The Avalon City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, Sept. 3, to increase cruise ship wharfage fees by $2.50 per passenger. That will bring the rate up to $7.50 per passenger. The previous rate was $5.
“City Staff proposes implementing the wharfage increase effective January 1, 2026 to provide operators with adequate notice in consideration for existing bookings under the current rate,” according to the staff report prepared by Finance Director Matthew Baker. During the meeting, Baker said the $2.50 increase was the amount staff can defend. He also told the council that wharfage has remained at $5 per passenger for four fiscal years. (Following the wharfage vote, the council discussed cruise ship visits. See page 1.)
