The Mexican government has agreed to significantly reduce the port fee for cruise passengers visiting the country’s ports, following intense negotiations with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.
Initially, the government had planned to introduce a $42 fee in 2025, which would have been charged regardless of whether passengers disembarked. However, after talks with the association and its member cruise lines, which represent more than 95% of the Caribbean and Latin America’s cruise capacity, the fee was slashed to just $5.
The agreement marks a significant victory for the cruise industry, which had expressed concerns that the original fee would drive away tourists and harm local economies. The Mexican Association of Naval Agents had also warned that the new fee could lead to a 213% increase in disembarkation costs compared to other ports in the region, potentially deterring visitors.
“We thank the Federal Government of Mexico for working with us to reach an ‘in transit fee’ agreement that safeguards cruise tourism to the country and aims to enhance the benefits for local communities whose livelihoods depend on it,” said Justin Paige, spokesperson for the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.
The negotiated deal includes a phased increase in fees over the next few years. The cost will rise to $10 in 2026, $15 in 2027, and reach $21 by 2028.
Industry insiders had warned that the original fee could lead to a significant loss of passengers, with up to 10 million visitors contributing to the economy every year potentially being driven away from Mexico. Travel agents had also reported that cruise passengers were already choosing other Caribbean destinations over Mexico due to concerns about costs.
The agreement marks a win for the cruise industry and local communities, which will continue to benefit from the tourism revenue generated by cruise passengers.
Source: SF Gate
