Starting this week, travelers on cruises calling in Mexico will see a small but noteworthy new line item on their vacation budgets: a new cruise passenger tourist tax implemented by Mexican authorities. While it may seem minor, this tax is part of a broader strategy by the Mexican government to increase tourism revenue and support infrastructure in popular cruise destinations like Cozumel and Costa Maya.

What Is the Tax?

The new fee, which officially took effect on July 1, 2025, begins at $5 per cruise passenger but is set to incrementally rise to $21 per person over the next three years. This tax will be levied in addition to the existing ~$29 port fees typically included in a cruise fare.

For a family of four sailing on a Western Caribbean itinerary with MSC Cruises, that could eventually mean an extra $84 added to the total cruise cost by 2028, assuming the tax reaches its full planned amount.

Why Is It Being Implemented?

Mexico is one of the most visited cruise destinations in the world, with Cozumel often ranking as the busiest cruise port globally by number of ship calls. Government officials say the tax will go toward preserving tourism infrastructure, maintaining port facilities, and improving services for the millions of cruise guests who disembark each year.

This new tax follows a trend seen in other popular cruise destinations, such as the Bahamas, Venice, and Amsterdam—where governments are responding to overtourism and economic strain by charging additional visitor fees.

What Does This Mean for MSC Cruisers?

For most MSC Cruises guests, the immediate impact will be minimal. A $5 surcharge is unlikely to influence booking decisions. However, as the tax increases year over year, it’s something travelers should factor into their overall budget—especially if traveling with a larger group.

If you’re planning a sailing on the MSC Seascape out of Galveston, or an MSC itinerary from Florda that includes Mexican ports, you can expect this tax to be built into your total cruise fare or listed as a separate line item. MSC Cruises has not yet announced whether it will absorb the cost or pass it fully to guests, but most cruise lines are expected to include it in the final booking price.

Will It Affect Cruise Itineraries?

While there’s no indication that MSC Cruises will alter its routes due to this new tax, it’s always possible that rising port costs could eventually influence itinerary planning. Cruise lines routinely balance operational costs with guest demand, and if Mexico becomes significantly more expensive compared to nearby alternatives like Belize or Jamaica, changes could occur over time.  That said, Mexico remains a cornerstone of the Western Caribbean cruise circuit, and its popularity with travelers ensures it will stay in rotation for the foreseeable future.

What Can You Do as a Cruiser?

The best advice is simply to be aware of the added fee. When budgeting for your cruise, factor in a few extra dollars per person for port taxes and fees – and keep an eye on your final invoice to see how the tax is displayed.

For those booking excursions independently in port, this fee won’t directly affect your shore day – but it’s part of the bigger picture of rising travel costs in popular destinations.

Final Thoughts

While a cruise passenger tax may not be the most exciting headline, it’s a sign of a changing tourism landscape. As cruise travel continues to grow, destinations like Mexico are looking to balance economic opportunity with sustainability and infrastructure demands.

For MSC Cruises guests, this new tax is a small price to pay for continued access to some of the Caribbean’s most beloved ports—and another reminder to always read the fine print when planning your next adventure.