Disney Cruise Line has begun informing guests booked on specific Disney Wonder voyages that new Hawaii state taxes will increase their cruise costs by hundreds of dollars. This change stems from the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) legislation passed in May 2025. This marks the first time Hawaii has applied such taxes to cruise ship visits, with the new regulations taking effect on January 1, 2026.
The new tax impacts all cruise lines and vessels visiting Hawaii from that date forward. Guests with upcoming Hawaiian itineraries are now facing unexpected additional charges to their bookings.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Cruise Line guests face increased costs for Hawaii sailings.
- Hawaii's new Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) applies to cruise ships from January 1, 2026.
- The tax increase can be several hundred dollars per booking.
- Cruise lines generally have the right to adjust taxes and fees.
- A lawsuit has been filed by CLIA challenging the tax's constitutionality.
New Hawaii Tax Impacts Disney Wonder Sailings
Guests scheduled for a Disney Wonder cruise in February 2026 are receiving notifications about these new tax payments. The specific voyage affected is the 10-night, one-way sailing departing on February 16, 2026. This itinerary travels from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Vancouver, Canada, following the ship's season in Australia.
Disney Cruise Line sent emails to booked guests just over three weeks before their final payment deadline. The communication detailed the added charges.
"We are writing to you with important information related to your upcoming cruise, which includes a visit to Hawai'i. The State of Hawai'i will be implementing an 11% Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), as well as a 3% Local County TAT, on a portion of your cruise fare based on the time spent docked in Hawai'i," the email stated.
These taxes were approved in May 2025. Their implementation on January 1, 2026, marks a significant shift in how Hawaii taxes tourism, extending it to cruise vessels for the first time.
Tax Details
- State TAT: 11%
- Local County TAT: 3%
- Total TAT: 14% on a portion of the cruise fare
- Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Increased Costs for Passengers
The new taxes mean that guests' previously calculated taxes, fees, and port expenses for Hawaiian itineraries will be updated. For the February 16, 2026 Disney Wonder cruise, port calls in Nawiliwili, Maui, and Hilo will all be subject to these new taxes.
The precise amount of the tax increase varies based on individual fare rates. Some guests have reported increases ranging from $400 to $450 or more. Such an unexpected charge can significantly impact a family's travel budget.
The final payment date for this sailing is October 19, 2025. All new taxes must be paid by this date. Failure to pay these increased amounts could result in reservation cancellations and the loss of a planned cruise vacation.
Understanding Cruise Fare Adjustments
Cruise lines typically reserve the right to modify fares and pricing. While the base cruise fare is often locked in once a reservation is confirmed, taxes and fees are determined by ports and governments. These can change even after booking.
Most cruise companies aim to estimate these fees accurately to avoid last-minute surprises. If fees are overestimated, guests might receive a refund or onboard credit. If fees are slightly underestimated, cruise lines sometimes absorb the difference to avoid impacting guests.
Broader Impact on Cruise Industry
This new Hawaii TAT is not a minor adjustment. If every stateroom on the specific Disney Wonder sailing faced a $400 tax increase, the total additional fees for that single voyage would reach approximately $350,000.
Another affected sailing is the Disney Wonder's February 2, 2026 departure from Sydney to Honolulu. While this cruise will spend less time in Hawaii before disembarking in Honolulu, it includes a port visit to Nawiliwili on February 15, which will also incur increased fees.
Other Cruise Lines Affected
Many other cruise ships and lines will also be impacted by this tax change starting in January 2026. These include:
- Ruby Princess
- Holland America Line's Zaandam
- Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam
- Carnival Radiance
- Emerald Princess
- Coral Princess
Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America will experience the most significant impact. This ship sails 7-night Hawaiian itineraries year-round, meaning all its guests will consistently face these new taxes.
Legal Challenge to the New Tax
In August 2025, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) filed a lawsuit against the State of Hawaii. This legal action challenges the constitutionality of the new tax. However, resolving a federal lawsuit can take many months.
The outcome of this legal challenge remains uncertain. For now, cruise lines are complying with the new tax law by passing the charges on to their customers. Travelers planning a Hawaiian cruise should be aware of these potential additional costs.
Staying informed about these changes is crucial for travelers to budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses when planning their vacations to the Aloha State.
