Cruise Lines File Lawsuit About Passenger Tax

[Dwayne]

The Alaska Cruise Association representing Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and other lines has filed a lawsuit regarding the Passenger Tax.

Here is a link to the story.

Dwayne

[Dave]

I think they have a valid claim about it violating the interstate commerce clause of the Constitution. They are also discriminating against cruise passengers because of their mode of transportation. Ships with capacities of 250 passengers or less are exempt - which means all of the Alaskan charter boats.

Here is a pdf of the complete complaint.

[Cruise Fanatic]

Most likely they will still get the $50 in a different form. IE: re-naming it, and imbedding it in the port fees.

[Berick1234]

Maybe if we didn't spend any money while in Alaska...they might get the hint that we aren't all that happy with the person sur-charge. Been there 3 times and going again in May....

Bob E

[Dwayne]

Sounds like the cruise passengers should have a Juneau tea party along the lines of the Boston tea party. Taxation without representation or benefit. I guess living in an area that relies on tourism it just seems odd to me to tax people for visiting.

Dwayne

[f-mattox]

It's greed, Dwayne: pure and simple. They want to see how much we'll pay before we stop going.

And if California dosen't stop sticking it to the cruiselines in taxes and regulations, Ensenada is going to become to the new cruise capital of the West Coast.

[Dwayne]

All I know is if South Carolina ever attempts this (which I doubt) for Charleston they'll have a fight on their hands from the tourism industry. We sorta want people to come here.

Dwayne

[Sandy]

The tourism industry fought the Alaska state tax, but it was put to a vote, and Alaska residents voted it in.

Several cruise lines have pulled one or more ships out of Alaska for 2010, due in part, but not totally, to the taxes being high. Alaska is revisiting the tax but no one knows if it will be repealed.

The Alaska Cruise Association has filed a complaint, with the intention of getting the $50 tax repealed. Read about it here.

Edited to include info on ACA complaint.

[Dave]

Alaska's Attorney General vows to fight the lawsuit. Look here for the article.

FYI for tax proponent Geldhof (from the article)...you can't sue a legislature.