New Cruising Costs
Heads-Up: Cruise Port Taxes Are Changing—Here’s What That Could Mean for Your Itinerary
If you're planning to cruise in 2025 or beyond, several popular destinations—including Hawaii, Mexico, Norway, and parts of Alaska—are implementing new port taxes aimed at environmental protection and infrastructure upgrades.
Here's what that could mean for your travel experience:
Hawaii
Proposed an 11% tax on cruise revenue, focused on sustainability. Due to take effect Jan 1, 2026, it may lead to fewer Hawaii itineraries or a shift toward longer stays in fewer ports.
Once enacted, the tax will apply to cruise passengers based on the number of days their ship is docked in Hawaii ports. For instance, a 14-night cruise with three days in Hawaiian ports would incur an 11% tax on the fare for those three days.This move aims to generate revenue for environmental conservation and climate resilience projects .
Mexico
Starting in 2025, Mexico will charge $42 per cruise passenger, eliminating the current exemption for in-transit travelers. This will increase the cost of Mexican itineraries, especially those with multiple port calls, and may prompt cruise lines to reconsider some western Caribbean or Pacific routes.
Norway
Norway is weighing new per-ship and per-passenger taxes, with a focus on preserving scenic fjord regions. This could mean fewer stops in small, picturesque ports and more time in larger cities that can better absorb traffic.
Alaska (Skagway)
New port fees are already in place in Skagway to fund local services and manage crowding. While Alaska remains a top destination, costs could go up—either in your cruise fare or as line-item port charges.
While these taxes are aimed at sustainability and community impact, they do influence where ships go, how long they stay, and how much you pay. Some lines may drop ports, shorten stays, or consolidate regional routes to stay efficient.
I’m monitoring these changes closely and will adjust future itineraries to keep your experience seamless and affordable. As always, I’ll advocate for options that give you the best balance of adventure, comfort, and value.
Read the full article from Travel Weekly here: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-industry-navigates-new-wave-port-taxes
