Greece's New Cruise Tax: Mediterranean Shipping Company Alerts Passengers Ahead Of Implementation

The notice reflects MSC's dedication to communicating effectively and informing travelers of any extra charges on upcoming cruises. As part of their sustainable tourism program, this new charge will be handled automatically via onboard charging, so that travelers won't incur unexpected expenses when they disembark.

MSC Cruises has explained that, although the new tax constitutes a legislative imposition by Greek authorities, its collection will be carried out by the company on behalf of the government. Passengers will have the extra charges automatically credited to their onboard account one night before entering a Greek port of call. Passengers who will not disembark are assured by MSC that they will have their money refunded within 24 hours after departure.

Breakdown of the New Greek TaxThe new cruise tax will vary depending on the season and the specific Greek ports visited. For the most popular destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini, the fees will be higher, while calls to other ports will incur lower charges.

How MSC Is Handling the TaxMSC Cruises has made it clear that it is merely the collection agent for the Greek government and has no control over the amount charged. The company aims to provide transparency for guests by including the tax amount in the onboard account in advance of arrival at Greek ports.

MSC's advanced communication aims to make travelers aware of charges beforehand, thus reducing the likelihood of surprise fees. According to Leonardo Massa, MSC's Vice President for Southern Europe, the line aims to make travel experiences smooth and hassle-free for all its travelers. Massa stressed that this initiative falls within a broader strategy for refining traveler experiences while helping to sustain the destinations they travel to.

What This Means for Travelers

For cruisers, the new tax is one to budget for. Although the fees will not likely appear cost-prohibitive per port, they will add up once travelers are visiting several Greek ports throughout their cruise. MSC is cautioning travelers to take the fees into consideration when planning their vacations.

Additionally, passengers heading to popular destinations like Mykonos or Santorini during the summer months should be prepared for higher charges, which reflect the high demand for these luxury hotspots. For cruises calling on lesser-known Greek islands, the tax will be more affordable, making it important for travelers to check their itineraries and adjust their budgets accordingly.

The Bigger Picture: Tourism Plan of Greece

Once in force, this cruise tax will fall in line with Greece's broader approach to developing sustainable tourism. As cruise vessels continue to deliver mass numbers of tourists to their shores, Greece strives to reconcile economic gains derived from tourism with investment in necessary infrastructure and conservation of the environment.