Cruise industry hit with new restrictions in top destinations
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 7
- 18 min read
Updated: Feb 28
Cities around the world, including Barcelona in Spain, Santorini in Greece, Dubrovnik in Croatia, Venice in Italy, and Juneau in Alaska, USA, have begun imposing restrictions on cruise traffic.
In 2023, the cruise industry generated a global economic impact of $168.6 billion, marking a 9% increase over 2019. This activity supported 1.6 million jobs, with 77% being land-based, highlighting the industry's significant role in local economies.
Very small part of worldwide visitors
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) emphasizes the industry's commitment to sustainability, with cruise lines investing in innovative technologies and aiming for net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.
Joel Katz, Managing Director of CLIA Australasia, told the Australian Daily Telegraph in september last year that cruise tourism accounts for just 4% of visitors, even in prominent destinations like Barcelona.
The association notes that cruise lines are offering more sustainable shore excursions to balance tourism with ecological benefits. For instance, some lines participate in local conservation efforts, promoting biodiversity and encouraging environmentally conscious behaviors among passengers.
Many popular tourist destinations worldwide are grappling with the challenges posed by heavy cruise ship traffic. While the cruise industry plays a significant role in boosting local economies, it also brings serious issues like overcrowding, environmental degradation, and a decline in the quality of life for residents.
Environmental impact
Cruise ships inflict substantial environmental damage. These massive vessels emit high levels of pollution, including CO2 and sulfur dioxide, which negatively affect air quality. Furthermore, the anchoring of ships can harm the seabed and disrupt the marine ecosystems surrounding these locations.
Infrastructure strain
The influx of tourists places enormous pressure on infrastructure, including transportation, waste management, and water supply systems. This situation results in increased wear and tear and necessitates more frequent maintenance.
Quality of life for residents
The steady stream of tourists adversely impacts residents' quality of life. Overcrowded streets and heightened traffic complicate daily activities for locals. Additionally, rising living costs associated with tourism make it more expensive for residents to live in these areas.
The role of older ships
Older ships commonly used in the cruise industry tend to be less environmentally friendly, contributing to air and ocean pollution. Consequently, cities are implementing various strategies to mitigate these environmental impacts, such as adopting greener technologies and enforcing stricter emission regulations.
Social disruptions
Socially, the significant influx of cruise ship tourists can disrupt local communities by escalating living costs, displacing local businesses, and creating an imbalance between tourists and residents. Initiatives like limiting the number of cruise ships and imposing visitor fees are efforts to restore this equilibrium.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and picturesque landscapes, making the island a popular destination for cruise passengers.
In 2023, Santorini welcomed 800 cruise ship arrivals, bringing in approximately 1.3 million passengers. This influx leads to overcrowding, especially in the most popular areas like Fira and Oia, making it difficult for both tourists and locals to navigate.
«Clearly suffering»
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his intention to limit cruise ship arrivals or establish a bidding process for ships to dock at popular islands, according to a Bloomberg report.
He says last summer that both Santorini and Mykonos are clearly suffering, and added that the decision to limit cruise visits could come as early as next year. Mitsotakis also noted,
–There are people spending a lot of money to be on Santorini, and they don't want the island to be swamped, and emphasized, that the island can't afford it, even in terms of security.
Will comply with any regulations
Josh Weinstein, president, chief executive officer and chief climate officer of Carnival Corporation responded to Prime Minister Mitsotakis' comments, stating that his company will comply with any regulations Greek officials implement, as it has with other restrictions in the past.
– I don't expect anything too difficult to handle, Weinstein told investors during the company’s financial update for the second quarter last year.
–Unfortunately for us, this is just part of the usual business.
– Unfortunately for us, this is just par for the course.
Carnival Corp.'s operations in Greece make up a small part of the company's overall business, Weinstein said. However, he emphasized that Greece is still an important destination for the company. He added that Carnival will continue to work with Greek officials to ensure their needs are met while maintaining operations.
Measures to alleviate overcrowding
Daily cruise ship limitations: To address overcrowding, Santorini has begun to limit the number of cruise ships that can dock each day. This initiative aims to manage the flow of tourists and lessen the strain on the island’s infrastructure.
Pre-booking system: A new system requires cruise ships to pre-book docking times to ensure a more even distribution of tourist traffic throughout the day.
