Ovation of the Seas* sailings have diverted from Juneau, replacing it with Ketchikan or Sitka, citing “port availability” changes.
• Tensions between RCI and Juneau date back to 2024, involving opposition to ship-free Saturdays and a controversial private berth proposal.
• RCI appears to be postponing Juneau visits until its privately funded terminal opens in 2027, signaling a strategic shift in Alaskan port operations.