Cruises

New in Cruise: Barcelona Moves to Double Its Cruise Tourist Tax

By Erica Silverstein May 20, 2026 12:00pm

Welcome to New in Cruise, our bi-weekly update on all the latest happenings in the cruise sector. Here’s what’s been happening in the industry so far in May.

Cruise travelers love Barcelona, but Barcelona is becoming less welcoming to cruisers by the day.

Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni is threatening to immediately raise the municipal tourist tax from 4 to 8 euros for cruise travelers, as reported in El Pais earlier this month. That increased levy is in addition to the regional tourism taxes cruisers also must pay.

Originally, the municipal tax was supposed to increase slowly over a four-year period, but Collboni is looking to fast track the increase this summer.

His ultimate goal is to eliminate cruise calls in Barcelona that are not turnaround visits to embark and disembark passengers. The city also plans to reduce cruise ship terminals from seven to five by 2030.

In a city suffering from overtourism, the mayor would like to reduce the number of visitors, keeping only the most lucrative. Overseas tourists who fly to Barcelona for a cruise are more likely to stay in the city for a night or more to get over jet lag and explore the city in depth. These travelers will spend money on hotels, tours, activities, and meals.

In contrast, cruise visitors calling in the city for eight hours will spend considerably less, especially if they eat lunch on the ship instead of in port.

It’s not just cruises Collboni is fighting. He also has a goal to eliminate tourist apartments by 2028 to ease Barcelona’s housing woes.

A handful of euros is insignificant compared to the total cost of a Mediterranean cruise, but advisors should be aware of the intent behind the increase. Many ports that cruisers love, such as Amsterdam, Santorini, and Dubrovnik, are looking for ways to reduce cruise traffic with increased tourist taxes and reduced daily cruise ship capacity.

Other destinations are working with the industry to offer alternate ports (e.g. Ravenna or Trieste instead of Venice) or improve tour offerings to better distribute guests.

Travel advisors should counsel clients considering a cruise to one of these destinations to travel soon before a visit by ship becomes more difficult or expensive. You also can do your part by promoting pre- and post-cruise stays, suggesting tours and restaurants to encourage cruise travelers to spend money in port, and reminding visitors to be courteous of residents when they’re in town.

Because a Mediterranean cruise that skips hotspots like Barcelona isn’t nearly as alluring as one that visits Europe’s most famous cities.

In Case You Missed It…

New Ships and Launches

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled 141 included short excursions available to book for Seven Seas Prestige’s inaugural season.
Oceania Cruises announced Aurelia’s inaugural itineraries, including two 180-day world cruises.
Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled Atlas Adventurer’s maiden season itineraries.
Explora Journeys has opened its summer 2028 cruises for sale, including the maiden season for Explora VI.

Onboard Updates

Crystal Serenity will get suite upgrades and public space makeovers in October 2026.
Silversea’s Silver Spirit emerged from dry dock with the addition of the S.A.L.T. program and a new poolside concept.
MSC Cruises has added new grab-and-go chicken and BBQ dining venues to MSC Seashore.
HX Expeditions has built the retro-style 1896 Cabin aboard Fridtjof Nansen that guests can book for a night’s stay during their cruise.
Regent Seven Seas has partnered with Italian sleep specialist Flou to add luxury mattresses to its top suites, including a custom mattress in the Skyview Regent Suite.

Itinerary Roundup

Cunard revealed 2028 itineraries and new Signature Packages that bundle perks together for a set price.
Holland America announced 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 129-day world cruise that will circumnavigate the globe.
Crystal will host a Wellness at Sea retreat aboard Crystal Serenity, in partnership with Sanctum, a music-focused movement practice, in October 2026.
Orient Express is also focused on wellness with a 14-night wellness retreat, developed by Guerlain, on Corinthian in October 2026.

On Sale Now

Viking opened bookings for its 2028-2029 expedition voyages.
HX Expeditions’ Summer of Celebrations promotion offers discounts, upgrades, air credits and gift cards for travel advisors.
Scenic Group is promoting enhanced group booking incentives across its river cruise brands and Emerald Cruises through May 31.
Windstar Cruises has introduced a new Peace of Mind Promise that protects all aspects of travel booked through the line, including air, hotel and transfers.

For the Advisor

Oceania Cruises eliminated non-commissionable fares.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions launched a new Travel Advisor Resource Hub that packages together the latest offers, marketing materials, sales tools, training, and more.
Scenic Group USA has appointed 25-year hospitality veteran Andrea Medellin to Regional Sales Director for the West Coast of the United States.
Torstein Hagen steps down as CEO of Viking, passing the torch to Leah Talactac, current president and CFO.