Mexico Drops $42 Cruise Tax After Backlash, But Not For Long

You’re picturing tacos, tequila, and turquoise waters — but suddenly there’s talk of a new $42 cruise tax. That was nearly the reality for cruise passengers planning to visit Mexico. The country’s government had approved a hefty fee that would have affected every cruiser entering its ports in 2025. But thanks to pressure from cruise lines and industry leaders, the fee has been slashed by a staggering 88%.

Before you breathe a full sigh of relief, here’s the catch: it’s only temporary.

Why This Tax Was Such a Big Deal

In late 2024, Mexico’s Congress voted to implement a new $42 USD per passenger fee for anyone arriving in the country via cruise ship. While tourists entering by land for fewer than seven days would be exempt, cruise passengers would be charged the full amount.

Worse still, the fee was to be charged per cruise, not per port. So whether your itinerary included one stop or three, that $42 would have been added to your fare.

Cruise lines warned that this move could undermine tourism, potentially leading ships to skip Mexican ports altogether — a scenario that would significantly impact local economies.

Cruise Industry Pushback

The cruise industry didn’t take the news lying down. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and major cruise lines quickly voiced their concerns. They argued that the tax unfairly targeted cruise passengers and could seriously disrupt cruise itineraries.

Their concerns weren’t limited to pricing. They emphasised that even a modest drop in cruise visits could lead to millions in lost revenue for the communities that rely heavily on tourism, from local guides and tour operators to market vendors and restaurants. Ships might simply bypass Mexico, choosing more cost-effective alternatives.

Thanks to this swift and united response, negotiations with Mexican officials began almost immediately, and the outcome was far more favourable for cruisers.

The Deal That Saved the Day

After weeks of discussions, a compromise was reached. Rather than the originally proposed $42 fee, Mexico agreed to implement a significantly lower charge of just $5 USD per cruise passenger, starting 1 July 2025. That’s an 88% reduction from the initial plan.

However, this lower rate is not permanent. As part of the agreement, the fee will increase gradually over the coming years:

• $10 from August 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027
• $15 from July 1, 2027, to July 31, 2028
• $21 from August 1, 2028 onwards

Even at its peak, the fee is still only half of what was initially proposed, but it’s clear that cruising to Mexico will become more expensive over time.

What It Means for Cruisers

For now, the $5 fee is a minor addition, and most passengers likely won’t even notice it. The cruise line will automatically include it in your cruise fare.

The fee is charged once per itinerary, regardless of how many Mexican ports you visit. So, whether you stop in Cozumel, Costa Maya, or Ensenada — or all three — it’s still a flat rate per person.

What Cruise Lines Agreed To

In exchange for the reduced fee, cruise lines also made several key commitments to support Mexico’s tourism and economic development goals.

These include plans to increase the number of cruise passengers visiting Mexican ports and to boost the local economy by sourcing more goods from within Mexico, particularly handmade and artisanal products sold onboard.

Cruise companies also pledged to support infrastructure upgrades, such as the construction of a fourth pier in Cozumel. The agreement sends a clear message: Mexico wants to gain more from cruise tourism and is willing to collaborate with the industry to do so.

Royal Caribbean’s Big Mexican Plans

Royal Caribbean is already showing its commitment with major investments in the region. First up is the Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, scheduled to open in 2026. This private beachfront retreat will offer cruisers swim-up bars, pools, cabanas, restaurants, and local street markets, all curated by Royal Caribbean.

But there’s more. The cruise line has acquired the port of Costa Maya and is transforming it into Perfect Day Mexico — a 200-acre destination filled with beaches, slides, family attractions, and all the signature experiences cruisers have come to expect.

It’s clear Royal Caribbean views Mexico as a long-term priority and is investing accordingly to enhance the passenger experience while supporting local development.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next?

The new $5 fee is a short-term win for cruisers, but the phased increases mean higher costs will soon kick in. By 2028, passengers will pay more than four times the current amount, which could shape future cruise itineraries.

For now, the partnership between Mexico and the cruise industry appears strong, delivering mutual benefits. Passengers enjoy affordable access to beautiful Mexican destinations, while the country receives steady investment and economic support.

Still, as the fees rise, it’s worth watching how both cruise lines and passengers respond. Will the added costs be absorbed, or will some ships start to steer elsewhere?

Either way, if you’ve got your heart set on a Mexican cruise, now might be the perfect time to go.

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