Amsterdam weighs complete ban on cruise ships

Amsterdam has been considering strict limits on cruise tourism for some time and has already introduced measures to curb cruise traffic.

Now, the city is going even further, with plans to completely ban ocean cruise ships and significantly restrict river cruises within the next decade.

The current proposal, local outlets say, would end all visits from ocean-going cruise ships by 2035 and impose tighter limits on river cruise operations.

Local politicians and activists argue that large cruise vessels contribute heavily to pollution, producing high levels of CO₂ and nitrogen emissions.

READ MORE: “A polluting form of tourism”: Amsterdam to halve cruise ship traffic, will relocate terminal

Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren says relocating the sea cruise terminal would require an investment of around €85 million and involve significant financial risks, which the city views as undesirable.

She also emphasizes that sustainability and quality of life are key priorities, saying the city will seriously explore phasing out sea cruises by 2035 so the next municipal administration can make a final decision.

“We want to prioritize sustainability and liveability,” Van Buren reportedly said. “This means that we will be exploring the option of ending sea cruises in Amsterdam by 2035 in the coming months, so that the new municipal executive can make a decision.”

In 2024, Amsterdam’s city council voted to cut the number of cruise ships permitted to dock in the city from 190 to 100 by 2026 and to relocate the sea cruise terminal from Veemkade by 2035.

If cruises are phased out entirely, the council is expected to forgo about €46 million in port fees and tourism-related taxes over the next 30 years.

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