It's official. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has filed a lawsuit to block the extension of Hawaii's Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) to cruise ship passengers. That TAT is expected to go into effect starting January 1, 2026, unless the court acts. If not, passengers will be subject to an 11% tax on their cruise fares for days their ship is docked in Hawaiian ports. That's on top of existing port fees and taxes.
Hawaii previously defined transient accommodation as a "room, apartment, house, condominium, beach house, hotel room, suite, or similar living accommodation rented to a transient person for less than 180 consecutive days in exchange for payment in cash, goods, or services," according to Cruise Critic. Now, that definition has been expanded to include cruise ships.
In a statement, CLIA said: "We believe the extension violates both the U.S. Constitution and federal law, while imposing an additional financial burden on passengers already subject to substantial fees and taxes. Such a policy risks undermining a critical sector of Hawaii’s economy without justification. That’s why we are pursuing all appropriate means to make sure that doesn’t happen, including filing suit yesterday in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii."
CLIA also said that in 2023, Hawaii cruising generated $639 million in total positive economic impact including $116 million in tax revenues, support for 3,000 local jobs and $215 million in wages. "The cruise industry values its longstanding relationship with Hawaii and is committed to working collaboratively with state officials to develop a fair and legally sound framework that promotes sustainable economic growth," the trade association also said in its statement.
Small Ship News
Separately, CLIA announced that its next, three-day CLIA RiverView conference will take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on March 8-10, 2026. Thus far, nine cruise operators have signed up to participate. Separately, CLIA welcomed a new member, Trafalgar, which will launch European river cruising with two itineraries in April 2026.
On the new ship front, Viking took delivery of its newest European river vessel, Viking Gyda, which will sail on Portugal’s Douro River. Now on a fast track to expanding its small-ship ocean fleet, Emerald Cruises celebrated the steel cutting for Emerald Raiya, launching in 2027; that's a sister vessel to Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, now sailing for the line. In addition, new sister Emerald Kaia will launch in 2026 and Emerald Xara in 2028.
North American summer sales for Hurtigruten soared 15% between June 1 and August 28, driven by a 72% increase for the small-ship line's Signature product series. Having recently split from expeditionary HX, Hurtigruten is now charting its own course as a standalone company with 10 ships and a focus on Norwegian coastal and Svalbard sailings.
New Promos, Enhancements and Schedules
Several lines introduced Labor Day promotions that continue through this week. For instance, Holland America Line's Labor Day deal, available to Americans and Canadians for bookings now through September 8, 2025, applies for fall 2025 and winter/spring 2026 warm-weather cruises. The offer includes up to 45% off cruise fares; a $99 deposit; and up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom.
As for new fare categories, Explora Journeys introduced its new Sky and Sea Fare, designed to provide guests with a seamless travel experience from the moment they leave from their departure airport to the moment they step on board their Explora ship.
Also elevating the guest experience is Royal Caribbean International, which is adding benefits to its exclusive VIP add-on program, The Key. According to an update by Cruise Hive, sports activities will be discounted 50% and guests will also receive a one-time savings for spa treatments. Pricing for The Key varies per sailing but often sells out on many ships.
Schedule-wise, Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled its 2025 holiday expeditions in Antarctica, while Coral Expeditions revealed details of its 2027 Kimberley cruise season in Australia. In addition, Ponant introduced new 12-night explorations to the North Pole in 2027.
Japan Immersion on Mitsui
Travel Agent Central is currently sailing on the 458-passenger Mitsui Ocean Fuji, the newly acquired Seabourn Odyssey. Now updated, this luxury vessel is sailing Japanese itineraries for Mitsui Ocean Cruises. The Japanese line just began selling its luxury voyages in Asia to North American travelers. Bilingual crew members speak English and Japanese, shore excursions are offered in both languages, and dining has western and Japanese options.
That said, we'd definitely guests seeking enhanced Japanese immersion make a reservation for the Omakase Nigiri night in the ship's casual Terrace Restaurant Hachiyo; it costs 4,000 yen or approximately $25 per person. In a sneak peek from our upcoming review of the ship, here's a look below at one course within that Omakase lineup. It's Nigiri (hand-pressed) sushi including tuna, sea bream, amberjack, abalone, shrimp, salmon, squid, sea urchin, salmon roe and egg. It was fresh, well-presented and tasty.
Cruise Trade News
At the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, NV, recently, Virtuoso honored its top cruise ambassadors and best cruise line experiences. Explora Journeys took top honors for an ocean luxury cruise experience. Click here to learn which other cruise lines were honored in different categories.
Separately, Dream Vacations and CruiseOne announced that their 2026 National Conference will unfold November 1–8, 2026, aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas. Sailing roundtrip from Port Canaveral, FL, the ship will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, plus St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., and Sint Maarten.
Importance of Crew Training
On August 29, 2025, guests sailing on P&O Cruises 5,200-passenger Iona, heard some disconcerting words in a series of escalating PA system public announcements. A fire had broken out at a small oil fryer within a Deck 5 galley. Iona's passengers, who hailed primarily from the U.K. and European Union (EU) region, observed fire crew members racing to that galley. Other crew members were publicly called to their muster stations over the PA system, and several restaurants were temporarily closed, according to Cruise Hive.
Iona was operating a Norwegian itinerary roundtrip from Southampton, U.K. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished. Responding crew members were praised for their quick actions by the captain and guests. Ironically, crew members had completed several fire drills just the day prior to the incident. As they say, good training counts.
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