Summary of Bahamas Cruise Passenger Tax Changes
- Tax Increase Details: The Bahamas will raise cruise passenger taxes starting January 1, 2024.
- Environmental and Enhancement Taxes: Additional taxes will be implemented to support tourism infrastructure.
- Impact on Travelers: The tax increase is expected to affect budget-conscious travelers.
Cruising to The Bahamas is going to get more expensive next year when the island nation implements a new passenger tax increase.
The price hike, which is set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, will increase the tax on cruise passengers docking in Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini from $18 to $23, Eyewitness News Bahamas reported.
Moreover, that will be even higher — $25 — for passengers who head to a cruise line’s private island without visiting another port in The Bahamas.
The tax increase was initially scheduled for implementation in July but was postponed. Consequently, tourism minister Chester Cooper stated, “Nobody wants their taxes to increase. They’ve made certain representations. We’ve taken those into consideration.” He reiterated, “Suffice to say we have already given a seven months [delay] in the implementation of the tax. The tax does not come into force until January 2024.”
In addition to the passenger tax, The Bahamas will implement a $5 tourism environmental tax and a $2 tourism enhancement tax for each cruise passenger. Cooper mentioned that these taxes “are essential to build roads and schools and docks and to revitalize Bay Street,” as The Tribune reported.
A representative for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy remarked earlier this month that the increased tax will impact travelers on a budget. She expressed hope for a delay, stating, “Look, if I’m on a budget, this is my budget. This is what I can spend.” Duffy added, “However, the reality is that resort taxes and resort fees have been accumulating.”
Different ports each charge varying taxes and fees for cruise passengers. If a ship is unable to dock in a port due to weather, scheduling, or other factors, those taxes and port fees are refunded.
