Greece has implemented a new, mandatory “cruise passenger fee” that applies per guest, per Greek port call. The fee varies by season and by destination, with the highest charges at crowd-pressed islands Santorini and Mykonos. The policy took effect Jul 21, 2025, and cruise lines have begun notifying guests and adapting their billing. For travelers planning 2025–26 Greek Isles itineraries, this is a real line-item to budget for—especially on port-dense island-hopping routes. MSC Cruises+1
Quick Summary (Why It Matters)
- What it is: A government-mandated per-person fee charged when you disembark at a Greek port. Applies to all ages. MSC Cruises
- When it started: Jul 21, 2025 (public communications surfaced in July; lines rolled out collection as they aligned). MSC Cruises+1
- Where it hits hardest: Santorini & Mykonos in summer (€20 per person), with lower rates in shoulder and winter. All other Greek ports are cheaper (€5 summer). MSC Cruises
- How you’ll pay: Usually added to your onboard account by the cruise line for each Greek port where you go ashore. If you stay onboard, you typically won’t be charged. Details vary by line; examples below. MSC Cruises+1
- Stacking effect: Multi-stop Greek itineraries (e.g., Piraeus → Mykonos → Santorini → Rhodes) can add multiple per-port fees—especially in June–September. MSC Cruises
The Official Rates: Season & Port
Cruise line advisories now include a standardized table agreed with Greek authorities. The clearest official public summary is MSC’s guest notice (copied here for your convenience). MSC Cruises
Per Person, Per Port (as of 2025)
| Travel Period | Mykonos & Santorini | All Other Greek Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 1 – Sep 30 | €20 | €5 |
| Apr 1 – May 31 | €12 | €3 |
| Oct 1 – Oct 31 | €12 | €3 |
| Nov 1 – Mar 31 | €4 | €1 |
- Applies to all guests regardless of age.
- Charged once per port call (not per day), even on overnights.
- Typically not charged if you do not disembark.
Source & examples: MSC Cruises “Cruise Passenger Fee – Greece.” MSC Cruises
Trade coverage mirrors the same seasonality and amounts, confirming €20/€5 peak rates and step-downs in shoulder and winter. Seatrade Cruise News+2CruiseMapper+2
Announcement vs. Effective Dates
- Policy signaled by the Greek government (2024): Greece previewed a plan to impose a levy to address overtourism, with €20 in Santorini/Mykonos and €5 elsewhere in peak. Reuters
- Industry implementation in 2025: Cruise lines began formal guest notifications in July 2025, with MSC stating the fee starts Jul 21, 2025. Other brands phased collection as of late July/early August (e.g., Royal Caribbean from Aug 1, 2025 for departures). MSC Cruises+1
Who Pays (and When You Don’t)
- All guests, all ages. No child exemptions listed in line guidance. MSC Cruises
- Per port call (once), not per hour/day, and overnights don’t double it. MSC Cruises
- Only if you go ashore. If you stay onboard, most lines don’t charge; they track scans of your cruise card at the gangway. MSC Cruises
How Cruise Lines Collect It
- MSC Cruises: Adds the fee to your onboard account the night after each Greek port where you disembark. MSC pays the government on your behalf; not charged if you never leave the ship. MSC Cruises
- Royal Caribbean (example): Communicated implementation for departures from Aug 1, 2025; the charge varies by season/destination and is refunded if guests don’t disembark. (Brand notices and industry reporting reflected this rollout.) Royal Caribbean+2Royal Caribbean Blog+2
Bottom line: Budget it like port fees you’ll see on your folio, not an up-front fare inclusion—though mechanics can vary slightly by brand.
Port-Stacking Math: What It Adds to Your Trip
Let’s model a 7-night peak-summer loop with three Greek port calls (Piraeus/Athens, Mykonos, Santorini):
- Mykonos (Jun–Sep): €20
- Santorini (Jun–Sep): €20
- Piraeus or another Greek port (Jun–Sep): €5
Estimated total per person: €45 for those three calls—€90 for a couple; €180 for a family of four.
Now compare a shoulder-season (April/May or October) version of the same route:
- Mykonos: €12
- Santorini: €12
- Other Greek port: €3
Estimated total per person: €27—40% cheaper than peak.
In winter (Nov–Mar):
- Mykonos: €4
- Santorini: €4
- Other Greek port: €1
Estimated total per person: €9—80%+ cheaper than peak.
