Proposed 200-kroner cruise tax divides passengers

A proposed 200-kroner charge for cruise passengers going ashore in Denmark has drawn mixed reactions from travellers, DR reports. The Danish government wants the fee to take effect in 2028 to help cover noise, congestion and pollution.

The government expects the charge to bring in 300 million kroner a year as more cruise ships call at Danish ports. Business groups and tourism representatives, including Dansk Erhverv, Dansk Industri, Aarhus Harbour and VisitAarhus, have warned that the fee could deter visitors and cost cities income.

Some passengers aboard the MSC Euribia, which arrived in Copenhagen from Kiel on Sunday, said the proposed 200 kroner, or about 27 euros, would make little difference to their plans. One passenger said she might have to buy one fewer coffee, but was willing to pay. Danish passengers interviewed by DR also described the fee as fair, arguing that cruise travel causes pollution.

Other travellers said the charge could affect their decision to visit Denmark. A Spanish passenger said the trip already cost a lot, while a South African passenger called 200 kroner an enormous amount. An Irish passenger considered the proposed fee too high, and a Portuguese passenger opposed it.

SF finance and tax spokesperson Sofie Lippert said she did not expect the charge to stop cruise passengers from visiting Denmark, but said the party would monitor its effect on cities that benefit from tourism.

The MSC Euribia has capacity for 6,300 passengers. The government’s charge is currently only a proposal in its finance bill; negotiations are expected to continue until around mid-December, when the final budget is due to be put to a vote.