Haines, a popular Alaska cruise port, is experiencing a significant increase in tourism. Approximately 100,000 cruise ship passengers visit the small town annually.
As a response to this surge, officials in Haines have made the decision to implement a cruise passenger tariff for the first time, beginning in 2025. This decision comes as the town, with a population of just under 1800 people, grapples with the challenges posed by the massive influx of tourists.
How Much Is the Tariff?
The cruise passenger fee will be $9 in 2025, increasing to $12 in 2027 and then to $13 in 2029. Town officials stated that this revenue is crucial for maintaining and repairing the cruise ship dock and facilities.
It’s not uncommon for Alaska cruise ports to charge a tariff. Juneau charges an $8 cruise passenger fee.
Where is Haines?
Haines is a beautiful town in southeastern Alaska, located 75 miles north of Juneau and near Glacier Bay National Park. It is also a popular shore excursion destination for cruise passengers docked at Skagway. A quick 45-minute ferry ride from Skagway makes Haines easily accessible.
What Cruise Lines Visit Haines?
Almost all of the mainstream cruise lines visit Haines. Below are a few of the cruise ships that are on the schedule for the 2024 cruise season.
- Royal Caribbean (Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas)
- Carnival Cruise (Carnival Miracle)
- Holland America (Westerdam)
- Princess Cruise (Ruby Princess and Crown Princess)
- Norwegian Cruise (Norwegian Sun)
- Seabourn Cruise (Seabourne Odyssey)
- Cunard (Queen Elizabeth)
- Silversea Cruise (Silver Muse)
- Viking Cruise (Viking Orion)
Haines Wildlife
Haines is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. It’s an amazing destination for cruise passengers who want to see bears in their natural habitat.
The Chilkoot River is brimming with salmon during the salmon season, making it a prime spot for bear sightings, particularly from mid-June to October (with peak sightings in July and August). Cruise passengers can take once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions such as kayaking in the Chilkoot River, where you can get up close to the spawning salmon!
Bald eagle sightings are also common in Haines, home to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, one of the world’s largest concentrations of bald eagles. Majestic bald eagles can be spotted easily, and if you have a knowledgeable guide, they can take you to see their enormous nests (don’t forget your binoculars!) Check out What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
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