Port Boston Introduces Cruise Passenger Fee to Fund Infrastructure Upgrades

Boston is introducing a new passenger arrival fee for cruise visitors starting in 2026, aimed at supporting a significant infrastructure modernization initiative at Flynn Cruiseport. This decision comes as part of a trend among U.S. homeports to implement similar charges.

The fee structure, approved by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) on February 11, 2025, will begin at $3 per passenger in 2026, increasing annually by $3 until it reaches $15 per passenger by 2030. The funds generated will be directed toward improving passenger facilities, enhancing terminal operations, and deploying shore power infrastructure to lessen emissions from docked cruise ships.

A major aspect of the project is the installation of shore power connections, enabling vessels to draw electrical power from the local grid instead of running their auxiliary engines while in port. Approximately 80% of the cruise ships frequenting Boston are already equipped to utilize shore power or other low-emission technologies.

The implementation of shore power is projected to achieve significant environmental benefits, including:

• 93% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions
• 85% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions
• 65% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions

Additionally, these enhancements will establish Boston as the first cruise port in New England to offer shore power supply.

Other planned improvements encompass the construction of a new passenger boarding bridge, an expansion of the terminal’s reception area, and an increase in seating capacity to improve the overall embarkation and disembarkation experience.

Boston’s initiative reflects a growing pattern among cruise destinations implementing passenger arrival fees to fund infrastructure upgrades, address environmental concerns, and manage the impact of rising cruise tourism.

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