Popular US port to add new fee for cruise passengers

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Popular US port to add new fee for cruise passengers

Ports in Mexico and Greece are not the only cruise destinations planning to impose new fees on cruise ship passengers soon.

One popular cruise port on the U.S. East Coast just approved a new passenger fee that will eventually add an extra $15 to the cost of visiting the city on a cruise ship.

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The East Coast port is following in the footsteps of Haines, Alaska, which recently approved a $9 per-passenger charge for 2025 to fund port improvements. The Haines cruise passenger fee will increase to $12 in 2027 and then to $13 in 2029. Juneau also charges a similar head tax on cruise ship passengers.

Now, one of America’s oldest cities will implement a cruise passenger fee to support its in-demand cruise port as it welcomes larger ships and more passengers.

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The cost to cruise to Boston will increase in 2026

On Feb. 13, Massachusetts Port Authority officials approved a new port improvement project for Flynn Cruiseport Boston and new fees charged to cruise passengers will help fund it. Beginning in 2026, a $3 per-passenger fee will apply to cruise ships arriving in the port. According to local media reports, the fee will increase by $3 annually until it reaches $15 per passenger in 2030.

The $105 million infrastructure project is designed to equip Flynn Cruiseport Boston to handle increased demand for cruises to and from the city. The port welcomed just over 480,000 passengers on 167 cruise ships in 2024, a 29 percent passenger increase over 2023.

Along with enhancing port facilities to accommodate more passengers and larger ships, the new project will support sustainable maritime practices. The project includes installing ship-to-shore electrical power so cruise ships will not have to keep their diesel engines running while at berth.

Related: Holland America Line adds cruises curated by The History Channel

“Upgrades to the terminal include pier upgrades to support an additional Passenger Boarding Bridge, new escalator, and an expanded queueing area with increased seating, which will allow for better passenger flow. We want our passengers to have the best experience possible when they use the Flynn Cruiseport – either embarking on their dream vacation or visiting Boston for the day,” Massport said in a recent press release.

Massport officials are also considering increases to rideshare and taxi pickup fees at Boston Logan International Airport that could raise costs for travelers flying to and from the city for a cruise.

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Larger ships will come to Boston in 2026

Boston’s cruise season runs from March through November with many cruise passengers visiting the city on Canada and New England cruise itineraries. In 2024, the port also supported itineraries to the Caribbean, Central America, and Iceland/Greenland from 24 different cruise lines and celebrated 12 three-ship days.

As the new fee takes effect in 2026, Flynn Cruiseport Boston will welcome its largest homeport vessel yet, Norwegian Breakaway. The large Norwegian Cruise Line vessel will replace the smaller Norwegian Gem, which currently homeports in Boston. Beginning in April 2026, Norwegian Breakaway will sail cruises from Boston to Bermuda, Halifax and Bermuda, and Canada and New England.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line places order for its largest ships yet

In addition to Norwegian, cruise lines that regularly sail to and from Boston include Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.

“We were thrilled to see the strong demand for cruising in 2024, supporting the City of Boston and the Commonwealth’s travel and tourism industries,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey. “Our investment in shore power will dramatically reduce emissions, improve air quality, and reinforce Boston’s position as a leader in sustainable maritime practices. We’re also committed to continuously enhancing our facilities to accommodate the growing demand for cruising, the increase in larger ships like the Breakaway, and to ensure a seamless experience for both passengers and ships.”

Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one?

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