- Cruise passengers in Greece will now pay a ‘tourist tax’ of up to €20 ($23.41).
- European media outlets were the first to report on this new policy.
The cost of exploring the popular Greek Islands has increased for cruise passengers.
The Greek government has now introduced a fee to disembark travelers who are heading for the islands. Cruise passengers to the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos are now responsible for a €20 ($23.41) fee, while cruise travelers to all remaining islands—including Crete and Rhodes—will incur a €5 ($5.85) fee, according to EuroNews.
The current fees are valid until September 30. After that, the fee will drop to €12 ($14.07) for Mykonos and Santorini and €3 ($3.52) for all other ports in October and from April 1 through May 31.
Many cruise lines have either not responded to requests for comments or did not provide any. Travel + Leisure Cruise Lines International Association, (CLIA) or the reporter on the payment method. CLIA’s representative also didn’t immediately respond to numerous requests for comments.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Greek islands Cruises are offered by several major cruise companies, including Carnival Cruises Celebrity Cruises Disney Cruise Line Holland America Royal Caribbean MSC Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Princess Cruises Virgin Voyages.
Royal Caribbean has packages that include the Ultimate Santorini Day or a Kayaking trip for travelers to see the island’s beauty on the water.
Royal Caribbean’s description of Santorini said: “Known for its dramatic scenery with whitewashed villagers and fiery volcano activity, Santorini is a popular island in the world.” Greek island. “Adventure bubbles in the Aegean sea at its most daring and stunning ways.”
The new charges are intended to help reduce overcrowding on the islands. More than 7,9 million passengers from cruise ships arrived in Greece last year. according to data from the Hellenic Ports AssociationA more than 13% rise compared to the year 2023.
Greece isn’t the only country that charges cruise ship passengers fees, as this practice has been gaining popularity. Mexico, for instance, implemented a new $5 fee on cruise ship passengers This fee was introduced earlier in the month. By August 2028, the fee could increase to $21 per passenger.
Beyond cruises in Europe, tourism fees are also being implemented to help manage crowds. Venice, an Italian city, is a good example. charging as much as €10 For day-trippers without an overnight booking, the cost is $11.73 per individual.
