Port Boston Introduces Cruise Passenger Fee to Fund Infrastructure Upgrades

Boston is preparing to introduce a passenger arrival fee for cruise visitors, a move that aligns with trends seen across various U.S. homeports. Starting in 2026, tourists arriving at Flynn Cruiseport will be subjected to a head tax, which will contribute to a significant $105 million modernization initiative.

Approved by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) on February 11, 2025, the fee will initiate at $3 per passenger in 2026 and will gradually increase by $3 annually, reaching a maximum of $15 per person by 2030. The revenue raised from this fee will be directed towards enhancing passenger facilities, improving terminal operations, and developing shore power infrastructure to lessen emissions from docked cruise ships.

Key improvements planned at Flynn Cruiseport include the implementation of shore power connections, allowing vessels to plug into the local electrical grid instead of relying on auxiliary engines while docked. Approximately 80% of the ships that frequent Boston already possess the capability for shore power or alternative low-emission technologies.

The anticipated environmental benefits from this new system are substantial, promising a 93% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, an 85% drop in sulfur dioxide emissions, and a 65% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Consequently, Boston aims to become New England’s first cruise port equipped with shore power supply.

Other upgrades will include a new passenger boarding bridge, an expanded reception area, and increased seating capacity to improve the boarding and disembarking experience for travelers.

Boston’s move reflects a broader trend among cruise destinations that are adopting passenger arrival fees to enhance infrastructure, reduce environmental impacts, and address the challenges posed by rising cruise tourism.

For more details, visit CruiseMapper’s article on Boston’s cruise passenger fee.

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