The intensifying trade conflict between China and the USA has begun to influence the cruise shipping industry.
In a retaliatory move, China’s Transport Ministry announced that from October 14th, 2025, vessels owned, operated, built or flagged under U.S. interests will be charged port fees starting at 400 yuan (≈ US$56) per net tonne, rising incrementally until reaching 1,120 yuan (≈ US$157) by 2028.
Major cruise lines, such as Oceania and RSSC/Regent Seven Seas, indicated that the new charges are directly affecting their ability to call on mainland Chinese ports. Oceania reported that its ship Oceania Riviera was asked to pay roughly US$1.6 million in additional fees for a scheduled October 16th port call, forcing an itinerary change.
In contrast, China homeported vessels, such as Spectrum of the Seas operated by RCI/oyal Caribbean International, are reportedly exempt from these levies, as are all China-built ships.
While few major cruise brands maintain regular itineraries to China, the policy uncertainty is prompting operators such as HAL/Holland America Line and MSC to reconsider or postpone calls in Chinese ports, particularly given the large tonnages of their vessels, which could translate into substantial port-fee liabilities.
Industry watchers suggest that the situation may also drive broader strategic shifts—such as cruise lines diverting capacity toward other markets like Australia—should the USA-China financial and regulatory climate remain volatile.
As the maritime sector adjusts to these developments, the full impact of the port-fee escalation on cruise scheduling, region-based deployment and longer-term market access remains under close observation.