How Will California’s Honest Pricing Law Impact Cruise Prices?

Cruise pricing is about to look a little different for consumers as a new law, SB 478, goes into effect in California on July 1, 2024. To meet the requirements of this new law, cruise lines will roll out transparent pricing structures nationwide that will be noticeable to travelers when they search for cruise fares. Cruise fares stay the same, but how they are displayed changes. Here’s what this new law is about and how cruise lines respond to its requirements. 

California’s SB 478, the “Hidden Fees Statute” or “Honest Pricing Law,” will mandate that all businesses (including those in the travel industry) operating within the state advertise prices that include all fees and charges upfront. This law aims to prevent deceptive pricing practices and ensure consumers can make informed decisions by seeing the total cost upfront.

Several other states are considering or are in the process of passing similar legislation to California. As all cruise lines advertise in California, many lines are changing their policies to comply nationwide to ensure their pricing structure meets all requirements. Most cruise lines will now list prices encompassing all mandatory fees, port taxes, and other expenses (like cancellation fees). Consumers can feel confident that when they see an advertised price, that is precisely what they will pay. 

Carnival Corporation (parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Seabourn) intends to implement this change nationwide. It shared the following statement in a message to travel advisors: 

“At this time, the Carnival Cruise Line, Princess, Holland America, and Cunard^® North America brands have elected to include ALL the current taxes, fees, and port expenses into the advertised price. Seabourn already advertises fares this way, but the changes described below for refunds and cancellation fees will apply to Seabourn as well. This will provide guests with the clear total price upfront for the cruise selected.”

Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises) announced it will implement California’s pricing changes nationwide to maintain consistency and avoid confusion.

MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have also announced their intent to incorporate all government taxes, fees, and port expenses into their advertised pricing to meet the July 1 deadline. 

Select lines, including Disney Cruise Line and Viking Cruises, already include all fees in their advertised pricing and will not need to change their structure. 

What Does This Mean for Cruisers? 

This new pricing structure is still the same cruise fare. The port charges, taxes, and fees are now displayed in total upfront with the cruise fare instead of later in the booking process. Now, when you view and search for cruises, prices listed from most cruise lines will include all fees, taxes, and other expenses. Keep in mind that if you add things like a drinks package, specialty dining, or other amenities, there may be gratuities or other service charges added to the booking. Remember that these are amenities or promotional offers and not "mandatory" as part of the cruise purchase; therefore, they do not have to be displayed in the upfront pricing.

If you have a future cruise booked or are in the process of booking a new cruise and have questions about the pricing, we recommend contacting the cruise line or your travel advisor directly or post a question in our forums. 

Cruiseline.com will share additional information from cruise lines regarding pricing structure changes or announcements should they become available. 

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