Cruise lines face new passenger fee; MSC Cruises brings new thrill
Another in-demand cruise destination is joining Mexico in rolling out a new cruise passenger fee on July 1.
Luckily for cruise lines and their passengers, a compromise between the Mexican government and the cruise industry lowered Mexico's new cruise passenger fee from a proposed $42 per passenger to just $5 per passenger to start. Mexico's cruise passenger fee will rise gradually over the next few years, however, eventually reaching $21.
Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers witness risky stunt at Alaska cruise port
In a similar move, a popular cruise destination in another part of the world is also introducing a new cruise passenger fee on July 1, but it stands to be a significantly higher one than cruise lines face in Mexico this year.
This country has been grappling with the impacts of overtourism on its sought-after islands for some time. Like Mexico, the local government is collaborating with the cruise industry on the rollout of the new fee and strategies to reduce congestion on the popular islands.
The new fee is expected to be used for projects that support sustainable tourism and improve cruise port infrastructure.
Doug Parker shared more details on the new cruise passenger fee, and other cruise news, including MSC Cruises' thrilling plans for its new cruises from Texas, on the June 17th edition of Cruise News Today.
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Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Tuesday, June 17th.
A crew member aboard a Bahamas-flagged cruise ship was injured Sunday while anchored in Santorini.
Yeah, according to local reports, the 31-year-old engine department worker fell while descending stairs to the engine room, injuring his left leg. Now, emergency teams transported him to a private clinic and then later to a medical center in Athens.
Authorities haven't confirmed the ship, but tracking data from CruiseMapper points to the Norwegian Epic.
A preliminary investigation is underway. Our thoughts are certainly with that crew member.
Related: Unsung hero helps Norwegian Cruise Line passengers in crisis
And starting July 1st, Greece will impose a €20 per-passenger fee on cruise ships visiting Santorini and Mykonos during peak season.
The levy is aimed at tackling overtourism and will be absorbed by cruise lines rather than billed directly to passengers once they're on shore.
The government estimates the cost could top $45 million in revenue this year alone. Additional seasonal fees from €1 to €5 per passenger will also apply at other ports.
Proceeds will fund infrastructure upgrades and environmental efforts as Greece seeks more sustainable cruise tourism.
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And cruise thrills are getting bigger in Texas. Yeah, the MSC Seascape will launch from Galveston later this year, bringing the Robotron ride to the Lone Star State on November 9th.
It's the first robotic arm ride at sea, flipping and spinning riders 175 feet above the ocean. The ship will depart weekly to the Western Caribbean from a new terminal at the port of Galveston.
Related: MSC Cruises is coming for Royal Caribbean's title
And cruise stocks were up Monday. Carnival Corporation: up 2.5%, 22.97. Royal Caribbean: up 1.6%, 262.23. Norwegian: up 1.5%, 18.05. And Viking: up the same, 47.30.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know. Tips@cruiseradio.net.
Have yourself a great Tuesday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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