Key Aspects:
- Goldbelt Tram, a popular attraction enjoyed by cruise guests in Juneau, experienced an accident that sent two people to the hospital on April 30, 2026.
- The famous tram was immediately shut down for inspection and repairs, and the closure has now been extended to May 24.
- 85 cruise ship calls are expected in Juneau during this time period, and thousands of these guests will be entitled to refunds.
Cruisers looking forward to experiencing Juneau’s Goldbelt Tram will need to find a different way to spend their time in Alaska’s capital, at least for the next few weeks.
Cruise Hive initially reported that the famous attraction would be closed at least through the weekend of May 2-3, 2026, following an accident that sent two people to the hospital on April 30.
However, the closure has now been extended through at least May 24, 2026, to investigate the cause of the accident and ensure that all necessary repairs are made.
“On April 30, the Goldbelt Tram experienced an incident involving a tram car carrying five employees. We are grateful there were no serious injuries,” Goldbelt Tram posted on social media.
“The Tram will be closed through May 24 as we investigate the issue and take any necessary corrective measures to ensure the safety of our guests and employees,” the post stated.
There is a slight possibility that the temporary closure could be extended further, which would be a shame given the 2026 Alaska cruise season is just starting to really ramp up.
An Investigation and Repairs Are Underway
For unknown reasons, a cable car came into the base station too fast and made an abrupt, and rather violent, stop. This resulted in minor injuries to the people onboard and damage to tram infrastructure.
The cause behind the accident is still under investigation, and Cruise Hive will issue another update if and when more details become publicly available.
The Tram was carrying five employees, and thankfully, no cruise guests. The two workers who were taken to the hospital were treated and quickly released.
According to the Juneau Independent, damage occurred at the stations at both the top and bottom of Mount Roberts because two cable cars were being operated simultaneously. The extent of the damage is unclear.
Rest assured that Goldbelt Tram will not reopen until a thorough investigation is complete and the appropriate repairs are made and inspected.
Refunds Provided to Cruise Guests
Because of its prime downtown location and close proximity to the cruise port, the Goldbelt Tram is a popular shore excursion that can be booked directly through the major cruise lines.
Some brands, such as Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, offer multiple versions of the Goldbelt Tram that sell the experience on its own or paired with other attractions, such as seeing the Mendenhall Glacier.
As Goldbelt Tram is unable to resume its normal operations, the company is in the process of issuing full refunds to its guests. For cruisers who booked the experience through their cruise line, Goldbelt is likely refunding the cruise company, who will refund guests.
“The Tram is in the process of refunding all pre-paid tickets for visits scheduled during the closure period that were purchased through our website. If you purchased tickets through a third party, such as a cruise line, please contact that vendor directly for refund assistance,” Goldbelt Tram advised.
Between the time of publication and end of day on May 24, Juneau is anticipating a staggering 85 cruise ship calls.
While this number may seem high for just about three weeks, Juneau is the busiest cruise port in Alaska. Up to five large cruise ships can dock at the southeastern city at once.
Over the coming weeks, major brands like Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and more will be represented in the port.
Smaller ships from brands like Windstar Cruises, UnCruise Adventures, and Silversea Cruises are also on the schedule.
Though thousands of cruise guests will likely be disappointed by the tram’s closure, there is thankfully no shortage of things to see and do in Juneau.
