Cruise lines sue Skagway, Alaska over new shore excursion tax policy
Cruise lines have taken legal action against Skagway, Alaska for what they claim is overreaching on a new sales tax policy for shore excursions.
Lawmakers in Alaska have recently changed an ordnance to tax the full amount for shore excursions – including the commission cruise lines pocket for marketing the tours.
A lawsuit filed on behalf of cruise lines by Cruise Line International Association claims this violates Alaska and Federal laws.
The suit claims the booking service for these tours are mostly done online and outside Skagway’s jurisdiction so it cannot claim tax on this.
They say this amounts to ‘double taxation.’
Skagway lawmakers passed the amended ordinance last year.
Skagway says this is a fairer tax policy.
Skagway Borough Manager Emily Deach, who is named as a defendant, said: “Skagway made this change to treat tour sales by the cruise lines the same as other sales of products and services within the municipality.”
The CLIA lawsuit wants the commission amount removed from taxation and is claiming compensation for legal costs.
Related News Stories: Cruise industry takes aim at Hawaii cruise tax proposals American Airlines sued over engine fire News Archive - Page 3092 of 9406 - TravelMole Trafalgar expands into river cruising News Archive - Page 6006 of 9406 - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.
































France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt