In a letter to guests, MSC Cruises VP for Southern Europe, Leonardo Massa, has announced the implementation of a new government-imposed cruise tax for all travelers visiting ports in Greece, effective July 21, 2025.
The mandatory fee, introduced by the Greek government as part of a sustainable tourism initiative, will apply to all cruise passengers regardless of age. The tax will be levied on every guest who transits a Greek port – whether embarking, disembarking, or simply making a port call.
According to MSC Cruises, the new charge is aimed at supporting local infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience, and promoting sustainable travel practices across popular Greek destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, and beyond.
“This tax, similar to those already in place for hotels and other accommodations in Greece, will help improve tourism-related infrastructure and services,” the company stated.
To streamline the process for guests, MSC Cruises will prepay the tax directly to the Greek authorities. The corresponding amount will be automatically added to each guest’s onboard account the night before arriving at a Greek port. If a guest remains onboard and does not go ashore, the charge will be removed within 24 hours.
The cruise line emphasized that it has no control over this fee, which has been legislated by the Greek government and applies to all cruise operators in Greek waters.
Seasonal cruise tax rates in Greece
As reported before, the new Greek tax is part of a broader tourism policy reform aimed at regulating the increasing number of visitors and preserving the natural and cultural integrity of destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, which each host over a million cruise tourists annually.
The cruise tax amount will vary depending on the destination and time of year:
- High Season (July 21 – September 30, 2025):
- Mykonos & Santorini: €20 per person
- All other Greek ports: €5 per person
- Shoulder Season (October 2025 & April 1 – May 31, 2026):
- Mykonos & Santorini: €12 per person
- All other ports: €3 per person
- Low Season (November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026):
- Mykonos & Santorini: €4 per person
- All other Greek ports: €1 per person
Find out more about the new Greek tourism tax here.
MSC Cruises continues to offer a wide range of itineraries to the Greek islands, including popular stops in Athens, Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete, alongside Mykonos and Santorini. Despite the additional charge, the cruise line remains committed to delivering a seamless and high-quality experience.
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