These days, it seems like guidelines and legal guidelines are always altering, and maintaining has develop into actually robust, even for cruise passengers!
For that reason, you could wish to double-check your journey necessities as a result of 2025 has introduced some eyebrow-raising coverage updates that left many rethinking their plans, and that may embrace you.
Listed here are some new cruise journey guidelines, insurance policies, and adjustments that can take impact from 2025 to notice.
Elevated Port Charges and Vacationer Taxes
I do know it’s no excellent news, however in 2025, cruise vacationers are anticipated to pay greater port charges and vacationer taxes in a number of main locations.
Essentially the most important is Mexico, which has launched a $42 “Non-Resident Charge” for all cruise passengers. Efficient July 2025, this regulation is necessary no matter whether or not vacationers keep on the cruise or disembark.
Mexico has additionally added a brand new $5 tax in Quintana Roo in early 2025, which covers common ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya.
These adjustments have made cruising to Mexico costlier in comparison with different Caribbean ports, nevertheless it’s not the one nation transferring in that path.
In an identical means, Greece is implementing a €20 (about $22) price for cruise passengers visiting common islands like Santorini and Mykonos to curb overtourism and tackle long-term sustainability points.
The federal government can be limiting the variety of cruise ships that may dock concurrently to distribute guests extra evenly all year long, so that you would possibly encounter fewer reserving choices. For those who’re visiting on a particular day, it is likely to be greatest to e book months prematurely to ensure a spot.
New Visa and Entry Necessities
From April 2, 2025, cruise vacationers visiting the UK with out a visa will now have to receive an Digital Journey Authorization (ETA) earlier than departure.
Fortunately, securing an ETA is comparatively simple. The appliance could be accomplished on-line or through a cellular app, with most candidates receiving a affirmation in a couple of minutes. The price of making use of for an ETA was initially £10 however elevated to £16 beginning April 9, 2025.
The ETA permits a number of entries to the UK for stays of as much as six months at a time, legitimate for 2 years or till the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Sadly, the Brazilian authorities has additionally reintroduced a necessary “Customer Visa” for all U.S. passport holders, which is legitimate for stays of as much as 90 days within the nation.
You may apply on-line at brazil.vfsevisa.com and need to pay a price of roughly $80.90 for a ten‑12 months, a number of‑entry e‑Visa.
New Age Reserving Coverage
Main cruise strains like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian have applied new laws concerning the minimal age of solo vacationers.
Solo vacationers should now be no less than 21 years outdated to sail alone. Company aged 20 or youthful should journey with a relative or guardian who’s no less than 25 years outdated.
Disney Cruise Strains has additionally applied an age restriction, although to a lesser diploma; solo vacationers should be no less than 18 years outdated or accompanied by an grownup aged 21 or older.
Stricter Guidelines for “Chair Hogs”
Have you ever ever gotten aggravated by passengers claiming deck chairs with luggage or towels for hours at a time? This one’s for you.
Main cruise strains like Royal Caribbean and Carnival now have limits on the period of time passengers can reserve lounge chairs. Royal Caribbean permits as much as half-hour, whereas Carnival permits as much as 40 minutes.
If the time restrict is exceeded, crew members will take away private objects left on unattended chairs.
New Guidelines on Drinks in Swimming pools and Sizzling Tubs
On many cruises, drinks are not permitted into swimming pools and scorching tub areas to maintain them protected and clear. This coverage helps forestall glass breakage and spills that might trigger accidents or contaminate the water.
You may nonetheless take pleasure in your drinks on the pool bar, however you’ll want to go away them outdoors earlier than moving into the water.
Fare Will increase
Hold a watch out for fare will increase, as many cruise strains are elevating day by day computerized gratuities to offset financial fluctuations and rising operational prices.
Summer season cruises are anticipated to be between 20% and 30% extra pricey than final summer time, in accordance with early market analysis. So in the event you encounter an early-bird deal, you would possibly wish to e book it rapidly to lock in a greater value earlier than prices rise additional.
ETIAS Delayed to 2026
Now let’s transfer on to some excellent news (no less than for now). The European Journey Data and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter European nations has been delayed to 2026.
The coverage was initially set to be applied in 2025 however has been delayed till 2026, so many passengers can nonetheless go to the port within the European Union.
Nonetheless, when this rule comes into impact, vacationers will want an digital allow and can pay a price even to go to common European ports like these in Italy and Spain.
Up to date Banned Checklist
Cruise strains have up to date and expanded their lists of banned objects for larger security and safety.
The listing now additionally consists of new digital gadgets that have been beforehand not allowed, in addition to some decorations.
Yow will discover the up to date listing of banned objects by clicking right here.
CRUISE ESSENTIALS 2025
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