CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association, has filed a lawsuit against the State of Hawaii due to the new ‘Green Tax’ that is scheduled to be implemented next year.
The fee will extend Hawaii’s 11% transient accommodations tax to cruise ships. CLIA said that the tax being added to cruise ships is unconstitutional and filed a lawsuit yesterday. The lawsuit can be read in full here.
The law also allows counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge bringing the total imposition to 14% of prorated fees.
CLIA sent the following statement to Cruise Fever about the lawsuit:
“The cruise industry, together with local businesses reliant on its economic contributions, opposes the extension of Hawaii’s Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) to cruise ship passengers. We believe the extension violates both the U.S. Constitution and federal law, while imposing an additional financial burden on passengers already subject to substantial fees and taxes.
“Such a policy risks undermining a critical sector of Hawaii’s economy without justification. That’s why we are pursuing all appropriate means to make sure that doesn’t happen, including filing suit yesterday in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii.
“The economic significance of cruise tourism to Hawaii is undeniable. Small businesses reap significant benefits from cruise tourism and cruise line shoreside activities, which generated $639 million in total economic impact, including $116 million in tax revenues, and supported 3,000 local jobs and $215 million in wages in 2023, according to an analysis by Tourism Economics / Oxford Economics.
“These figures reflect a vibrant partnership that sustains communities across the islands. Extending the TAT to cruise passengers threatens to deter visitors whose spending fuels this economic engine, risking job losses and eroding the financial stability of businesses dependent on tourism.
“The cruise industry values its longstanding relationship with Hawaii and is committed to working collaboratively with state officials to develop a fair and legally sound framework that promotes sustainable economic growth.
“We urge policymakers to reconsider this proposal, which could disproportionately harm the very communities that rely on cruise tourism’s contributions. A balanced approach, grounded in mutual cooperation, will better serve Hawaii’s economic interests and preserve the livelihoods of its residents.”
Appeared first on: Cruisefever.net
Royal Caribbean Ship to Use New MSC Terminal in Miami
Key Aspects: Freedom of the Seas will be docked at the MSC Cruises terminal in PortMiami for the ship’s October 27, 2025 departure. The regular terminal for Freedom of the Seas is currently being demolished to make way for a new terminal project in its place. The ship’s 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary is not impacted by the cruise port terminal change. Any experienced cruisers … [Read More...]
How Much is a Cruise in 2026?
You can expect to pay at least $284 for a seven-day cruise in 2026. This figure is based on research comparing the cheapest cruise rates from seven major cruise lines, on cruises to five major destinations. However, there’s a lot at play when it comes to cruise prices, including destination, cruise line, accommodations and even cruise ship. Here’s what you need to know as you book your 2026 … [Read More...]
Celebrity Beyond Latest Ship to Shift Away From Hurricane Melissa
Key Aspects: Celebrity Beyond will be sailing a Western Caribbean itinerary for her October 26 departure instead of her planned Eastern Caribbean route to avoid Hurricane Melissa. Several other ships have completely swapped itinerary plans to steer clear of the storm, while some vessels are adjusting individual ports. Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 2 storm and expected to … [Read More...]
Two Disney Ships Reroute to Avoid Tropical Storm Melissa
Key Aspects: Disney Treasure’s current Eastern Caribbean sailing will no longer be able to call to Tortola and St. Thomas due to Tropical Storm Melissa. Instead, the young ship will be rerouted to Cozumel, Mexico, and will spend two days at Disney’s Castaway Cay instead of just one. In a bit of a domino effect, Disney Wish will have to move up her planned visit to Castaway Cay and switch … [Read More...]
Disney Wish October 27, 2025 Itinerary Port Order Altered Due to Tropical Storm Melissa
Today, guests booked on Monday’s Disney Wish 4-night Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral are learning there will be a change in the port order due to the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Melissa which is currently forecast to intensify into Hurricane Melissa later in the week. The primary change is moving the Disney Wish’s call to Castaway Cay up to day 2, and making Thursday a sea day to … [Read More...]