Cruising - TAXES?!?

Question

Wow - I just attempted to book my first cruise online. I've done hours and hours of research and knew what I wanted. I went online to book the cruise for two people - the billing page came up - and there were $2500 worth of taxes! WHAT?! Is that right???? The $5000 I'd planned to spend for two people is suddenly $7500 - that can't be possible, can it?! Help - please?

Answer 1

Something is wrong there for sure.

You should have insurance fees - usually $100 per person.  And there is an Alaska tourist fee - $50 per person.

Taxes should be no more then $50 per person.  

I would definately not book through that website.

Answer 2

I have just looked at the Princess Site for an Alaskan cruise from Seattle and the taxes from a cruise similar to yours is around $100 per person plus the fuel tax which is a max of $140 per cabin.

I think the website you used is not working properly (being kind) or you are being ripped off.

Have a look at the cruise-line website and check the price out, you can use their on-line booking system, you can normally go right to the end when taxes and charges are added. You don't need to book if you don't want to.

Good luck.

Answer 3

go see a travel agent and get all the info ,they get payed by the cruise line so take your research and see some one..

Answer 4

That does not sounds rigth at all. If you would e-mail me the exact cruise information you are trying to book, cruise line, sail date, ship and cabin type I will be more than happy to let you know what the tax for that cruise should be. You need to keep in mind that Alaska charges $50 per person tax, and most cruise lines are charging $5 - $10 per person per day fuel tax now, but still that is WAY too much for any cruise.

Answer 5

What type of cabin do you have--the owners suite?  Taxes should be $110 To $120 each.  A deluxe balcony with Concierge should be less than $2000 each on Princess or Celebrity--others cheaper.  Try Cruise.com or Cruise411.com or even Expedia.  I assume your going for a week at high season, ie. July.  Don't get ripped off.  Look a the cruise lines websight.  Their price is the absolute max you should pay--you can do better.  There is some travel agents out there that will take you to the cleaners.  If you are not American, always pay in US $.  The cruise companies shamelessly discriminate when changing Euros or Can$ on their fare.  NCL takes only US$.  Even though you may pay a little for the conversion on your credit, you'll still save lots of money.

Answer 6

Wow... I don't know what that's about. When we booked our cruise online there were federal taxes and fees but they didn't amount to more than 12% of our cost. Do you have a contact number? I would speak to someone immediately to find out what was going on.

Answer 7

yeah taxes are a big part when booking for a cruise and ,any ppl dont realize that untill they finish paying...

u may also want to take some money with u on the cruise because u spend a whole other bunch on money once u get on the cruise

Answer 8

This tax is not like a sales tax. It is a port tax. The cruiseline has no power over this. It is levied by the port that are on the itinerary. It is important to check on this with your Travel Agent or if you buy online ask before you book if the price includes port taxes. And yes Alaska has very pricey port taxes.