Expedition Cruise, Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Travel News, Uncategorized

July 9, 2024

Big Changes in Cruise Pricing Thanks to California Senate Bill 478

The new California Senate Bill 478 also known and the “Hidden Fees Statute” or the “Honest Pricing Law” went into effect on July 1, 2024.  This new law mandates that all advertised pricing must include taxes, fees and port expenses. Previously cruise lines would display separately or sometimes not at all until at the end of the booking process which can bring about unforeseen costs. 

“Erika, how does the California Senate Bill 478 change my travel planning?”

I am glad you asked.  With 70% of EBA Travelers coming to us with specific itineraries in mind, this new regulation will help you know if what you are viewing is moving the needle more toward the hit or the miss department when it comes to the budget.  For those traveling on upper premium and Luxury cruise lines (think Oceania or Regent Seven Seas) many of the cruise lines in this space have been offering fully transparent pricing for some time.  But for large ship cruising, river, and most expedition lines, this is a brand new structure.  Now with those “incredible offers”, you no longer have to guess what the final pricing will be because all those hidden fees are now right there in the forefront and included in the total price.  This transparency saves you time and energy because there is nothing more disappointing then seeing a supposed great new promo, only to find there are a ton of hidden fees and exclusions knocking that vacation excitement right out of you.

At EBA Travel, we have always operated with transparency and integrity by providing the complete cruise fares inclusive of all taxes and fees.  This new regulation aligns perfectly with our values and we are very happy to see it adopted in our industry. 

“Erika, what does the new regulation not change?”

Another great question.  Although final pricing will be easier to decipher in offers and online, there is still a lot it is not telling you.  When you work with a travel professional like EBA Travel, we also take into account

  1. Additional Non-advertised promotions/offers
  2. Combinable promotions/offers to enhance your experience such as loyalty offers and military savings.
  3. Agency only promotions and perks offered thru my affiliation with both Avoya Travel and Travel Leaders Network.
  4. Alternative options that better fit your travel style, budget, time frame, destinations visiting, etc.

At the end of the day, budget is just one part of trip planning.  When you work with a travel professional at EBA Travel, we always look at the whole picture so that your next great adventure is one for the record books. 

Remember to Travel Happy by traveling with EBA.

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