BOTH Regent Seven Seas (RSSC) Cruises and Oceania Cruises are revising select Chinese itineraries to replace port calls to the country’s mainland, following the implementation of new port fees for American cruise lines.
Recently introduced costs are reportedly in retaliation to a similar port fee payable by Chinese ships in the US.
The country is charging US$56 per net ton, with the fees increasing to around US$157 per net ton by 2028, according to maritime industry reporting.
Primarily aimed at American cargo ships, the fee has also been extended to cruise vessels.
Oceania has already cancelled a port call to Shanghai, after its Oceania Riviera (pictured) was reportedly asked to pay approximately US$1.6 million (approx A$2.5m) in additional port fees for its 16 Oct call; the ship instead visited Busan.
“Due to recently enacted retaliatory regulations [passed] by China, ships can no longer effectively visit mainland Chinese ports,” a statement issued by both Oceania and RSSC said.
“We are therefore revising select itineraries to replace port calls in mainland China.
“We share in the disappointment of these necessary changes and are committed to providing our guests with itineraries that deliver exceptional destination experiences,” the statement said.
The only American cruise ships that are being exempted from the fees are those that are home ported in China, such as Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas, which sails from Shanghai.
Holland America Line, which is the only other American cruise ship with an upcoming call in China, has also been contacted for comment. MS