Disney Cruise Line is notifying guests that select 2026 sailings will now cost more than originally booked. Notices sent on September 25 confirm higher totals for certain itineraries, tied not to changes in the cruise line’s pricing, but to new state and county taxes imposed in Hawaii.
The update adds to a turbulent period for Disney Cruise Line. In recent months, the company confirmed plans to pause voyages around Australia and New Zealand. At the same time, passengers on other sailings have taken to social media to voice complaints about bed bugs aboard Disney Cruise Line ships, drawing fresh criticism about onboard standards.
Hawaii Extends Its Transient Accommodations Tax
Earlier this year, Hawaii expanded its Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) to include cruise ship passengers.
The new levy combines an 11% state TAT with a 3% Local County TAT, creating a 14% charge on the portion of a fare tied to time the vessel is docked in Hawaii.
The policy goes into effect on January 1, 2026. So far, Disney Cruise Line has confirmed that two itineraries are impacted: the South Pacific Cruise departing February 2, 2026, and the Hawaiian Cruise departing February 16, 2026. Guests on those voyages began receiving updated invoices this week.
Disney has incorporated the new tax into the “taxes, fees, and port expenses” portion of guest invoices. For those who have already paid in full, an additional payment will now be required. Passengers yet to reach final payment deadlines will see the updated total reflected in their balance.
One guest said the change raised the cost of their reservation by more than $400, underlining the scale of the adjustment for an already premium-priced vacation. The increase varies by stateroom type, group size, and how much time the ship spends docked in Hawaiian ports.
The tax change is just one of several challenges for Disney Cruise Line.
Disney’s recent pricing promotions — including a reduction in deposit requirements from 20% to 10% in June and a 40% discount on select 2025 sailings — had been welcomed by guests as rare bright spots. Yet the new tax, coupled with service-related controversies and high-profile cancellations, has made the coming months a more complicated voyage for the cruise line.
Have you received a notice from the Disney Cruise Line about an upcoming price increase?
