Tag Archives: cruises

Royal Caribbean Informs Guests of New Greek Cruise Taxes

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Royal Caribbean Informs Guests of New Greek Cruise Taxes

Royal Caribbean International recently issued a statement informing guests about a new cruise tax that recently took effect in Greece.

The new seasonal fees were introduced in July and, according to the local government, are aimed at combating overtourism as well as improving the country’s tourism infrastructure.

“Beginning with sailings that depart on August 1, 2025, a seasonal cruise tax will be implemented across various ports in Greece, including iconic destinations like Mykonos and Santorini,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

“This initiative supports sustainable tourism and helps preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these beloved destinations,” the company continued.

According to Royal Caribbean, guests who booked their sailings on or after September 20, 2024, have already paid for the fees, which were included within the taxes and fees section of their invoice.

The new taxes vary by destination being visited, as well as the time of the year.

For visits to Santorini and Mykonos taking place between June 1 and September 30, guests will pay 20 euros per person. During the same timeframe, each passenger will pay 5 euros when visiting other Greek ports.

Shoulder seasons will see passengers paying 12 euros for visits to Mykonos and Santorini that take place in October 2025, as well as between April 1 and May 31.

For other calls in Greece during the same timeframe, passengers will be required to pay 3 euros.

From November 1 to March 31, the fees decrease to 4 euros per person for visits to Mykonos and Santorini and to 1 euro per person for all other Greek destinations.

For guests who have already paid for the taxes along with their booking, Royal Caribbean will exchange the amounts at a monthly forecasted rate.

The company also said that for guests who choose to remain onboard and not go ashore in the Greek ports, the fee amounts will be automatically refunded to their onboard accounts at the end of the cruise.

Passengers who booked their cruises before September 20, 2024, will be required to pay the new taxes before disembarking in Greece.

Cunard Starts Charging for Select Shows Onboard

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Cunard Starts Charging for Select Shows Onboard

Queen Anne on her Maiden visit to Historic Liverpool, Photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr

Cunard is now charging fees for specific live performances onboard its newest ship, the Queen Anne.

According to the company’s website, an entry fee is essentially charged for three shows presented at the Bright Lights Society bar.

In its frequently asked questions section, the company explains that the fees also include additional perks, including beverages.

“Select shows such as Fizz and Noir now carry an entry charge of $20 per person, which includes a glass of champagne, a souvenir program, and the service charge,” Cunard states.

Guests attending a third show, Bitter Sweet Symphony, will be charged $46 per person. According to the company, the fare includes service charges and three cocktails.

Bright Lights Society is described by Cunard as the ship’s “most intimate and immersive entertainment venue,” offering exclusive live performances in a cabaret-style theatre with a premium cocktail lounge atmosphere.

Guests can make a reservation via the company’s My Voyage app or by visiting the Purser’s Office once onboard.

“Shows are popular and space is limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment,” Cunard’s website adds.

Guest reports on social media indicate that the charges were introduced in late May 2025 and were received with mixed reactions.

“It’s worth every penny; the cast are very talented and entertaining,” a former passenger stated in a Facebook post.

“Disappointing that Cunard is going the same way as other cruise lines with ‘nickel and diming,’” a guest replied.

As the newest ship in Cunard’s fleet, the Queen Anne was built by the Fincantieri shipyard and entered service in May 2024.

At the time, the company said that the vessel was designed to reflect the evolution of its brand, introducing a new look, as well as new features and dining venues.

In addition to itineraries to Northern Europe, the Atlantic Islands and the Mediterranean, the 3,000-guest ship offers annual world cruises departing from Southampton.

Celebrity Beyond Resumes Service Following Repairs

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Celebrity Beyond Resumes Service Following Repairs

The Celebrity Beyond resumed its regular cruise schedule earlier this week after having a cruise cancelled due to propulsion issues.

Following repairs at a shipyard in the Bahamas, the 2022-built vessel welcomed guests back on July 27, 2025.

Sailing from PortMiami, the Beyond is now offering a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean that features visits to ports in the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico.

While all planned ports of call are set to be visited, Celebrity said that adjustments to the ship’s itineraries will be made.

“As you may have heard, our ship experienced a technical issue last week. Our experts responded swiftly and thoroughly, upholding the highest standards of safety and care,” the company explained in a statement sent to guests now onboard.

“We’re pleased to share that all necessary work is progressing and on track to be completed before our cruise together,” Celebrity continued.

“With smooth sailing ahead and to accommodate a lowered speed, we have a quick itinerary update to share,” the company added.

Adjustments include Falmouth and Cozumel being visited in reverse order and a change in the ship’s arrival and departure times for George Town.

Instead of docking at the port between 10 AM and 6 PM, the vessel will now arrive at 7 AM before sailing at 3:30 PM.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause,” Celebrity said.

Celebrity cancelled the July 20 sailing onboard the Celebrity Beyond on short notice after postponing guests’ embarkation by one day.

In a statement issued at the time, the company explained that the cruise had to be cancelled after further consideration.

“During our previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue that affected its speed,” Celebrity stated.

“While our teams have been working diligently, we need additional time to complete necessary assessments and repairs,” the company added.

The Celebrity Beyond was scheduled to offer a seven-night itinerary to the Eastern Caribbean that featured visits to St. Thomas, Nassau and St. Maarten.