Since July 21, 2025, the new Cruise Levy has been in effect, applied to all cruise ship passengers disembarking at Greek ports, regardless of age or whether the port is a transit port or a homeport. The government is satisfied with the implementation so far; according to Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Stefanos Gikas, in the first nine days alone, the measure brought €3.5 million into state coffers. Annual revenues are projected to reach €50 million, which will be allocated to local authorities and to strengthening and developing infrastructure.
Revenue Distribution and Pricing Policy
Under the legal framework:
One-third of revenues go to the Ministry of the Interior’s budget for grants to municipalities where disembarkation ports are located.
One-third goes to projects under the Public Investment Development Program of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy.
The remaining one-third is allocated to the Ministry of Tourism’s budget.
The levy varies by season and port:
High season (June 1 – September 30): €20 per passenger for Santorini and Mykonos, €5 for all other ports.
Mid-season (October 1–31 & April 1 – May 31): €12 for Santorini and Mykonos, €3 for all other ports.
Low season (November 1 – March 31): €4 for Santorini and Mykonos, €1 for all other ports.
Who Pays and How
Declarations and payments are made by shipping agents or cruise companies through a dedicated online platform using taxisnet codes. Liable parties include the cruise company, the shipping agent, the Greek management company, and their legal representatives, all jointly responsible. Payments are made quarterly, with a special 2025 arrangement: payment for the first period is due by October 31, and for the last quarter by January 30, 2026.
Industry Reactions
Despite the positive fiscal results, the levy has raised concerns in the market. Celestyal Cruises’ management cited ambiguities and said the surcharge is not negligible for passengers—especially when itineraries include Santorini or Mykonos. In some cases, the extra cost can reach €55 per passenger, pushing the total for a family of four above €200.
Industry figures, such as Celestyal’s Captain and Director Giorgos Koubenas and CEO Chris Theofilidis, warned that the levy, combined with other increases (tugboat fees, ISPS services, environmental requirements), could harm Greece’s competitiveness against destinations like Turkey and the U.S.
Overall Cost Impact
For a family of four on a four-day Greek islands cruise with stops at Santorini and Mykonos in the summer season, total fees can reach €260—raising concerns about possible impacts on demand.
The government defends the measure as a necessary step for the sustainable development of tourist ports and support for local communities, while discussions with cruise industry stakeholders are expected to continue for possible improvements and clarifications.
