CRUISE VISITORS WARNED OF NEW GREEK TOURIST TAX

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Holidaymakers from Northern Ireland planning a cruise to Greece in 2025 are being urged to prepare for a new tourist tax, set to be introduced on July 21. MSC Cruises has issued a formal advisory to guests, confirming that all cruise passengers visiting Greek ports, including popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, will be subject to a sustainable tourism levy of up to €20 per person during peak travel months.

The tax, part of Greece’s Sustainable Tourism Program, is designed to support local infrastructure, improve port facilities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of popular tourist destinations. According to MSC, the new charge will apply to all cruise passengers, regardless of age or cruise line, whether they disembark or remain on board.

How Much Will the New Cruise Tax Cost?

The amount charged will vary depending on the port visited and the time of year. Here’s a full breakdown:

• Peak Season (July – September):
  • Santorini & Mykonos: €20 / approx. £17.22 per person
  • All Other Ports: €5 / approx. £4.30 per person
• Shoulder Season (April, May & October):
  • Santorini & Mykonos: €12 / approx. £10.28 per person
  • All Other Ports: €3 / approx. £2.57 per person
• Winter Season (November – March):
  • Santorini & Mykonos: €4 / approx. £3.43 per person
  • All Other Ports: €1 / approx. £0.86 per person

MSC Cruises confirmed that the fee will automatically be charged to passengers’ onboard accounts, as the cruise line will forward the payment directly to Greek port authorities. However, passengers who remain on board and do not go ashore will have the charge reversed within 24 hours.

Greek authorities have cited a growing need to manage overtourism, particularly on smaller islands like Mykonos and Santorini, which attract millions of visitors each summer. The revenue generated from the tax will be reinvested into local infrastructure and tourism sustainability projects, helping destinations cope with the rising demand from cruise tourism.

Greece isn’t the only country implementing new levies on cruise passengers. Mexico has recently introduced a $5 (approx. £3.67) per person fee, applicable at ports commonly visited on Caribbean itineraries. This charge is expected to rise to $21 (approx. £15.42) per person within three years.

Mexican officials argue that cruise companies have not contributed sufficiently to local communities and want to ensure that tourism benefits are more evenly distributed. The tax will be levied in addition to existing port fees and mirrors similar taxes already embedded in airline ticket prices for travellers entering Mexico.

Travel experts are advising passengers to factor in these additional charges when budgeting for future cruise holidays and to check with their cruise provider for detailed breakdowns of port fees.

MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and other major cruise lines have begun notifying customers directly, but it’s worth keeping an eye on changes that could impact overall trip costs.