This helps avoid peak periods of extreme overcrowding.
Promotion of green technology: Authorities are encouraging the use of greener technologies on the cruise ships visiting Santorini. This includes mandates for low-sulfur fuel and the installation of shore power systems, allowing ships to turn off their engines while docked.
Tourist fee implementation: A tourist fee has been introduced to help fund initiatives that protect the environment and enhance infrastructure. This fee applies to all visitors and is intended to cover costs associated with tourism.
Awareness campaigns: Campaigns aimed at raising awareness among tourists about their impact on the island have been launched. These initiatives provide information on sustainable tourism and encourage respectful behavior towards both the local community and the environment.
Venezia, Italia
Venezia has long been one of the world’s most visited tourist cities, but it has also become a symbol of the challenges posed by heavy cruise ship traffic.
Known for its canals, historic buildings, and rich cultural heritage, Venezia is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world. Before the pandemic, the city experienced a massive influx of cruise ships.
In 2019, approximately 600 cruise ships arrived in Venezia, bringing millions of passengers to the city. Cruise ship traffic continued to rise in 2024, albeit still somewhat regulated due to new measures and fees. In 2023, around 500 arrivals were recorded, marking a significant increase from the previous two years.
However, the city’s popularity has led to substantial issues, particularly related to cruise traffic. The large cruise ships arriving in Venezia bring thousands of tourists every day, creating overcrowding in the already busy streets and squares. This negatively impacts both the tourist experience and the daily lives of local residents.
Associated Press wrote in october last year that Venice will extend its day-tripper tax through next year, increasing the number of days tourists will need to pay to enter the city and doubling the fee to 10 euros ($10.80) for last-minute visitors, city officials announced on Thursday.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro emphasized that the tax is intended to help the city and its residents combat overtourism and prevent overwhelming crowds during busy holidays and weekends.
Environmental impact
Cruise ships cause considerable environmental damage. These large vessels produce high levels of emissions, including CO2 and sulfur dioxide, which contribute to air pollution. Additionally, the waves generated by the ships cause erosion of the canals and the foundations of buildings.
Strain on infrastructure
The constant influx of tourists strains the city’s fragile infrastructure. Buildings, bridges, and historic monuments face significant pressure, increasing the risk of damage and the need for maintenance.
Quality of life for residents
Local residents experience a reduced quality of life due to the overwhelming number of tourists. Prices for goods and services rise, and congestion makes it challenging for locals to move freely throughout the city.
Measures to address the challenges
Tourist fee implementation: In 2021, Venezia enacted a tourist fee that took effect on April 25, 2024. Known as the "contributo di sbarco," this fee applies to all visitors, regardless of whether they arrive by land, air, train, or sea. The fee varies by season and aims to help reduce the number of day-trippers.
Regulated docking areas: Stricter regulations have been implemented regarding where cruise ships can dock. Ships are now prohibited from mooring in the most vulnerable areas, such as the Giudecca Canal and near St. Mark’s Square. Instead, they are directed to the industrial port area of Porto Marghera, located outside the historic center.
Promotion of eco-friendly technologies: Venezia encourages the use of more environmentally friendly ships and technologies. Plans are in place to install shore power systems that allow ships to turn off their engines while docked, significantly reducing emissions.
Visitor management systems: Authorities are considering implementing pre-registration systems and limits on the number of daily visitors to better manage tourist flow. This could include ticket sales for access to certain areas of the city, especially on the busiest days.
Barcelona, Spania
Barcelona is another city that has taken steps to manage the large influx of cruise passengers. In October 2023, the city implemented a partial cruise ship ban, preventing ships from docking at the northern docks and the World Trade Center.
The purpose of this measure is to reduce exhaust emissions in the city’s most populated areas. Additionally, the mayor announced further actions in May 2024 to limit the number of cruise passengers allowed in the city each day.
Impact of cruise ship traffic
The large cruise ships arriving in Barcelona lead to a massive influx of tourists, especially during peak season. This creates overcrowding in the city’s streets, tourist attractions, and public transportation, negatively affecting the experience for both visitors and locals.
The significant number of tourists drives up the prices of goods and services, making it more expensive for residents to live in the city. Moreover, the tourism boom can result in local businesses being replaced by tourist-oriented establishments, impacting the city’s social fabric.
