Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Goldbelt Aaní translates to Goldbelt’s Land—a name chosen with intention to reflect our deep connection to place, people, and purpose. Rooted in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), this name honors our commitment to our shareholders—our Native owners—and the lands entrusted to us. ANCSA was created to promote economic self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives, and Goldbelt was established under this act to carry out that mission.

For over 50 years, Goldbelt has lived up to this responsibility—growing into a proven economic driver and community leader. The name Aaní speaks not only to the land, but to our role as stewards of its value and potential.

This platform reflects Goldbelt’s mission to make a positive impact in the lives of our owners, and our vision to be a forever company that creates generational wealth. It embodies the values that guide us: Integrity, Respect, Service, and an entrepreneurial spirit—all in pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

Goldbelt expects to welcome the first cruise ship during the 2028 cruise season, following a phased development process.

Goldbelt has owned the land since it was conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1972. The land will continue to be owned by Goldbelt and its shareholders in perpetuity. Upon completion, Goldbelt’s tourism division will operate the port.

Goldbelt is owned by more than 4,300 Alaska Natives whose ancestors made their home in Lingít Aaní. When the U.S. Government resolved land claims through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Goldbelt was allotted over 32,000 acres from its ancestral lands. The Corporation holds ANCSA lands at Echo Cove, Cascade Point, West Douglas, Hobart Bay, and Port Houghton. The stated goal of ANCSA is to promote economic self-sufficiency through land and asset management.  

Alaska Native Corporations are bound by legal and cultural responsibilities to benefit their owners — all of whom are tribal citizens, many still residing in Juneau for Goldbelt. ANCSA land is not developed to enrich an individual or a singular business interest, but rather to advance the long-term well-being of its Alaska Native shareholders.

Yes. As a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation, Goldbelt is one of the largest taxpayers in the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ). The Goldbelt cruise port will increase the municipality’s tax base and add property and sales tax revenues collected by CBJ. Cruise lines are required to pay the state head tax per guest arriving at the first five ports of call within their itinerary in Alaska. This state requirement applies to public as well as private ports. Following the state guidelines, Juneau will continue to receive passenger fees from travelers visiting Goldbelt’s port.

Yes. Goldbelt and its shareholders succeed when local businesses and Juneau’s economy thrive. Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port will continue to offer local tour operators a platform to service the cruise industry. Through the port’s design and buildout, Goldbelt aims to lower the cost of entry for tour operators and local retailers to engage with travelers visiting the port. By developing a purpose-built facility, operators and retailers can serve guests while lessening the impact on the city infrastructure and the natural environment we share with the Juneau community.

Goldbelt and its development team are holistically considering the needs of the community within the design and development of the port. This includes a complete wastewater and water treatment system to service the needs of the port. Plans also include on-site crew housing and a childcare center — features not typically found in similar developments but rather tailored to directly benefit Juneau’s workforce.

The location of the port was selected, in part, due to its proximity to AEL&P’s high voltage lines serving Greens Creek Mine. Due to the location of the berths and the existing Power Transfer Station, Goldbelt Aaní Cruise Port is the most viable way to provide additional shore power for ships arriving in Juneau.

The port construction plans call for the development of boat ramp and dock facilities to support tour operations. By reducing the bus transfer of guests and tour boats between Auke Bay and whale watching excursions, the harbor allows the port to reduce the impacts on Juneau’s waters and roadways.