Wrangell Businesses Adapt to Rising Cruise Traffic
By Leilani Combs Wrangell Sentinel
Published 7:30 PM Friday, September 4, 2026
From May to September, Wrangell sees an influx of cruise passengers, almost doubling the town’s population on busy days. This year, cruise berths nearly doubled, accommodating about 75,000 guests over the five-month season, up from nearly 42,000 in 2025.
The borough benefits financially from the docking ships through various taxes and fees, while local businesses are exploring ways to capitalize on the increased foot traffic. Bonnie Ritchie, a jewelry kiosk vendor near the City Dock, noted a rise in sales correlated with the increase in passengers, although she acknowledged that not all ships attract the same spending habits.
Kate Thomas, the borough’s director of economic development, highlighted the varying purchasing behavior of cruise-goers. Kristy Herman, co-owner of Canoe Lagoon oyster farm, shared that her sales have declined this year, despite the arrival of large ships like the Queen Elizabeth. Business licensing restrictions limit their ability to sell fresh shellfish directly, prompting them to seek collaborations for food-based shore excursions.
Cruise ships represent a vital tourism revenue source for Wrangell, particularly as independent traveler numbers have been declining. Revenue from wharfage fees, port tie-ups, and passenger taxes contribute to the borough’s finances. Recently, a $375,000 bonus from passenger tax collections was announced to help fund a downtown waterfront project.
As businesses adapt to the seasonal boom, the economic effects of increased cruise traffic on Wrangell continue to evolve, with hopeful projections for sales tax increases in the upcoming fiscal quarter.
