Topline
Amsterdam’s city council will no longer allow cruise ships to dock in the city center in an effort to cut down on tourism-related problems and curb pollution — the latest tourist hot spot to battle the industry already struggling from staffing shortages, Covid-related financial struggles and a myriad of criticism from environmental activists.
Two ships at the cruise port in Amsterdam. Flickr Vision
Key Facts
The central cruise terminal near Amsterdam’s main train station will eventually close as a result of the decision, BBC reported, after politicians said allowing large vessels into the historic area did not align with goals for sustainability and are contributing to a tourism industry the city is trying to get under control. The city drew about 9 million tourists in 2021 and 20 million visitors last year, city data shows, and the cruise law is the latest step toward dissuading visitors including a ban on smoking marijuana in public in the red-light district, earlier closing times for restaurants and the end of in-store alcohol sales after 4 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday, the New York Times reported. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema complained last year that cruise ships brought nothing substantial to the city, BBC reported, only letting visitors hit the streets for a few hours of partying before they were called back on board. More than 3.8 million passengers have gone through the Cruise Port Amsterdam since 2000, its website says, and more than 2,100 ships have docked in that port. Environmental concerns also contributed to the decision—the European Federation for Transport and Environment said in June that 63 cruise ships owned by the Carnival Corporation emitted 43% more sulfur oxides than Europe’s 291 million cars in 2022. The region has another port about 18 miles east in IJmuiden that will not be impacted by the ban.
Key Quote
War On Cruise Ships? Amsterdam Latest Port To Limit Or Ban Cruise Liners
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