Arison to Alaska: With all other outlets pretty much exhausted, expect lawsuit soon

VENICE – The cruise industry is on the verge of filing a lawsuit against the state of Alaska over the $50 per passenger cruise tax Alaska’s voters approved three years ago.

VENICE – The cruise industry is on the verge of filing a lawsuit against the state of Alaska over the $50 per passenger cruise tax Alaska’s voters approved three years ago.

“Our intention is to file the litigation relatively soon,” Arison told cruise writers today during a press conference aboard the new Seabourn Odyssey. “I think we’ve pretty much exhausted all other outlets.”

Responding to a question about the tax from veteran cruise writer Fran Golden, Arison said the industry always have maintained the tax is “illegal and unconstitutional” but has held off filing suit while it tried to reason with Alaskan officials. The days of trying to talk it out peacefully, however, are coming to an end, he says.

“We tried over several legislative sessions to convince the powers that be (it was illegal) and that it also was not in the interest of Alaska economically, (but) we have not been successful,” Arison noted.

Arison had some harsh words for Alaska governor Sarah Palin, noting “she doesn’t seem to want to focus, (nor does) anyone else in Alaska . . . (Palin) needs to concentrate on Alaska and stop running for president.”

Arison added that this month’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a tax on oil tankers in Valdez, Alaska, supports the company’s position that the cruise tax violates the “tonnage clause” of the U.S. Constitution.

“It came down exactly the way we anticipated, (saying) that states do not have the right to charge taxes on ships in that manner,” he says.

Carnival and other cruise operators say that the $50-per-passenger tax is partly responsible for a drop in demand for Alaska cruises over the past year. Citing the falling demand, many lines in recent months have announced plans to reduce cruise capacity in Alaska for 2010.

Arison and other top Carnival Corporation executives are on board the Seabourn Odyssey this week as it debuts in Venice. The Yachts of Seabourn is owned by Carnival as are more than half a dozen other lines including Princess Cruises, Holland America, Cunard Line and Costa Cruises.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...