France Joins with Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia – Europe’s Unstoppable Crackdown on Cruise Tourism Starts Now!

Published on December 29, 2025

France joins with Spain, Italy, Greece, and Croatia in a historic move that will reshape the future of cruise tourism in Europe. This powerful coalition marks the beginning of Europe’s unstoppable crackdown on cruise tourism. These countries are now leading the charge, enforcing strict regulations to limit the number of cruise ships and passengers that can dock at their iconic ports. The decision comes as a response to the growing concerns over overtourism, environmental damage, and the strain on local infrastructure. By joining forces, these nations are sending a clear message: it’s time to put sustainability first. This bold step is set to transform the European cruise industry, ensuring that future tourism is more responsible, respectful of local cultures, and environmentally friendly.

France: Limiting Cruise Passengers on the French Riviera

France has become one of the leaders in limiting cruise tourism, particularly along its glamorous French Riviera. The country has officially capped the number of cruise passengers disembarking at key ports like Nice, Cannes, and Villefranche‑sur‑Mer. Under these new regulations, ports can handle no more than 2,000 cruise passengers per day, with a maximum of 3,000 during peak times. But the real game changer is the restriction on large ships. Cruise vessels carrying over 1,300 passengers are now limited to just one docking per day. These measures are all part of a larger strategy to manage overcrowding and safeguard the region’s fragile environment. The French government, backed by the Port Authorities of the Alpes‑Maritimes, is determined to preserve the natural beauty of this iconic coastline without sacrificing economic benefits from tourism.

Spain: Barcelona Leads the Way with New Cruise Limits

Barcelona, one of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, is also stepping up its game when it comes to cruise limits. In a major shift, Barcelona’s local government, in partnership with the Port Authority, has decided to reduce cruise capacity. By 2030, the city plans to cut the number of cruise terminals from seven to five, effectively reducing the maximum daily passenger count from 37,000 to just 31,000. The plan also limits the number of large cruise ships, with a focus on smaller, more sustainable vessels. This move aims to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to preserve the city’s cultural heritage and reduce pollution. Barcelona is leading the charge in reshaping the cruise tourism landscape by setting ambitious limits on growth.

Italy: Venice Bans Large Ships from Historic Canals

Venice, often regarded as the jewel of Italy, has long been at the forefront of regulating cruise tourism. In 2025, the Italian government enforced even stricter measures to protect its iconic canals and historic buildings. Large cruise ships, which previously docked at Venice’s historic centre, are now banned from entering the lagoon and passing through the city’s canals. This drastic move was made in response to growing concerns about the environmental impact of these massive ships and the strain they put on local infrastructure. Instead, ships will be redirected to the outskirts of the city, where passenger transfer services will be available. Venice’s move to limit large cruise ships is just one part of Italy’s broader strategy to protect its cultural heritage from the negative effects of mass tourism.

Greece: Tackling Overtourism in Santorini and Mykonos

Greece is another popular cruise destination that has been forced to take action against overtourism. The islands of Santorini and Mykonos, in particular, have seen their charm diluted by the overwhelming number of cruise passengers each year. In 2025, local authorities have imposed new regulations to limit the number of cruise ships arriving in these iconic destinations. Santorini, for example, now limits the number of cruise passengers to 8,000 per day. Moreover, large ships are restricted to only one visit per day. The government has also introduced a surcharge for cruise tourists to help fund local infrastructure improvements and environmental initiatives. These moves are part of a broader effort by Greece to better manage its tourism industry and ensure that the country’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

Croatia: Dubrovnik Puts the Brakes on Cruise Ships

Croatia’s Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long struggled with the pressures of mass tourism, particularly from cruise ships. The city, known for its stunning medieval architecture, has introduced a set of strict limits on the number of cruise ships and passengers allowed to dock each day. As of 2025, the city is enforcing a maximum of 10,000 cruise passengers per day, significantly reducing the previous number of 15,000. Dubrovnik’s mayor has emphasized that these restrictions are crucial to preserving the city’s historical charm and improving the quality of life for local residents. Additionally, local authorities are prioritising smaller ships that can accommodate fewer passengers, ensuring that the city’s streets and landmarks are not overcrowded.

Netherlands: Amsterdam’s Cruise Emissions Regulations

Amsterdam is another European city taking steps to manage the impact of cruise tourism. In 2025, the Dutch capital has imposed stricter emissions regulations on cruise ships that dock in its port. These new rules are part of the city’s broader environmental policies, aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting the health of residents. Ships that fail to meet emissions standards will face hefty fines or be denied entry to the port. The city is also introducing measures to limit the number of cruise passengers during peak season. Amsterdam is focused on ensuring that it remains a sustainable destination for tourists while reducing its carbon footprint.

Norway: Protecting the Fjords from Cruise Overload

Norway’s fjords are some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, but they are under threat from the growing number of cruise ships. In 2025, the Norwegian government introduced new regulations aimed at controlling cruise traffic in the fjord regions. These measures include caps on the number of ships allowed to enter popular fjords like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to limiting ship numbers, Norway is focusing on reducing the environmental impact of cruise ships by requiring vessels to use cleaner fuels and adopt more sustainable practices. This is part of Norway’s broader efforts to protect its natural wonders while maintaining its position as a top travel destination.

Ireland: Sustainable Tourism Measures for Cruise Passengers

Ireland, while not as dependent on cruise tourism as some of its European counterparts, has started to implement policies to control cruise ship traffic. In 2025, local authorities in Dublin and Cork introduced visitor caps for cruise passengers during the summer months. These restrictions are aimed at managing the flow of tourists and ensuring that the local communities are not overwhelmed. Additionally, Ireland is focusing on promoting sustainable tourism practices, with an emphasis on smaller ships and eco-friendly cruise options. The goal is to ensure that Ireland’s heritage sites, natural landscapes, and local communities are not negatively affected by mass tourism.

Portugal: Lisbon’s Cruise Port Restrictions

Portugal’s Lisbon port has seen an increasing number of cruise ships visiting the city in recent years, raising concerns about the impact on the city’s infrastructure and residents. In response, the Portuguese government has introduced restrictions on cruise ship arrivals, particularly during peak tourist season. The new regulations limit the number of ships that can dock in Lisbon on any given day, with special measures in place to ensure that the city’s streets are not overcrowded. This move is part of Portugal’s broader strategy to manage tourism sustainably and reduce the negative impact of overtourism.

Switzerland: River Cruises and Border Regulations

Although Switzerland is landlocked, it is a popular stop for river cruises that pass through its borders. In 2025, Swiss authorities introduced regulations to control the number of river cruise ships docking in cities like Basel and Lucerne. These regulations include caps on the number of ships allowed to dock on a given day, as well as limits on the number of passengers disembarking. This move is part of Switzerland’s overall strategy to manage tourism and preserve the quality of life for its residents. By regulating river cruises, Switzerland hopes to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect its natural and cultural heritage.

The Future of Cruise Tourism in Europe

As we move through 2025, it’s clear that Europe is taking strong steps to manage cruise tourism more responsibly. While cruising has been an important source of revenue for many European countries, the environmental impact, overcrowding, and strain on local communities have become undeniable. The restrictions being introduced in cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik are a direct response to these challenges. By limiting the number of cruise ships and passengers, these countries are striving to find a balance between tourism and sustainability. It’s clear that cruise tourism in Europe is entering a new era, one where environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism practices will play a much larger role in shaping the industry’s future.