This new levy is a significant blow to holidaymakers as it is a new cost on top of expensive cruise vacations. It will become mandatory on all passengers traveling to Greece’s popular island ports, including popular ports such as Mykonos and Santorini. For tourists traveling during the peak holiday season, this tax will cost them €20/£17.22 per person on these typical islands. Other smaller ports visited by fewer people will have lower rates but still constitute a new cost for holidaymakers.
The New Greek Tourist Tax: What It Means for Cruise Passengers
MSC Cruises has confirmed that the new fee will be automatically added to passengers’ onboard accounts, which will be paid directly to the port authorities. This mandatory charge will affect all cruise guests, regardless of age, who transit through a Greek port—whether they are disembarking or simply passing through a port of call.
For cruise passengers, particularly those visiting in the peak months between July and September, this new tax will be most noticeable. The highest fees will be charged for visits to Santorini and Mykonos, two of Greece’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Passengers will pay €20/£17.22 per person to visit these islands in the height of summer. Meanwhile, less popular destinations will charge €5/£4.30 per person during the peak season.
However, the good news for travelers visiting in shoulder season (April, May, and October) is that the tax will be lower. Santorini and Mykonos will incur a €12/£10.28 fee, while other ports will be charged at €3/£2.57 per passenger. The lowest fees will be imposed in the winter months, with guests visiting Santorini and Mykonos paying only €4/£3.43, and other ports charging a mere €1/86p per passenger.
Why the New Tax in Greece?
The introduction of this new cruise passenger tax is part of Greece’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism. According to Greek officials, the funds raised from this tax will be used to support local infrastructure projects, maintain public spaces, and enhance the overall experience for visitors. The aim is to ensure that Greece’s most popular tourist destinations can continue to accommodate large numbers of visitors while preserving their cultural and natural beauty for future generations.
MSC Cruises has assured passengers that if they choose to stay onboard the ship instead of going ashore, the fee will be automatically removed from their onboard account within 24 hours. This gives passengers some flexibility, especially for those who may want to avoid the additional cost by skipping certain ports.
Impact on Travelers and Cruise Lines
For many travelers, the introduction of this fee is a disappointing development, particularly those who had not anticipated an extra charge for their port visits. While the tourist tax is designed to fund necessary infrastructure and sustainable tourism projects, passengers are likely to feel the burden of additional costs, especially for those traveling as families or groups.
This news also comes at a time when cruise lines are already facing financial challenges. The cruise industry, which took a significant hit during the pandemic, has been working hard to attract tourists back onboard. New fees, such as those in Greece, may affect travelers’ perceptions of the value they are receiving for their vacations.
Travel Tip: For passengers seeking to mitigate the additional costs, it’s worth considering alternatives to visiting the most popular Greek islands. Less crowded destinations in Greece offer equally rich cultural experiences and can help you avoid the higher fees.
Mexico Also Imposes New Cruise Passenger Fees
The news from Greece comes on the heels of Mexico’s introduction of a new cruise passenger tax, which will apply to many Caribbean itineraries. Mexico is now charging a $5/£3.67 fee per passenger, a charge that is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. By 2028, the fee is set to increase to $21/£15.42 per person. This tax is being introduced in response to criticism from Mexican officials, who have expressed concerns that cruise lines have not contributed enough to the local economies of the ports they visit.
This move has sparked backlash from cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, which have argued that passengers already spend money in each destination they visit. However, Mexican officials point out that many airlines already charge a tourist tax as part of their ticket price, and they are now asking cruise passengers to pay their fair share.
Quick Travel Tips for Affected Cruise Passengers
- Budget for Additional Costs: If you’re traveling to Greece or Mexico on a cruise this year, ensure that you factor in the additional fees for port visits. These fees can add up, especially for families or group bookings.
- Consider Staying Onboard: If you prefer to avoid the fees, staying onboard the ship while docked in certain ports may be an option. MSC Cruises will remove the tax from your account if you choose this route.
- Research Alternative Destinations: Explore lesser-known Greek islands or Mexican ports to avoid higher taxes. Many of these alternatives offer stunning scenery and cultural experiences without the extra cost.
- Look for Travel Deals: As cruise lines respond to these new fees, there may be special promotions or discounts offered to offset the added expense. Keep an eye out for deals when booking your cruise.
Bottom Line: An Evolving Landscape for Cruise Passengers
he introduction of cruise passenger taxes in Greece and Mexico marks a shift in how governments are managing the impact of tourism on local economies and environments. While these taxes aim to support sustainable tourism initiatives, they add a new layer of cost for travelers, particularly cruise passengers. For those planning cruises to Santorini, Mykonos, or Mexico, it’s important to factor these fees into your travel budget.
As the cruising industry settles into life after the pandemic, cruisers will need to learn to adapt to these new costs as well as embrace the ultimate goal of sustainable cruising. In the interim, cruisers should stay current, plan ahead, and consider how these fees may influence their cruise experience.
Tags: Cruise travelers Greece Mexico in 2025 MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Mykonos, Santorini