Cruise Industry Faces Backlash, May Ditch Popular European Ports
The growing tide of tourism discontent in Europe is forcing the cruise industry to consider drastic measures.
In a move that could dramatically reshape European travel itineraries, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is warning that cruise ships may have to avoid some of the continent’s most popular destinations to protect passengers from hostile crowds.
This comes as a wave of protests across Europe highlights the growing frustration with overtourism. Locals in cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam are pushing back against the surge in visitors, railing against rising prices, overcrowded public spaces, and the environmental impact of mass tourism, including the carbon footprint of massive cruise ships.
"There will be some consideration of adapting the itineraries if for some reason we feel that all passengers will not be well-treated," said Marie-Caroline Laurent, European director of CLIA, speaking to Reuters.
While Laurent didn’t specify which cities might be cut from itineraries, the writing is on the wall.
Barcelona, Europe’s busiest cruise port, saw residents resort to squirting visitors with water pistols in a desperate bid to deter the crowds. The city’s mayor, Ada Colau, has drawn a hard line, stating that Barcelona can’t absorb any more than the 3.5 million cruise passengers it hosted in 2023.
Venice, which banned cruise ships from its historic center in 2021, has doubled down on its efforts to curb day-trippers with a new “tourist tax.” Amsterdam, meanwhile, aims to slash the number of cruise ships docking in its port by almost half by 2026, ultimately banning them outright by 2035.
The outrage extends beyond major cities. Even idyllic Greek islands are battling overcrowding, leading to the use of drones to enforce new rules on beach sunlounger reservations.
This widespread displeasure with tourism comes despite the fact that the global cruise industry is expected to see a 10.7% surge in passenger numbers by 2028, projected to reach over 35 million travelers.
The future of European vacations is at a crossroads.
The conflict between the desire for travel and the need to protect fragile destinations is becoming increasingly urgent. Will the cruise industry find a way to navigate these choppy waters and maintain its growth, or will these protests force a fundamental shift in how we experience Europe?
