City officials in Lisbon, Portugal, confirmed a cruise ship tax will be imposed from early 2024.
The Port of Lisbon will begin charging cruise lines a per-passenger fee of €2 during port calls. There is no confirmation on the exact start date yet, but it’s expected to be effective in early 2024.
€1.2 million annually
The Port of Lisbon Authority (APL) said cruise ship operators will pay the fee via the Janela Única Logística platform. It said the procedure is still being worked out with Lisbon City Council officials. They forecast the cruise tax will raise about €1.2 million annually.
The APL announced in a press notice it is “finalizing the protocol to be signed with the City Council, in order to regulate the collection of the tourist tax.” It said it will follow similar procedures in collecting hotel room tax revenues.
Cruise Lines Opposed the Tax Proposal
The APL informed the cruise industry association CLIA of tentative plans to impose a per-passenger tax many months ago. Lisbon’s Mayor recently criticized cruise lines’ reaction and ongoing opposition to the tax proposal.
Mayor Carlos Moedas said: “It is truly shameful that there is such great resistance on the part of operators to pay this.” He threatened to restrict cruise operations in the city. “I will make entry somewhat difficult. I can hinder the mobility of buses (at the port), and I will do so if they don’t pay.”
More Cruise Passengers Taxes in 2024
Lisbon is a famous port call on Iberian and longer Mediterranean and Northern European cruise itineraries. It is mainland Europe’s most western capital and is often included on Canary Island cruises and transatlantic voyages.
This latest tax hike joins fellow European cruise ports of Barcelona and Amsterdam in adding additional cruise passenger taxes. St. Thomas (Crown Bay) and The Bahamas are adding cruise taxes in the Caribbean starting next month.
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