If you’re planning a cruise to Mexico in 2025 or beyond, there’s a new fee you may have already paid, without even realizing it.
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Mexican government implemented a new “in-transit” tax for cruise passengers. This charge is added automatically to your cruise fare by the cruise line and helps support infrastructure and local communities in Mexican ports.
Here’s what you need to know:
👉 Not in the mood to read? No worries — here’s the quick TikTok version ⬇️
💰 How Much Is the Fee?
- $5 per person (started July 1, 2025)
- $10 per person (starts August 1, 2026)
- $15 per person (starts July 1, 2027)
- $21 per person (starts August 1, 2028)
All amounts are in U.S. dollars and are charged per cruise passenger, not per day or per port.
🛳️ Does This Apply to All Cruise Lines?
Yes. The fee is being collected by all major cruise lines, including:
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
- Holland America
- Margaritaville at Sea
If your cruise includes a port stop in Mexico, such as Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, or Cancun. this fee will be part of your booking, even if it’s not itemized separately.
🤝 Why Was This Fee Added?
The new tax came from a negotiation between the Mexican federal government and cruise industry leaders via the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). Originally, a $42 per passenger fee was proposed, but it was reduced to a much smaller amount after industry feedback.
The goal is to support port communities and boost infrastructure where cruise tourism plays a vital economic role.
🧾 Will I See It Listed Separately?
Not necessarily. The fee is typically bundled into your cruise’s “taxes and port fees” section during booking. You won’t need to pay it at the port or take any action. It’s handled automatically by the cruise line.
🚢 What If My Cruise Skips a Mexican Port?
If your itinerary changes and your ship no longer docks in Mexico, you may receive a refund for that portion of the port fees, just like other skipped destinations. In some cases, refunds are issued weeks after the cruise ends. Check your email or payment method for updates from your cruise line.
🧳 Bottom Line
While a new charge is never exciting to hear about, this one is relatively small and already included in your fare. It helps support the ports and communities we all love to visit. So, if you’re cruising to Mexico soon, now you know why your fare might look a little different this year, and what that small $5–$21 fee is really about.
Want to feel prepared for your cruise?
I pulled the most important Royal Caribbean prep steps into a printable checklist bundle that walks you through what to do before you leave, what to bring, how embarkation works, and what to expect on disembarkation day—so you’re prepared instead of guessing.
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