Thousands of Alaska cruise visitors may need to change their plans after one of Juneau’s most popular attractions unexpectedly shut down
Cruisers heading to Juneau over the next few weeks are now being told to expect changes to one of the city’s best-known shore experiences.
The famous Goldbelt Tram — a favorite stop for many Alaska cruise passengers — will remain closed through at least May 24 following an onboard incident that injured two employees late last month.
And with Alaska cruise season rapidly ramping up, the closure is expected to impact thousands of visitors arriving by ship.
What Happened at the Tram?
The incident occurred on April 30 during tram operations involving employees rather than tourists.
According to reports, one of the tram cars reportedly entered the base station too quickly and came to a sudden stop, causing injuries and damage to parts of the system.
What’s known so far:
- Five employees were onboard the tram car.
- Two workers were transported to the hospital.
- Injuries were reported as minor.
- No cruise passengers were involved.
Important detail:
Both employees who were hospitalized were later released, and officials stated there were no serious injuries.
Closure Extended as Investigation Continues
Initially, the attraction was only expected to close for a few days.
But officials have now confirmed the shutdown will last significantly longer while inspections and repairs continue.
According to statements shared by Goldbelt Tram, the system will remain out of service while investigators determine exactly what caused the malfunction and what repairs are required before reopening.
Reports suggest:
- Damage may have occurred at both tram stations.
- Multiple tram cars were operating at the time.
- Safety inspections are still underway.
At this stage, there’s also a possibility the closure could extend beyond May 24, depending on repair findings.
Why This Matters So Much for Cruise Travelers
For many visitors arriving in Juneau, the tram is one of the easiest and most popular excursions to book.
Located close to the cruise docks in downtown Juneau, it’s frequently included in Alaska cruise itineraries offered by major cruise lines.
Cruise brands offering tram-related excursions include:
- Princess Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
Some excursions even combine the tram ride with visits to nearby attractions like Mendenhall Glacier.
Big impact:
Between now and May 24 alone, Juneau is expected to welcome approximately 85 cruise ship calls.
That means thousands of cruise guests could be affected by the closure.
Refunds Are Being Issued
The good news for travelers is that prepaid bookings are being refunded.
Here’s how refunds are being handled:
- Guests who booked directly through the tram’s website will receive refunds from Goldbelt Tram.
- Passengers who booked through cruise lines or third-party vendors will need to work through those companies instead.
Cruise passengers are being advised to monitor communication from their cruise line for updated excursion information.
Juneau Still Has Plenty for Visitors to Enjoy
While many travelers will understandably be disappointed, Juneau still offers a huge range of activities and sightseeing opportunities.
The city remains one of Alaska’s busiest and most popular cruise destinations for a reason.
Alternative experiences visitors can still enjoy:
- Whale watching tours
- Glacier excursions
- Hiking trails and scenic viewpoints
- Wildlife tours
- Downtown shopping and local restaurants
And with as many as five large cruise ships visiting at once during peak periods, local tourism operators are expected to remain very busy despite the tram closure.
Final Thoughts
The closure of Goldbelt Tram comes at an unfortunate time, especially as the Alaska cruise season begins reaching its busiest stretch.
But for now, safety inspections and repairs are clearly taking priority before the attraction welcomes guests again.
And while many cruise passengers may need to adjust their shore plans, Juneau still offers more than enough experiences to fill a memorable day in port.
For travelers already booked on upcoming Alaska sailings, it’s probably a good idea to start thinking about backup plans—just in case the closure lasts longer than expected.
