CRUISE CHAOS: Mexico’s $42 Passenger Fee Sparks Outrage!

About this Video

• Video Title: CRUISE CHAOS: Mexico’s $42 Passenger Fee Sparks Outrage!
• Channel: The Travel Scouts
• Speakers: Jason
• Duration: 00:09:48

Introduction

This video provides a summary of ten recent significant cruise-related news updates. The main focus is on a newly proposed $42 passenger fee in Mexico, sparking controversy and potential repercussions for the cruise industry. Other news includes a cruise line sale, a hunger strike, a passenger going to prison for assault, and various other cruise-related announcements.

Key Takeaways

1. HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) cruise line was sold: Acquired by investors, aiming to expand its fleet and offerings.
2. Cosmopolitan Mexico plans an underground pedestrian walkway: A 340-ft walkway connecting the International Cruise Terminal with Royal Village shopping center, aiming to improve passenger shopping experience and reduce traffic.
3. Hunger strike on the Swan Hellenic SH Diana: Passengers staged a hunger strike due to the cruise ship skipping Antarctica due to mechanical problems. The cruise line offered compensation (50% cash refund or 65% future cruise credit) and free excursions in Argentina.
4. Princess Cruises begins sailing from Port Canaveral: This marks the first time in the cruise line's history that it home-ports in Port Canaveral, Florida.
5. A banned passenger was unbanned from the VAV Odyssey cruise: One of two passengers banned for complaints was allowed to rejoin the cruise.
6. Largest cruise ships can't visit San Juan, Puerto Rico: Pier 3 West damage prevents large Royal Caribbean ships from docking until repairs are complete.
7. Carnival passenger sentenced to prison: A passenger assaulted another passenger with a bar glass, resulting in a 2.5-year prison sentence.
8. Hallmark Channel Christmas cruises are returning: Due to high demand, Hallmark will offer similar Christmas-themed cruises in 2025.
9. Carnival Cruise Line departs Charleston, South Carolina: After 14 years, Carnival ends its home-porting in Charleston following resident efforts.
10. Mexico's new $42 passenger fee: A new fee for cruise passengers starting in 2026 is causing outrage and potential itinerary changes by cruise lines. The fee will fund the Mexican military, not port infrastructure.