Cruise passengers planning to set sail in 2025 will encounter new or increased fees at major ports worldwide as local governments aim to fund infrastructure upgrades, environmental initiatives, and community services.
While these changes may have long-term benefits for the cities that collect them, they will also affect cruise costs for booked passengers as the cruise line passes taxes down to its guests.
It should be noted that most of the time, you won’t even realize the hike because it’s bundled into your cruise fare.
2025 Proposed Cruise Taxes and Fees
The U.S. Virgin Islands will increase wharfage fees at Crown Bay by $0.44 and ship dues by $3.00 beginning April 2025 to support dredging projects at St. Thomas Harbor.
In Mexico, a $42 immigration levy and a $5 fee in Quintana Roo will take effect July 1, 2025, funding disaster prevention efforts across ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya.
Greece plans to charge passengers approximately $22 to visit islands like Santorini and Mykonos to curb overtourism.
Meanwhile, Scotland intends to implement a tourist tax before the 2026 Holyrood election, with rates determined by local councils.
Barcelona, Spain, is expected to significantly increase its current € 7-day visitor tax, although the timeline remains undecided.
Australia has already begun increasing port fees for its 2025-26 season, prompting some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, to discontinue Melbourne as a home port.
Cruise Port Taxes at a Glance
| Port/Region | Implementation Date | Fee Details |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Virgin Islands | April 2025 | $0.44 increase in wharfage fees per passenger and $3.00 ship dues fee for St. Thomas Harbor. |
| Mexico | 2025 | $42 immigration levy on July 1 (tentative) and $5 Quintana Roo fee for disaster prevention efforts. |
| Greece | 2025 | €20 (approximately $22) per passenger for visits to Santorini and Mykonos. |
| Scotland | Before 2026 election | New tourist tax on cruise passengers, rates set by local councils. |
| Spain (Barcelona) | Still in discussion | Increase in the €7 (approximately $7.40) tourist tax for day visitors. |
| Australia | 2025-26 season | Increased port fees, causing some cruise lines to drop Melbourne as a home port. |
In Hawaii, lawmakers are considering a $50 “Green Fee” starting July 2025, which would grant access to state parks and trails for a year to support environmental conservation.
However, the law is still in legislation and it is unclear if it will be passed to every cruise passenger or charged individually while visiting a protected area.
These new charges show a growing trend among governments and port authorities to address over-tourism and environmental impacts through taxes.
