Is France the Subsequent European Nation to Add a Cruise Passenger Tax?

An additional €15 per cruise passenger might be added to the invoice for cruisers touring to France if a proposal within the nation is superior.  This new charge can be for every port cease within the European nation.

The tax new proposal (about $17 USD at present), which is alleged to handle the environmental impression of cruise ships within the area, would make France the most recent European nation to cost extra cash for this function.  The charge is alleged to additionally handle overtourism.

If it goes by, the brand new tax will apply to overseas cruise passengers and is anticipated to generate about €75 million annually.  This cash can be used for shielding France’s coastlines together with different marine initiatives associated to the cruise business.

The measure has handed the Senate and can quickly be reviewed by Nationwide Meeting.  However France is just not the primary nation to suggest and even enact such a coverage.

The busiest port in France is the Port of Marseille which receives over 2.5 million cruise passengers yearly.  Cruise traces like MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and others checklist the port as a port of name.

Different European Nations with the Charge

Here’s a take a look at different main European international locations and ports which have just lately added comparable charges or taxes for cruise site visitors:

• Greece: Cruise passengers visiting high-demand locations like Santorini and Mykonos face prices of as much as €20 in the course of the peak season, with decrease charges at different ports.
• Spain: Ports like Mallorca and Ibiza have raised their “Sustainable Tourism Tax” to assist fund native environmental and infrastructure initiatives.
• Netherlands (Amsterdam): The town applied a cruise ship charge in 2019, which has elevated over time and is at present round €14.50 per passenger. The town has additionally moved to cap the variety of yearly cruise calls.
• Norway: Fashionable areas will be capable to add a 3% tourism tax on cruise guests and in a single day stays starting in the summertime of 2026.
• Iceland: A brand new Infrastructure Tax of round $18 USD per day/go to was added firstly of 2025.

What It Means for Cruising

These cruise ship charges throughout Europe are already impacting the cruise business.  Some cruise traces have adjusted itineraries to both keep away from closely taxed ports or to remain longer in a port to make the cease “price” the added charge.

Cruise traces argue that these prices may result in increased costs for vacationers and probably make Europe much less aggressive in comparison with locations just like the Caribbean.

The ultimate determination on the French tax is anticipated quickly.