Cruise travelers planning Mediterranean or Caribbean voyages in 2025 will face new fees as Greece and Mexico implement cruise passenger taxes aimed at boosting sustainable tourism and local infrastructure.
Greece Introduces Tiered Cruise Port Fees Beginning July 21, 2025
Starting July 21, 2025, cruise passengers arriving at Greek ports will be subject to a new sustainability tax introduced by the Greek government. The fee, announced by MSC Cruises in guest communications, will be automatically added to onboard accounts and forwarded directly to Greek port authorities.
The tax will apply to all cruise guests, regardless of age, who visit or transit through a Greek port. Whether travelers disembark or remain on the ship while docked, the fee will still apply—unless they remain onboard for the entire port call, in which case MSC Cruises will refund the charge within 24 hours.
Fees will vary depending on season and port popularity:
- Peak Season (July–September):
- €20 / £17.22 per person for Mykonos and Santorini
- €5 / £4.30 per person for smaller ports
- Shoulder Season (April, May, October):
- €12 / £10.28 for Santorini and Mykonos
- €3 / £2.57 for smaller ports
- Low Season (November–March):
- €4 / £3.43 for Santorini and Mykonos
- €1 / £0.86 for smaller ports
The Greek Ministry of Tourism states that the fee will directly fund coastal infrastructure upgrades, preservation of UNESCO heritage sites, and enhanced visitor services at high-traffic ports.
This initiative is part of Greece’s national sustainability strategy launched in collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO). With record-breaking tourism numbers in recent years, officials say the measure is designed to maintain the ecological and cultural integrity of destinations like Santorini, where overtourism has led to serious strain on waste systems and transportation.
Cruise Industry Response: Concerns Over Added Cost Amid Recovery
Cruise lines including MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean have expressed concern about the passenger tax, noting it adds to the cost of already premium-priced cruise vacations. The cruise sector is still navigating post-pandemic recovery, and some fear such levies may deter potential guests, especially families and budget-conscious travelers.
However, tourism experts emphasize that sustainable cruise tourism is increasingly important for port cities, which bear the brunt of short-term visitor surges. The Greek government is promoting dispersed tourism to lesser-known islands as an alternative, offering rich cultural experiences without the higher taxes or crowd pressures of major ports.
Pro tip: Travelers looking to avoid higher fees may explore emerging destinations like Syros, Naxos, or Patmos, where port charges are lower and local economies welcome increased foot traffic.
Mexico Implements $5 Cruise Tax with Future Increases Planned
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Mexico has introduced its own cruise passenger tax, joining Greece in efforts to monetize cruise tourism for community benefit.
As of early 2025, cruise passengers visiting popular Mexican ports such as Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Progreso will pay a $5 / £3.67 tax per person. The tax, collected by cruise operators and remitted to Mexican port authorities, is expected to rise to $21 / £15.42 by 2028, based on projections by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism.
The move responds to long-standing concerns by Mexican officials that cruise passengers contribute less to local economies than land-based tourists. Unlike hotel guests who pay tourist occupancy taxes, cruise visitors have historically bypassed such fees.
According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Council, the new tax will help finance environmental conservation efforts, security improvements, and public infrastructure upgrades in tourism-heavy coastal communities.
Cruise executives have pushed back, arguing that passengers already spend onshore, purchasing excursions, souvenirs, and meals. Nonetheless, Mexico joins a growing list of nations—including Venice, Italy and Dubrovnik, Croatia—that are turning to cruise-specific levies to combat the challenges of mass tourism.
Tips for Cruise Passengers Affected by 2025 Tax Changes
- Budget in Advance: Plan for additional fees when calculating your cruise expenses, especially if traveling with children or in groups.
- Stay Onboard Strategically: If you skip disembarkation at a taxed port, lines like MSC will remove the fee.
- Choose Alternative Ports: Consider ports with lower seasonal taxes or rising destinations outside the main cruise circuit.
- Book Early or Watch for Promotions: Cruise lines may offer bundled deals or discounts to offset the added tax burden.
- Understand Seasonal Rates: Visit during off-peak months to benefit from significantly reduced port fees.
The Future of Cruise Travel: Sustainable and Regulated
The introduction of passenger-specific cruise taxes in both Greece and Mexico signals a broader trend toward regulated and responsible tourism. While these new fees represent added costs, they reflect growing global awareness of the need to preserve cultural heritage, reduce environmental impact, and ensure local communities benefit from the tourism economy.
Cruise travelers in 2025 will need to adapt to a changing landscape where sustainable practices come at a price. By planning ahead and staying informed, cruisers can continue to enjoy bucket-list destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Cozumel, while contributing to their long-term viability.
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