MANY cruise lines are planning to pass on Greece’s incoming passenger tax to their guests, once it is implemented next week (CW 16 Jul).
Cruise travellers will be slugged an extra 20 per head (A$35) when visiting popular ports such as Santorini (pictured) or Mykonos, with Ponant and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) believed to be some of the only cruise companies that will absorb this cost, rather than pass it on to guests.
“Following the introduction of a new cruise passenger tax in Greece, this summer Ponant Explorations has decided to cover the cost of the tax for the guests who had already booked their voyage,” the cruise line told CW in a statement.
NCLH and its Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands will also not pass the tax on.
“Beginning with the 2025 season and continuing into future seasons, NCLH will cover the cost of this fee, as the company had anticipated this increase,” a company spokesperson told CW.
“We remain committed to providing a seamless guest experience and working collaboratively with local authorities to ensure sustainable tourism for our partners and the communities we visit.”
Most cruise lines, however, are including the levy as part of the guests’ fare.
“Government taxes and fees are already included in the price of a Holland America Line cruise, and that is the case for our voyages this summer in Greece,” a Holland America spokesperson told CW.
MSC Cruises will also pass on the tax to guests who disembark the ship, through a charge to their onboard account.
However, those who do not disembark will have the fee covered for them. MS
