ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Sept 18 (Reuters) - An association representing major
cruise lines operating in Alaska on Friday filed a lawsuit against the
state of Alaska seeking to overturn the state's passenger head tax, a
levy the cruise companies claim is unconstitutional and has stifled
business.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Anchorage, argues that $46
of the state's $50-per-passenger head tax violates the U.S. constitution
because it unduly interferes with maritime and interstate commerce.
"We feel the entry fee, as implemented, is illegal. Alaskans are being
hurt by the tax and the court system is really the best venue to resolve
the issue," said John Binkley, president of the Alaska Cruise Association.
The association represents nine member companies, including Carnival
Corp (CCL.N), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL.N), Norwegian Cruise Line
and others.
The tax was imposed as part of a wide-ranging cruise ship initiative
passed by Alaska voters in 2006 that also included new environmental
regulations.
Cruise companies and operators of various tourism companies that cater
to cruise passengers have complained that the $50 tax, on top of an
economic recession, is driving customers away.
Sponsors of the 2006 initiative dismissed the idea that an extra $50 per
ticket was significantly affecting the volume of cruise business.
"It's just a ludicrous argument that $50 has any bearing on the decision
to take a $3,000 cruise vacation," said Chip Thoma, a Juneau activist
and founder of an organization called Responsible Cruising in Alaska.
Alaska has attracted about 1 million cruise passengers each summer in
recent years. However, some cruise lines earlier this year announced
that they are moving ships out of the Alaska trade next summer, likely
resulting in a 140,000-person drop in total passengers visiting the
state in 2010. Companies have also deeply discounted their Alaska
cruises to fill ships, officials have said