There's another destination guests continue to question. Hawaii stirred things up with a new tax for cruisers earlier in the year. The increase has caused a stir and has now been upheld in court. Norwegian Cruise Line sent out an alert.
Here's the latest on the cruise tax and how the Cruise Lines International Association has reacted to the verdict.
Despite The Cruise Lines International Association Efforts, Hawaii's Cruise Tax Has Been Upheld In Court
Hawaii added cruise passengers to its Transient Accommodations Tax. The new fee has caused a stir since its inception. The funds will aid climate change, conservation and infrastructure. The fee is estimated to generate around $100 million annually.
The tax will raise the existing TAT from 10.25% to 11% statewide.
Despite efforts by the Cruise Lines International Association, which represents the likes of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, a federal judge has ruled that the new tax will still be upheld.
The CLIA argued that the tax would hurt tourism, making it more expensive for cruisers.
The association argued, "Cruise tourism generates nearly $1 billion in total economic impact for Hawai‘i and supports thousands of local jobs, and we remain focused on ensuring that success continues on a lawful, sustainable foundation."
Despite the verdict, the plaintiffs plan to appeal. For now, some cruise lines have already started to warn passengers about the cruise tax change. Among them is Norwegian Cruise Line.
The company sent out an email to passengers about the future change.
Norwegian Cruise Line Has Warned Its Passengers About The Added Tax
Back in October, Norwegian Cruise Line was praised for alerting guests about the new Hawaii cruise tax set to go into effect on January 1, 2026.
Fares for Hawaii increase from $50-$500 higher with the additional tax. The added costs depend on the overall stay and cost of itineraries.
NCL reached out to guests about the change.
NCL added that it doesn't agree with the tax, and is working with the CLIA to review it legally.
“We believe that this expansion of the TAT is unconstitutional, and therefore in collaboration with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), we are actively engaged in a legal review. We remain committed to advocating for a fair and balanced outcome.”
Credit to NCL for being completely transparent about the tax and what it means for cruisers taking to Hawaii. As far as Royal Caribbean is concerned, a formal announcement hasn't been made just yet.
Royal Caribbean Hasn't Addressed The Tax Despite Future Sails To Hawaii
On its Hawaii cruises page, Royal Caribbean continues to promote sails.
Royal Caribbean says about the destination, "Just the word "Hawaii" conjures visions of turquoise waves lapping at colorful sands, a rich historical tapestry that's as Polynesian as it is American and a welcoming culture you can distill into a single word: Aloha. Once you arrive, trace the history of Pearl Harbor on Oahu, where you can tour battleships and see the memorial to that fateful day in 1941."
"Cruise to Hawaii and head to the Big Island to scale volcanoes like Mount Kilauea and chase waterfalls on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Or enjoy the sun and surf on the remote shores of Kauai and Maui. Discover the magic with a Hawaiian cruise."
Royal Caribbean has continued cruises to Hawaii on its Anthem of the Seas. The cruise line has various sails, including eight and twelve-night packages.
Royal Caribbean's 8-Night Hawaii Cruise In April 2027 Schedule:
Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii
Kailua Kona, Hawaii
5 Days at Sea
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Anthem of the Seas is known for its sailings in Alaska and the Caribbean.
It remains to be seen if the new tax will keep Royal Caribbean cruisers away from the destination.
https://www.thetravel.com/author/a-passalalpi/
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