Cruise Lines May Leave Cozumel Over New Tourist Tax

Cozumel, Mexico — Cruise companies represented by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), led by Michele Paige, may cancel itineraries to Quintana Roo, particularly Cozumel, due to a new non-resident tax (DNR) imposed by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism (Sectur). The tax, which critics describe as exacerbating an already predatory model that generates minimal employment and tax revenue for destinations, could force major cruise lines to redirect their routes.

Progressive Tax Hike Could Drive Away Cruise Traffic

The tax, set to take effect on July 1, will start at $5 per passenger and incrementally rise to $10, then $15, before reaching $21 by December 2027. According to El Heraldo, this escalating cost will make it increasingly difficult for cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line to maintain profitability, leading to potential itinerary cancellations.

Cruise operators have already sold itineraries for this year and part of 2026. If the tax is implemented as planned, they will be forced to absorb the initial $5 fee, with diminishing margins as the levy increases.

Record Cruise Tourism Faces Uncertain Future

Despite the looming tax, Cozumel recently set a record for cruise tourism in the first quarter of 2025, welcoming 1,502,727 visitors—the highest figure for the period in recent years. José Luis Chacón, Mayor of Cozumel, emphasized that these numbers reflect a trend that could see the island close the year with a historic 5 million cruise passengers.

However, industry analysts warn that the new tax could reverse this growth, as cruise lines reassess the financial viability of docking in Cozumel. The FCCA has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that alternative destinations with lower fees may become more attractive.

The debate over the tax’s impact continues, with proponents arguing it will generate much-needed revenue for local infrastructure, while opponents fear it will drive away a critical segment of tourism.