Ada Colau, the mayor of Barcelona, has been a vocal advocate for regulating cruise tourism to mitigate its impact on the city. In 2019, she stated to the Guardian that hey don't have infinite capacity, emphasizing the need to limit the number of cruise ships docking in Barcelona to reduce pollution and manage visitor numbers.
In her re-election campaign in 2023, Colau proposed halving the number of passengers arriving at Barcelona's cruise ship port and stripping licenses from certain cruise operators to address the challenges posed by mass tourism.
Colau has also drawn parallels between Barcelona and Venice, warning against the dangers of mass tourism. She remarked in an report that any city that sacrifices itself on the altar of mass tourism will be abandoned by its people when they can no longer afford the cost of housing, food, and basic services.
Strain on infrastructure
The constant flow of tourists, particularly from cruise ships, places pressure on the city’s infrastructure. Public spaces, historic buildings, and transportation networks experience increased wear and tear, necessitating more frequent maintenance and repairs.
Measures to address the challenges
Partial cruise ship ban: In October 2023, Barcelona implemented a partial cruise ship ban, preventing ships from docking at the northern docks or the World Trade Center. This measure aims to keep cruise ships farther from the city center, reducing emissions and overcrowding in densely populated areas.
Daily passenger limit: On May 24, 2024, Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, announced further measures to limit the number of cruise passengers who can visit the city daily. This initiative is intended to help reduce overcrowding and better manage tourist flow.
Stricter environmental requirements: Barcelona has introduced stricter environmental requirements for cruise ships wishing to dock in the city. This includes mandates for using more environmentally friendly fuel and technologies to reduce emissions. The city is also working to install shore power systems, allowing ships to turn off their engines while docked, significantly reducing air pollution.
Increased fees: To better manage tourist flow, Barcelona has implemented increased fees for cruise ships and passengers. These fees are used to fund initiatives that protect the environment and improve the city’s infrastructure.
Promotion of lesser-known areas: The city has launched campaigns to distribute tourists more evenly throughout Barcelona and to surrounding areas, alleviating pressure on the most popular attractions. This includes promoting lesser-known areas and attractions outside the city center.
Awareness campaigns have also been launched to inform tourists about their impact on the city. Informational materials and signage encourage respectful behavior and sustainable tourism practices.
Dubrovnik, Kroatia
Dubrovnik, also known as the «Pearl of the Adriatic»,has experienced an explosion in cruise tourism in recent years.
Before the pandemic, the city saw a significant influx of cruise ships, with approximately 500 arrivals bringing over 1.2 million cruise passengers to its historic Old Town. Cruise traffic continued to rise after the pandemic, with around 400 dockings recorded in 2023.
Pressure on cultural heritage
The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been under pressure from the large crowds. To protect the cultural heritage and enhance the experience for both residents and tourists, local authorities have imposed restrictions on the number of cruise ships allowed to dock each day.
–Tough measures
Mato Franković, the mayor of Dubrovnik, has been proactive in addressing the challenges posed by cruise tourism to the city's cultural heritage and residents' quality of life. In 2018, he announced that a maximum of two cruise ships, carrying a total of 5,000 passengers, would be allowed to dock in Dubrovnik per day.
In 2024 Franković emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism, stating, He said to Radio Cordoba in september last year that when you see the visitor numbers and you see that things are going in the wrong direction, you have to make the right decisions.
–We decided to take tough measures.
He further explained that these measures, including reducing the number of cruise ships and regulating restaurant seating, aim to improve residents' quality of life and enhance the visitor experience.
Additionally Franković has communicated with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), asserting,
–We stand firmly behind the claim that Dubrovnik cannot accommodate more than four thousand passengers at the same time.
Overcrowding and its consequences
The substantial influx of cruise passengers creates overcrowding, especially in the compact Old Town. This leads to congestion in the streets, at tourist attractions, and on public transportation, diminishing the experience for both visitors and locals.
Cruise ships also contribute significantly to pollution, both through emissions and waste management in ports. This has a detrimental impact on the city’s environment and marine ecosystem.
Strain on infrastructure
The constant stream of tourists places a strain on the city’s historic buildings and infrastructure. Increased foot traffic and activity in the Old Town necessitate more frequent maintenance and restoration efforts.