These examples are consistent with the official table lines are using. Always check your cruise documents and onboard account for actual charges. MSC Cruises
How This Interacts with EU ETS Surcharges
The Greek cruise passenger fee is separate from any fuel or EU ETS-related surcharges that lines may pass through in Europe. Treat them as distinct costs: ETS is an emissions compliance charge affecting voyage economics, while the Greek fee is a per-port tourism levy when you go ashore. For background on ETS and what to expect on European sailings, see our guide: /eu-ets-cruise-2025-26-guide/ (internal).
Planning & Booking Tips (2025–26)
- Mind your months. If you’re flexible, April–May and October often keep warm weather with €12/€3 shoulder rates—noticeably less than €20/€5 peak. MSC Cruises
- Rationalize port density. Three or more Greek calls in peak can add up. Consider itineraries that cluster non-Greek ports or swap one Greek call to shoulder/winter to optimize costs.
- Watch your folio. On lines like MSC, charges are posted after the port call—scan your card and verify charges, especially if you did not disembark. MSC Cruises
- Short calls? Plan purposefully. On high-fee islands (Santorini/Mykonos), maximize value: pre-book skip-the-line tours and smart tender timing to make the most of your ashore window.
- Don’t conflate fees. Expect potential ETS pass-throughs plus Greek per-port fees—both can appear across Mediterranean voyages; they’re unrelated.
- Check your line’s policy timing. MSC points to Jul 21, 2025; others (e.g., Royal Caribbean) notified guests from Aug 1, 2025 departures. Policies may update—always review your pre-cruise docs. MSC Cruises+1
What Authorities & Industry Outlets Said
- Greek policy direction (2024): Government briefings flagged a plan to levy €20 at Santorini/Mykonos in peak and €5 elsewhere to combat overtourism and fund infrastructure. Reuters
- Industry confirmation (2025): Trade sources and cruise lines’ guest notices align on the seasonal rate structure and the Jul 2025 go-live, citing Santorini/Mykonos €20 peak and €12 shoulder / €4 winter, with lower rates at other ports. Seatrade Cruise News+1
Example Scenarios
A family of four in August (Mykonos + Santorini + Piraeus)
- €20 + €20 + €5 = €45 per person ⇒ €180
- Consider shoulder-season October instead: €12 + €12 + €3 = €27 per person ⇒ €108 (a €72 family saving vs. peak for the same Greek call pattern). MSC Cruises
A couple on a winter repositioning (Santorini only)
- €4 per person ⇒ €8 total for the call—tiny compared to peak, but note short daylight and weather trade-offs. MSC Cruises
FAQ
Which months are peak/shoulder/off-season?
- Peak: Jun 1 – Sep 30
- Shoulder: Apr 1 – May 31 and Oct 1 – Oct 31
- Off-season (winter): Nov 1 – Mar 31
These dates are reflected in cruise line notices that operationalize the government policy. MSC Cruises
Is it included in my fare or charged onboard?
It’s generally collected onboard by your line and remitted to the state. MSC explicitly says it is added to your onboard account after each qualifying port call where you go ashore. Other lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean) also indicate they will handle collection aligned to their sailing schedules. Always check your pre-cruise emails and guest portal. MSC Cruises+1
Are children exempt?
No. Line guidance indicates the same fee applies to all guests irrespective of age. MSC Cruises
Do I pay if I stay on the ship?
Typically no. MSC states you’re charged only if you disembark; your cruise card scan records the charge. (If you don’t scan off, you shouldn’t be billed.) MSC Cruises
What if my ship overnights? Will I pay twice?
No. The fee is per port call, not per day; overnights don’t double it. MSC Cruises
How does this interact with EU ETS surcharges?
They’re separate. The Greek fee is a tourism/port levy. EU ETS relates to emissions compliance and can be passed through differently. See our explainer: /eu-ets-cruise-2025-26-guide/ (internal).
Does the fee apply at the embarkation/disembarkation port?
If it’s a Greek port and you disembark (e.g., at the end of your cruise), line guidance indicates yes, it applies. MSC Cruises
Can I pre-pay before boarding?
Usually no. Lines like MSC add fees post-call to your folio, itemized by port/date on your final bill. MSC Cruises
Sample Itineraries & Budgeting Edge Cases
- Tender ports (Santorini/Mykonos): Expect tender lines and compressed time ashore. Since the fee is flat regardless of hours ashore, your best value is to optimize time with pre-booked excursions or DIY transport to headline sights. MSC Cruises
- Missed port or weather diversion: If a Greek call is canceled and you don’t disembark, no fee should apply. If the ship calls but you stay onboard, you also shouldn’t be charged. (Policy examples from MSC.) MSC Cruises
- Multiple visits to the same port in one day: The fee is charged once per port call. If you pop on/off twice in the same day, it still counts once. MSC Cruises
