Question about New Alaska Tax

[MINIjen]

Will it effect my June 2007 sailing on Radiance OTS?

 

This will be my first cruise, so I'm not entirely sure how it all works.

 

 

We have a reservation, so assume our "fare" is locked in. Can RCCL go back and added in extra taxes & fees to cover this new tax? Or is my price going to be the same, since we already have a reservation?

 

 

Someone mentioned the possiblity of itinerary changes to get around the new tax. Is this likely? When we would be notified?

[NancyIL]

My best guess is that RCI CAN add the $50/pp tax to your bill. I don't think they can change the price of your cruise to reflect income taxes they have to pay or casino revenues they are losing - at least not once you've made your deposit. This may be wishful thinking on my part, but I'm hoping I'm right.

 

The only itinerary changes that would let them avoid paying the tax is to NOT go to any Alaskan ports!

[DonLou]

I can't say about the Radiance, but in the contract for Princess Cruises they have the following clause in the passenger contract under definitions (underlining is mine for emphasis):

 

"Cruise Fare" means the amount payable by You to Carrier for Your Cruise, excluding commissions and/or discounts. It covers the cruise package, scheduled meals and accommodations while on board and shall include any increases in government fees and taxes, air fees and taxes, fuel, immigration, air programs or other costs which Carrier may add to Your Cruise Fare and charge to your stateroom account and/or credit card.

 

So for Princess Cruises it appears that the head tax will be passed on directly to the customer. I'm assuming Radiance has the same or similar clause in their passenger contract. :(

[ARRTrain]

I'm sure the cruiselines will take this thing to court and who knows when that will sorted out.

[Chat Noir]

I booked our Princess cruise to Alaska last September for our May cruise this year. Upon final payment I had an insignificant amount (perhaps $25 for the 4 of us) of fees added beyond the original price for which I had deposited. I didn't ask why/what for and just paid it. So yes, fees can be added in even though you've locked in your price. Our Carnival cruise to Alaska the year before had no changes. Who knows what the fees were for, port based or something the cruiseline added on themselves... I guess I should've asked!

As much as I love Alaska, and love cruising there... perhaps we've taken our last for the forseeable future... and I was so looking forward to sailing the beautiful Alaskan shoreline at least once a year. I'm afraid this will go well beyond the minimal $50pp which is continually mentioned once all is said and done.:(

[sea_u_onboard]

I emailed my PVP (who also happens to be a supervisor) and asked about the fee - since I'm booked for next July. She told me that as of right now she hadn't heard anything but she would let me know if she hears anything.

[Chat Noir]

 

The only itinerary changes that would let them avoid paying the tax is to NOT go to any Alaskan ports!

 

I can't think of a better place to have a cruise to nowhere... so long as it goes to some glaciers! The scenery is fabulous, and I could sure drift for 7 days along the spectacular Alaskan coastline.:):p;)