The cruise industry is booming. Post-pandemic travel is growing, and cruise lines are rushing to add more ships to meet the rising demand. But there’s a problem—some famous destinations are saying, “Enough is enough.”
As cruise ships fill up with tourists, some cities and towns are pushing back. They’re worried about the environmental impact, overcrowding, and the strain on local resources. Many of these locations have had enough of the negative effects that large ships bring with them.
As Forbes puts it, “Overtourism is a primary concern, as large ships can flood cities with thousands of passengers at once, straining resources. Multiple large ships visiting a port can overwhelm attractions, shops and city streets.” In simple terms, these popular ports are tired of dealing with excessive tourist numbers and pollution. Here are five major destinations that are making things harder for cruise ships:
1. Barcelona, Spain: No More Central Docking
Barcelona is a favorite destination for cruise ships due to its Mediterranean beauty. But in 2023, the city decided it was time for a change. Although the city hasn’t completely banned cruises, it made docking much less convenient.
Cruise ships are no longer allowed to dock in the city’s busy World Trade Center pier, which is in the heart of the city. Instead, they now have to dock at the Moll d’Adossat pier, which is about a half-hour away from the main attractions. The city is hoping this will help reduce the number of cruise ship passengers crowding the streets, making tourism more sustainable.
2. Venice, Italy: Protecting the Lagoon
Venice has long struggled with overtourism, and cruise ships have been a big part of the problem. In 2019, a cruise ship even crashed into a wharf, causing major concern. Finally, in 2021, the Italian government took action to protect the city’s delicate ecosystem and historic structures.
They banned all cruise ships over 25,000 tons from entering the lagoon, which is a major move. According to Italy’s then-Culture Minister, this decision was long overdue, as the city’s historic beauty was at risk of being destroyed by the overwhelming number of tourists and pollution.
3. Nice, France: Only Small Groups Allowed
Nice, a stunning city on the French Riviera, has taken a different approach to deal with the rise in cruise tourism. Starting in 2025, the city will no longer allow “tendering” at its port.
“Tendering” refers to the process where passengers from large cruise ships (those carrying more than 900 people) are transported by smaller boats to shore. Nice is banning this practice because they want to focus on “selective tourism,” aiming to attract smaller, more upscale groups of tourists. So, large cruise ships can still dock, but their passengers will not be able to take those small boats to shore for excursions.
4. Iceland: A Steep Fee for Cruise Passengers
Iceland, known for its stunning landscapes and adventure cruises, is taking a direct route to tackle overtourism. Beginning in 2025, cruise ships visiting the country will have to pay a hefty fee of about $18 per passenger, per day.
This “tourism tax” is Iceland’s way of making cruise ships contribute to the cost of managing the negative effects of tourism, such as environmental damage and overcrowding. It’s a message to cruise tourists: if you’re going to visit, be ready to pay for the privilege.
5. Belfast, Maine: A Complete Ban
Belfast, Maine, has gone even further by banning all cruise ships carrying 50 or more passengers. This rule essentially stops most cruise ships from visiting the town, as most ships carry more than 50 people.
The harbor master explained that large cruise ships were making it difficult and dangerous for smaller boats to navigate the harbor. So, Belfast decided to ban the big ships and focus on preserving its peaceful harbor for smaller vessels.
The Cruise Industry’s Response
The cruise industry is scrambling to adapt to these new regulations. Cruise lines are searching for new ports of call where they can continue to operate without facing these restrictions. They are also focusing more on enhancing the onboard experience to keep passengers entertained when they can’t get off the ship.
If passengers can’t explore the destination, they’ll need plenty of activities, food, and entertainment to make their time on the ship worthwhile. This shift is forcing cruise lines to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to keep travelers happy.
Why These Changes Matter
The growing pushback against cruise ships shows that popular tourist destinations are realizing they need to manage their tourism more effectively. These cities and towns are facing huge pressures due to overtourism, environmental concerns, and the strain on local infrastructure. It’s clear that the way tourism is handled in these destinations is changing, and the cruise industry will have to adapt.
While these new restrictions may inconvenience some cruise travelers, they are necessary steps to protect these cities and their resources. As more places around the world take similar actions, it may be time for the cruise industry to rethink how it operates.
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