As Greece continues its push toward sustainable tourism, MSC Cruises has issued a timely alert to its passengers, informing them about a new cruise tax that will affect guests visiting Greek ports starting from July 21, 2025. The new tax, a part of the Greek government’s broader tourism strategy, will apply to all passengers visiting the country, regardless of age. This includes those embarking, disembarking, or even just visiting for a day trip.
The notice reflects MSC’s dedication to communicating effectively and informing travelers of any extra charges on upcoming cruises. As part of their sustainable tourism program, this new charge will be handled automatically via onboard charging, so that travelers won’t incur unexpected expenses when they disembark.
What Is the New Greek Cruise Tax?Cruise tax, which will take effect on July 21, 2025, has been introduced within the scope of tourism infrastructures’ improvement, services’ enhancement, and sustainable development push launched by Greece. Like hotel and other accommodation taxes that have existed for some years, the tax aims at mobilizing funds for local enhancements. This tax will apply to all cruise tourists visiting Greek ports, including high-end ports like Mykonos and Santorini, and other lesser-visited islands.
MSC Cruises has explained that, although the new tax constitutes a legislative imposition by Greek authorities, its collection will be carried out by the company on behalf of the government. Passengers will have the extra charges automatically credited to their onboard account one night before entering a Greek port of call. Passengers who will not disembark are assured by MSC that they will have their money refunded within 24 hours after departure.
Breakdown of the New Greek TaxThe new cruise tax will vary depending on the season and the specific Greek ports visited. For the most popular destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini, the fees will be higher, while calls to other ports will incur lower charges.
Between July 21 and September 30, 2025, Mykonos and Santorini will incur a €20 per passenger fee, and other Greek ports will incur a €5 per passenger fee.
From October 1 to October 31, 2025, and April 1 to May 31, 2026: The fee will reduce to €12 for Mykonos and for Santorini, and €3 for other ports.
Low season (November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026): The lowest charges will apply, with Mykonos and Santorini attracting €4 per passenger and other ports just €1.
For example, a couple visiting Mykonos in peak summer 2025 will cost an additional €40 in fees, but one port stop in November will cost just €1.
How MSC Is Handling the TaxMSC Cruises has made it clear that it is merely the collection agent for the Greek government and has no control over the amount charged. The company aims to provide transparency for guests by including the tax amount in the onboard account in advance of arrival at Greek ports.
MSC’s advanced communication aims to make travelers aware of charges beforehand, thus reducing the likelihood of surprise fees. According to Leonardo Massa, MSC’s Vice President for Southern Europe, the line aims to make travel experiences smooth and hassle-free for all its travelers. Massa stressed that this initiative falls within a broader strategy for refining traveler experiences while helping to sustain the destinations they travel to.
What This Means for Travelers
For cruisers, the new tax is one to budget for. Although the fees will not likely appear cost-prohibitive per port, they will add up once travelers are visiting several Greek ports throughout their cruise. MSC is cautioning travelers to take the fees into consideration when planning their vacations.
Additionally, passengers heading to popular destinations like Mykonos or Santorini during the summer months should be prepared for higher charges, which reflect the high demand for these luxury hotspots. For cruises calling on lesser-known Greek islands, the tax will be more affordable, making it important for travelers to check their itineraries and adjust their budgets accordingly.
The Bigger Picture: Tourism Plan of Greece
Once in force, this cruise tax will fall in line with Greece’s broader approach to developing sustainable tourism. As cruise vessels continue to deliver mass numbers of tourists to their shores, Greece strives to reconcile economic gains derived from tourism with investment in necessary infrastructure and conservation of the environment.
Aside from financing local infrastructure, the levy aims to enhance the entire visitor experience, so tourists are able to enjoy their stay via the finest services and facilities. This approach augments accommodation taxes that have already been put in place for hotels, seeking to establish a more unifying and sustainable tourism paradigm via various accommodation types. Final ThoughtsMSC Cruises’ forward thinking in announcing this new cruise tax is indicative of the way that the travel sector is adapting to shifting dynamics in tourism. By letting customers know beforehand about the new charges, MSC is guaranteeing that customers have a clear and hassle-free cruise experience throughout Greece. As part of this, there also seems to be a broader movement in the travel sector, with sustainability and transparency becoming major areas of focus for governments and travel suppliers alike. Before MSC Cruises collects the new tax, consumers can feel confident that they will know all about extra fees. By putting a spotlight on transparency and customer service, MSC is building goodwill among consumers, who can now savor their cruises to Greece in the knowledge that the new tax belongs to maintaining the places they enjoy visiting.(Source: Cruise Industry News, MSC Cruises, Greek government, Greece Ministry of Tourism, Greek authorities, Cruise Lines International Association)
