Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key TakeawaysCruise industry, passengers face another new tourist tax originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me.
A bucket-list cruise destination visited by Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and other lines is introducing a new tax on cruise visitors.
Designed to help offset the effects of overtourism, these kinds of fees typically support sustainable tourism initiatives, cruise port infrastructure upgrades, and other tourism-related improvements.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R44ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeIn-demand ports like Santorini, Greece, and Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain already levy such taxes on cruisers.
Related: MSC Cruises aids Norwegian Cruise Line excursion gone wrong
In addition to imposing taxes on cruise visitors, many of these destinations are also working to better control cruise traffic, setting regulations to cap the number of cruise ships docking in their ports and passengers coming ashore at one time.
Although these new rules can create challenges for cruise lines and their passengers, they help to better protect these sought-after destinations from the harmful effects of overtourism, ensuring that both tourists and local residents can continue to enjoy them for many years to come.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R29ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R49ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeThe latest European country to introduce a tax on cruise passengers is calling its new fee a “visitor’s contribution.” The tax will apply to most overnight stays and cruise passenger visits to select cities and regions in the popular “coolcation” destination.
Doug Parker shared more details on the new cruise passenger tax, and other cruise news, on the June 26th edition of Cruise News Today.
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Carnival Cruise Line passenger arrested for assaulting teen
Transcript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Thursday, June 26th.
A 71-year-old man has been charged with assault after allegedly grabbing a 14-year-old aboard the Carnival Encounter off the coast of Queensland.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2kekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4kekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframePolice say the man, who was unknown to the teen, approached her near an elevator late last week. Crew members stepped in quickly, and the girl was not physically harmed.
Carnival said they are cooperating with police and have offered the victim support and counseling. The man, while he was charged with false imprisonment and two counts of assault, was also denied bail.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passenger warns of major cabin safety issue
Norway to impose new tax on cruise visitors
And cruise passengers visiting Norway will soon face a new tourist tax. Starting next summer, Norwegian municipalities can impose a 3% levy on overnight stays and cruise ship arrivals.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2qekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4qekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeThe tax is optional for local governments and is geared at easing the pressure of overtourism in popular spots like the fjords. Norway hosted nearly six million cruise passengers in 2024. The fee follows similar taxes already in place across major European destinations.
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P&O Cruises adds fee for kids’ club reservations
And parents aboard the P&O Cruises Iona will now need to pay to pre-book slots in the ship's kids' club, The Reef. Starting with upcoming sailings, daytime reservations cost nearly $7, while evening sessions run just over $12.
The line says booking remains free on board, but it is subject to availability. The move ignited pushback from some parents, though P&O says the fees offer peace of mind and help families plan their cruise activities.
Related: Disney Cruise Line makes huge change that will delight cruisers
And cruise stocks ended flat yesterday. Cardinal Corporation: 25.48. Royal Caribbean: 284.34. Norwegian: 19.02. And Viking: 51.27.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R32ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R52ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeIf you have a lead on a story, let us know: [email protected].
This week's Cruise Radio podcast: a review of Norwegian Getaway, where you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Have yourself a great Thursday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
The proposed tourist tax in the cruise industry looms as a significant hurdle for passengers, amidst growing concerns about managing their travel expenses while ensuring sustainable growth within this thriving sector.
