France moves towards implementing cruise passenger fee

The French Senate has approved a plan to introduce a €15 fee for cruise passengers arriving at French ports – a measure aimed at offsetting pollution linked to the cruise industry. If ultimately adopted, the move is projected to generate about €75 million annually, with the funds going towards protecting port zones and coastal ecosystems from environmental damage.

The proposal forms part of an amendment to France’s 2026 budget and must still be debated by the National Assembly before it becomes law.

It has been reported that trade body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has pushed back, arguing the sector already meets obligations under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The group said in a statement to Seatrade Cruise News that imposing an additional fee at every port of call “would layer a new charge on top of the ETS, effectively taxing the same emissions twice without a clear environmental benefit”. CLIA also noted that cruise passengers made up only a small share of maritime traffic while providing economic benefits to French destinations.

The proposed measure has also faced opposition because, as written, it does not distinguish between cruise vessels and coastal ferries.

Last month, search and rescue teams were deployed after a British tourist fell overboard from a cruise ship operated by TUI off the coast of the island of Tenerife, Spain.