Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating Norwegian Cruise Line over concerns that passengers may have been charged additional Hawaii cruise taxes despite a federal court temporarily blocking enforcement of the relevant tax provisions.
Hawaii planned to begin applying its transient accommodations tax to cruise operators in 2026. However, on December 31, 2025, a federal appeals court temporarily blocked enforcement of the cruise-specific provisions while litigation continued.
Despite the injunction, reports indicated that Norwegian Cruise Line continued collecting amounts attributed to the Hawaii tax from certain passengers aboard Pride of America. Norwegian Cruise Line reportedly indicated that refunds would be provided if the cruise industry’s legal challenge succeeded.
Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether passengers received adequate disclosures about Norwegian Cruise Line’s charges and whether the company’s collection and refund practices complied with applicable law.
Consumers May Have Experienced:
- Unexpected Hawaii tax charges added to their cruise bills;
- Higher cruise costs than originally anticipated;
- Difficulty obtaining refunds for disputed tax charges;
- Confusion about whether the additional taxes were legally required.
Potential Claims May Include:
- Consumer protection law violations;
- False or misleading advertising;
- Fraudulent misrepresentation or omission;
- Breach of contract;
- Unjust enrichment.
Signs You May Be Affected:
- You booked a Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii sailing in 2026;
- You were charged an additional Hawaii transient accommodations tax;
- Your final cruise bill was higher than the original advertised or quoted price;
- You requested a refund for the disputed tax but did not receive one.
If you booked a Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii cruise and were charged additional Hawaii taxes that you believe were improperly collected or not refunded, Migliaccio & Rathod LLP would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call at (202) 470-3520.