MSC Virtuosa Tragedy & Mexico Cruise Passenger Tax: What Cruisers Need to Know (May 10 2025)
Two major stories have shaken the cruise world this week — one tragic, the other financial. From an onboard death aboard MSC Virtuosa to a new passenger tax impacting Mexico-bound cruisers, here’s what you need to know.
⚓ Onboard Death Aboard MSC Virtuosa Prompts Murder Investigation
A dream cruise turned tragic on May 3, 2025, when a 60-year-old passenger died following an altercation just hours into a sailing aboard MSC Virtuosa.
The ship had departed from Southampton, UK and was bound for Bruges when the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., still in British waters. The man, later identified as James Messham, was reportedly part of a stag party. Witnesses described a chaotic scene involving heavy drinking and a rowdy crowd of bachelor and bachelorette celebrations onboard.
Despite efforts by an army medic also sailing on the cruise, Messham was declared dead at the scene. MSC immediately returned the ship to Southampton the next morning. A 57-year-old man from Exeter was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released on bail as investigations continue.
UK authorities have issued a call for passengers who witnessed the incident or have information to assist in the ongoing investigation. Passengers expressed shock, with some criticizing onboard security and suggesting a need for more alcohol regulation during themed group sailings.
🇲🇽 Mexico to Charge Cruise Passengers Starting July 2025
In financial news, Mexico will begin charging cruise passengers a $5 entry fee starting July 1, 2025, a figure that will increase to $21 by August 2028.
This new tax applies only to travelers arriving via cruise ships, not air or land. It replaces a previously proposed $42 fee that was heavily opposed by cruise lines and tourism advocates, who warned it would deter sailings and disproportionately affect port-heavy itineraries.
The fee will be baked into cruise fares, collected by the cruise lines on behalf of the Mexican government. The policy has stirred some controversy, especially among U.S.-based tourism and cruise organizations, who argue it creates an uneven playing field by taxing one type of traveler over others.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has cautiously welcomed the lower fee but urges fairness across all travel sectors. Mexico remains one of the most visited cruise destinations in the world, with ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Puerto Vallarta playing key roles in Caribbean and Pacific itineraries.