Monday, August 4, 2025
Royal Caribbean cruise passengers heading to Greece now face unexpected charges as the government enforces new disembarkation fees on popular islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Corfu. The move is part of a broader strategy to combat overtourism, relieve pressure on local infrastructure, and promote sustainable travel by managing the overwhelming number of cruise visitors during peak season.
Cruise Tourists Face New Charges in Greece as Disembarkation Fees Take Effect on Popular Islands
Passengers visiting the Greek islands by cruise ship will now need to pay additional fees following the introduction of a new tourist tax aimed at better managing tourism and funding infrastructure improvements. The new charges, which came into force on August 1, affect popular island destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Corfu.
Under the new rules, travelers disembarking on Mykonos and Santorini are required to pay €20 per visit, while visits to other Greek islands—including Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, and others—will come with a €5 charge per island. These fees will remain in place until the end of September. From October 1 onward, the fees will decrease to €12 for Mykonos and Santorini, and €3 for the other islands.
This policy applies to all cruise passengers regardless of cruise line or itinerary. The disembarkation fee will be charged each time a traveler steps off a cruise ship onto one of the affected islands. For instance, a cruise itinerary that includes both Mykonos and Santorini would result in a total of €40 in disembarkation fees per person during the peak summer period.
For many cruise guests, the announcement has come as a surprise, particularly for those who had already completed full payment for their holidays months earlier. Some passengers discovered that the fee would be added to their onboard accounts, even though they had booked their cruise before the tax was introduced. Cruise companies have communicated with travelers affected by this change, informing them that the fees will be charged directly to their onboard SeaPass or equivalent accounts, unless they choose not to disembark during the port stops.
However, travelers who booked their cruise holidays after the announcement of the new fees last September will not see any extra charges. For these bookings, the disembarkation tax has been integrated into the overall cost of the cruise.
The Greek government expects the newly introduced tourist taxes to generate between €50 million and €100 million annually. The revenue will be used to improve infrastructure in port areas, focusing on waste management, water supply systems, and the preservation of coastal environments. Island communities have long faced challenges related to over-tourism, including overloaded municipal services and environmental degradation, especially during the summer peak when cruise traffic is at its highest.
The introduction of the disembarkation fee is also part of a broader strategy to help balance tourist flow across the Greek islands. Authorities hope that making high-traffic islands such as Mykonos and Santorini more expensive for cruise travelers will encourage visitors to explore less-frequented destinations. This approach could help distribute tourism more evenly, easing congestion in hotspots and offering economic benefits to lesser-known islands.
Additionally, the pricing structure—featuring higher fees during July, August, and September, followed by reduced rates in the off-season—may also motivate travelers to plan trips during spring and autumn rather than the overcrowded summer months. This seasonal pricing model aligns with Greece’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism and ensure long-term viability of its popular island destinations.
Similar tourist charges have been introduced in other European destinations, particularly those struggling with the impacts of overtourism. Cities like Venice and Barcelona have implemented or are planning to implement visitor fees aimed at regulating tourist numbers and funding infrastructure upgrades.
Greece, known for its idyllic islands, crystal-clear waters, and ancient history, has long been one of the most popular cruise destinations in Europe. Major cruise lines include Greek islands in their Mediterranean itineraries, with thousands of passengers visiting every day during peak season. However, the strain on local infrastructure, combined with environmental concerns and the rise of mass tourism, has prompted Greek authorities to take action.
For cruise travelers planning to visit Greece in the coming months, it’s important to factor in these new charges, especially for those with multi-island itineraries. Travel experts advise passengers to check with their cruise line for the most up-to-date information on whether the new disembarkation fees are included in their cruise fare or will be added onboard.
As the Mediterranean cruise season continues, the introduction of these fees marks a shift in how popular tourist destinations are managing the balance between economic gain and sustainability. Greece’s move may pave the way for similar measures in other high-traffic cruise regions across Europe.
