Cruise Travel To Mexico Comes With Added Costs In 2025

While cruises are touted as an ultra-relaxing experience, a getaway from the stresses of everyday life, and a chance to soak up some much-needed sun, many travelers book tickets for another reason. The allure of visiting many ports and checking islands, coastal cities, and even entire countries off a bucket list is a huge draw for many vacationers. However, if a cruise through Mexico is part of your 2025 plans, you may need to reconsider your budget. 

At the beginning of December, Mexico's congress voted to levy a $42 immigration fee on any cruise passenger docking at a Mexican port, reported the Associated Press. This tax will be applied to passengers regardless of whether they set foot on land or stay on the ship. Previously, cruisers didn't have to pay because they slept on the ship. But, travelers get a small reprieve. Although the new tax was initially scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2025, it won't be implemented until July 1, 2025. 

You might wonder, "Where is the money going?" or "Will the tax revenue be used to improve port conditions?" More than half of the funds raised will support the Mexican army, and it's unclear if a percentage will go towards port improvement projects.

According to a news release from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the new cruise tax makes Mexico 213% more expensive than ports in the Caribbean, causing experts to question if cruisers will change their itineraries. Although a $42 tax may seem like a small sum, it adds up quickly considering cruising is a top vacation choice for intergenerational families. For reference, a family of four traveling with two grandparents and another relative would need to budget an additional $294. With concerns over rising domestic prices and inflation, whether American families will choose Mexico over cheaper destinations has yet to be seen. 

The FCCA cautions that even a small reduction in visitors could drastically impact Mexico's tourism sector, ranging from tour operators to hospitality workers to other service providers. The Mexican Association of Cruises echoed the FCCA's concerns in the same news release, noting, "The impact of this tax on Mexican tourist destinations will be disastrous ... If implemented, we expect to see a progressive drop in arrivals, which will significantly affect employment."

If Mexico is your dream destination, don't give up hope — there are a few ways to save money on your next cruise. First, learn how to use price comparison sites to book your cruise. Sites like Expedia, CruisePlum, and Kayak feature user-friendly search functions and allow you to easily compare prices. In addition, Shipmate and other apps let users set price notifications.

A travel agent shared with us the best hacks to try when booking a cruise, including paying close attention to the room dimensions and booking your cabin as soon as the itinerary opens. Our expert notes that once passengers start booking cabins, prices quickly increase.  Also, it pays to be flexible about your room preferences. Do you really need a balcony? How much time will you realistically spend in your room? Will you feel claustrophobic without a window? Those who don't mind a little uncertainly should consider booking a "guaranteed cabin." This means you can select the room category, but the cruise line will select the specific room. Finally, for those traveling with children, check out these affordable, family-friendly cruise lines where your kid can join for free.