The state’s “Honest Pricing Law,” which goes into effect on July 1, will make it illegal for a business to advertise a price without including nearly all the required fees or charges, according to the California Department of Justice.
When it comes to cruises, the law means cruise lines that operate within the state of California will need to include the cost of port expenses, taxes, and other fees in the listed price, according to the Washington Post. This affects major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises, and can often add up to more than $100 per person.
For its part, a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the cruise company would update the way it displays pricing across the U.S.
Some cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line, already include the extra taxes and fees in the initial price, the Washington Post noted.
While port fees and other required expenses must be advertised, other extras like gratuities (which many cruise lines automatically charge), will not have to be.
