MSC Magnifica in San Francisco (Photo: MSC Cruises)How Cruise Lines Will Comply with California’s New Honest Pricing Law
MSC Magnifica in San Francisco (Photo: MSC Cruises)
Things are about to change in California (and nationwide) for cruise travelers budgeting for their vacations. A new price transparency bill, also known as SB 478, goes into effect July 1, 2024.
In short, the “Honest Pricing Law” or “Hidden Fees Statute” stipulates that businesses operating in the state can't advertise or list a price for goods or services without including all necessary fees or charges, save for select government taxes and shipping costs.
Cruise Critic breaks down what that means for cruisers looking to view and book cruise vacations after July 1.
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What the Honest Pricing Law Means for Cruisers
A couple enjoys drink on the deck of a Windstar cruise ship. (Photo: Windstar Cruises)
Ultimately, the Honest Pricing Law is better for the consumer. Currently, cruise pricing doesn't always display the full bottom-line cost until it's itemized later in the booking process – which can lead to sticker shock as taxes, port fees and surcharges are added to base fares. But that’s exactly what is set to change: Listed costs will soon bundle all taxes and fees as part of the up-front price.
At least in the case of Carnival Corporation, the company assures travelers that “fortunately, despite how our prices will now be advertised, the total price guests pay today for our cruises has not changed – guests still get the same great value and affordable prices we’ve always provided,” according to a spokesperson.
You're not paying any more to book a cruise July 1 versus June 30; you're just seeing the total, all-in price.
Which Cruise Lines Will Follow the Honest Pricing Law?
Carnival Jubilee arriving at Galveston on December 20, 2023 (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)
Most cruise lines within the United States will comply with the Honest Pricing Law nationwide as of July 1.
Carnival Corp. confirmed it will apply the new pricing law to ships sailing in California – most often Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises – as well as across the rest of the U.S.
“While this is a California state law, we are making this change nationwide to ensure our advertised pricing is consistent no matter where guests shop for our cruises,” the spokesperson said.
Come July 1, all Carnival Corporation brands operating within the United States will show a total advertised price that will include all government-mandated taxes, fees and port expenses that were previously itemized separately for the sake of consumer awareness. (Carnival Corp. encompasses nine brands worldwide.)
MSC Cruises is in the same boat, so to speak. Beginning even earlier on June 26, 2024, the line’s total advertised cruise prices for U.S. reservations will now include taxes and government fees, according to a spokesperson.
“These costs are now seamlessly integrated into the total advertised price, providing a simple and transparent booking experience that will not impact the overall price paid by our guests,” the spokesperson said.
Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge on a Pacific Coastal cruise (Photo: Chris Gray Faust)
Meanwhile, corporate cousin Explora Journeys already includes all taxes, fees and port expenses in its total advertised cruise costs.
Royal Caribbean Group is acting similarly, according to a spokesperson, who mentioned two out of its three brands, excluding Silversea, which infrequently visits California.
“We are updating the way we display our pricing in the U.S. beginning July 1. Guests booking with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will now see pricing that is inclusive of their selected cruise fare and all required taxes and fees.”
The Port of San Pedro (Photo: Aaron Saunders)
Regarding Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. – which regularly operates its Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand from San Pedro, just outside of Los Angeles – the company plans to apply the new pricing even further, according to a spokesperson for NCL:
“To comply with this new law and to simplify the booking experience for all our guests based in the U.S. and Canada, Norwegian Cruise Line will be incorporating applicable government taxes, fees and port expenses into our advertised pricing beginning July 1, 2024.”
The cost alteration will only affect the way it displays prices and not the overall price passengers ultimately pay to take a cruise.
“We are committed to delivering exceptional vacation experiences at every step of the cruise journey, and we hope this change will provide our guests with a more satisfying booking experience,” the spokesperson said.
A Viking ship (Photo: Viking)
As for Viking, another line that only periodically makes calls in California, the brand indicates it always includes all port taxes and fees, “so our guests never discover unexpected charges,” according to a spokesperson. “We have a long history of open and honest pricing, and we do not nickel-and-dime our guests.”
Disney Cruise Line, which frequently sails from San Diego, also plans to abide by the new regulations.