Tax cut for Alaska cruises

While talk in the UK has been about tax increases in the coalition government’s emergency budget, there’s one place in the world where taxes are being reduced – for cruise passengers at least.
Legislation to reduce the levy on visitors to Alaska has now become law, although it will be some time before the number of ships visiting the region can return to previous levels.
Lines such as Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean sent ships elsewhere in reaction to the $46-a-head tax, and itineraries are already set for 2011. Loss of business as a result of the withdrawal is estimated at $25 million for Juneau alone this year.
The tax has been cut to $34.50, with further refunds for ships calling at Ketchikan and Juneau effectively reducing it to $19.50. The change comes into effect in October, but it will be 2012 at least before ships can be re-routed.