New Hawai’i Tax Will Affect Select Disney Cruise Line Sailings in 2026

Hawaii’s new tax on cruise fares takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, impacting Disney Cruise Line’s Feb. 2 South Pacific and Feb. 16 Hawaiian sailings with updated fees.

Jackie Gailey

Guests booked on select 2026 Disney Cruise Line sailings should prepare for an increase in taxes, fees, and port expenses following a new law recently passed in Hawaii. The Hawai’i Legislature approved a measure extending the state’s existing 11% Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and the 3% Local County TAT to include cruise ship fares. This change will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.

As a result, Disney Cruise Line has confirmed that two upcoming sailings will be impacted: the February 2, 2026, South Pacific Cruise and the February 16, 2026, Hawaiian Cruise. Both itineraries will now include the new tax as part of their total cost, which will be reflected in updated taxes, fees, and port expenses for each reservation.


Because the new TAT is a percentage-based tax, the additional amount owed will vary between reservations depending on the category and cost of the stateroom. Guests will begin receiving an official notification starting today, September 25, outlining the details of the tax implementation and reminding guests of the upcoming final payment deadlines for each sailing.

Disney Cruise Line noted that while this tax is imposed by the State of Hawai’i and local counties, the company is committed to providing transparency and giving guests ample notice before the changes are applied to their accounts.

The two impacted sailings are part of Disney Cruise Line’s highly anticipated early 2026 offerings, with the South Pacific itinerary featuring exotic island ports and the Hawaiian cruise offering guests the opportunity to explore multiple islands across the Aloha State.



Guests with reservations should review the updated pricing once notifications are sent and plan accordingly ahead of their final payment date.


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