Cruisers planning a 2025 vacation to Mexico may see some relief regarding a new fee.
Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), said the $42 “Non-Resident Fee” will be charged once per sailing, not at every Mexican port.
The clarification was made in an interview with SeaTrade Cruise News. The FCCA, representing more than 20 cruise lines, noted that the Mexican government has not yet confirmed how the fee will be processed.
The rollout of the fee was postponed by six months to July 2025.
Cruise Lines Want Further Talks with Government
Paige said cruise line CEOs are prepared to travel to Mexico City if they can meet with high-ranking officials. “Our ask is for a meeting with the chief of staff or the president to recognize the importance of Mexico and the cruise industry together,” she said.
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The FCCA previously met with Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora and Treasury Secretary Carlos Lerma. Paige warned that the fee could harm Mexico’s cruise tourism sector without a compromise.
“We take cruise passengers where they want to go, and cruise lines are in business to make money,” the FCCA said in a statement.
A new $5 infrastructure tax is slated to start in 2025 for visitors to Cozumel and Costa Maya. That tax will help improve roadways and fund local projects.
Up to 10 Million Cruisers Expected to Visit Mexico Next Year
The FCCA estimates more than 10 million cruise passengers will visit Mexican ports in 2025.
“Mexico is not looking at the cruise industry as a true economic driver. There’s so much we could do,” Paige said.
Cruise lines have promised not to pass the fee onto guests with existing bookings for sailings after July 2025. However, given the long planning cycles for itineraries, that could change.
Royal Caribbean is developing two projects in Mexico, Perfect Day Mexico, and Cozumel Royal Beach Club.
