If you’re planning a cruise to the Greek Isles in 2025 or beyond, you may notice a new line item on your onboard bill. Beginning July 21, 2025, Greece is introducing a Sustainable Tourism Development Fee specifically for cruise passengers who disembark in Greek ports. While the fee itself is modest, it represents a significant shift in how Greece is approaching tourism sustainability and the future of its most iconic destinations.

Applies if You Step off the Ship

Unlike the existing hotel tax aimed at overnight stays, this new measure applies only to cruise guests who step off the ship. Whether you’re exploring the sun-bleached alleys of Mykonos, marveling at the caldera views of Santorini, or enjoying a fresh seafood lunch in Nafplio, this fee is now part of the experience. The amount depends on the time of year and the specific port of call. During the peak summer season from July through September, visitors disembarking in Santorini or Mykonos will be charged €20 per person, per port. In other Greek ports, such as Rhodes or Crete, the fee is a more modest €5. Rates drop considerably in the shoulder and low seasons, ranging from €12 to €1 depending on the port and month.

The fee will be collected by the cruise line and automatically charged to your onboard account on the day you disembark. If you choose to stay onboard and admire the coastline from your balcony suite instead of going ashore, the charge will not apply. Cruise lines will process this daily, and any unused shore leave is typically credited back by the next day. It’s a seamless, behind-the-scenes process designed to keep the travel experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

What does this mean for upscale travelers who value comfort, quality, and effortless luxury? First, it’s a reminder that travel—especially to fragile, culturally rich destinations like Greece—is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Santorini and Mykonos alone receive more than two million cruise visitors a year, often overwhelming their narrow lanes and delicate infrastructure. By introducing this fee, Greece aims to invest in port improvements, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism projects that will ultimately enhance the visitor experience.

Off High Season is Cheaper

For travelers, this new fee also presents an opportunity to be more strategic. Consider traveling in shoulder season—April, May, or October—when the weather is still beautiful, crowds are thinner, and fees are significantly reduced. A stop in Mykonos during October, for example, incurs a €12 fee instead of €20, and your time ashore will be quieter, more relaxed, and arguably more authentic. You might also look at itineraries that include lesser-known ports like Syros, Patmos, or Volos. These charming alternatives often have lower fees and provide deeper, more intimate experiences away from the high-traffic hubs.

From a broader perspective, the Sustainable Tourism Development Fee reflects a global shift toward more conscious travel. Just as Venice and Amsterdam have introduced visitor charges, Greece is joining the movement to balance high demand with long-term preservation. And for the thoughtful traveler, that’s not a burden—it’s a value. Supporting responsible tourism means investing in the very places we love to visit, helping ensure their beauty and authenticity endure for generations.

For those sailing aboard small luxury ships, expedition yachts, or premium lines like Seabourn, Silversea, or Explora Journeys, the added cost is negligible. On a 10-day itinerary with five Greek ports—two of which are premium destinations like Santorini and Mykonos—you might expect an additional €50–€70 per person. It’s a modest addition relative to the overall cost of a luxury cruise, and it supports a meaningful cause.

Ultimately, Greece’s new cruise passenger fee is not a deterrent but a gentle nudge toward better travel choices. It invites travelers to pause, reflect, and appreciate the delicate balance between discovery and preservation. When you sip Assyrtiko wine at a cliffside taverna, explore the mosaic floors of Delos, or sail into the volcanic harbor of Santorini at sunrise, you’ll know your visit contributes to something greater than the moment. And that, in itself, is a true luxury.