Economic instability
The seasonal nature of tourism creates economic instability for the local population. Rising living costs and an economy heavily reliant on tourism can make it challenging for residents to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.
Measures to address the challenges
Cruise ship limitations: Authorities have imposed a cap on the number of cruise ships that can dock each day. This aims to reduce overcrowding and distribute tourist traffic more evenly over time.
To prevent congestion during peak times, a schedule for the arrival and departure of cruise ships has been established, helping to spread tourists throughout the day.
Encouragement of greener technology: Dubrovnik promotes the use of greener technology on visiting cruise ships. This includes requirements for low-sulfur fuel and measures to reduce emissions while the ships are docked.
Tourist fee implementation: A tourist fee for cruise passengers has been introduced to generate revenue that can be used for maintaining the city’s infrastructure and protecting the environment. The fee also helps fund various initiatives to manage mass tourism.
Digital monitoring system: Dubrovnik has implemented a digital monitoring system for tracking tourist flows. This system uses data analytics to forecast and regulate tourist numbers, helping to prevent overcrowding in critical areas.
Sustainable tourism awareness campaigns: Campaigns have been launched to raise awareness among tourists about the importance of sustainable tourism. Tourists are encouraged to respect the city’s cultural heritage and environment through information and guidance.
Palma de Mallorca, Spania
Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, is a popular cruise destination in the Mediterranean.
The island's stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and attractive climate draw a large number of cruise tourists. Palma has also taken steps to manage cruise tourism effectively.
– Do not spend money
In recent years, residents of Mallorca have expressed growing concerns about the impact of cruise tourism on their island. In 2019, Jaume Garau of the Palma XXI association highlighted the issue, stating that the problem is cruise ship tourists arrive all at once and they saturate the historic part of the city. He further noted that these tourists often do not spend money in the city, referencing a report from Venice that indicated such tourism brings few benefits to residents.
10,000 participants in a rally
In July 2024, a significant protest took place in Palma de Mallorca, with approximately 10,000 participants. Protesters called for measures to protect natural resources, limit the number of arriving flights and docking cruise ships, and regulate non-resident accommodations. They cited escalating living costs, overuse of resources, public spaces, and services by tourists, and a loss of cultural identity as the island becomes increasingly touristified.
–Unsustainable in the Balearic Islands
87 percent of the region's GDP comes from tourism, providing over 200,000 jobs
The president of the Balearic Islands government, Marga Prohens, stated in June last year that nearly 20 million tourists annually is not sustainable. This was reported by the Mallorca Daily Bulletin. The Spanish archipelago in the Mediterranean consists of Mallorca, Menorca, the Pityuses, Ibiza, Formentera, and several smaller islands.
–We need to discuss limits and restrictions, she said. She emphasized that this is not about demonizing tourism, but about ensuring sustainability. Tourism generates 87 percent of the GDP and accounts for 40 percent of employment in the Balearic Islands, with over 200,000 jobs.
During a plenary session for the «Agency for the Social and Political Pact for Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability,» Prohens defended the need for dialogue and bold measures to transform the islands' economic model. She stressed that the current growth rate is unsustainable and does not contribute to the well-being of the local population.
Many new proposals
Mallorca Daily Bulletin reported in may last year that Jaime Martínez, the mayor of Palma, has outlined a series of proposals aimed at reducing tourism congestion, which will be reviewed by the city's Sustainability Committee. Key among these is the regulation of cruise ship arrivals, with plans to limit or prohibit large vessels and permit only smaller ones. Martínez has suggested allowing only cruises that make Palma their home port, as well as restricting the number of ships entering the city. Additionally, the mayor advocates for controlling the number of rental cars in the city.
Martínez also proposed the introduction of two new taxes for cruise passengers—one for arriving at the port and another for city access. He further called for a review of waste charges at ports and tighter controls on tourist groups, including capping the number of participants in guided tours. Other initiatives include restricting or banning party boats, revising waste and water fees for tourists, and increasing surveillance to tackle illegal holiday rentals. The mayor also announced a ban on the establishment of new tourist rental properties in Palma.
Rise in cruise traffic
Before the pandemic, Palma de Mallorca experienced a significant influx of cruise ships, with around 600 arrivals and over two million passengers visiting the island in a single year. Cruise traffic continued to grow, with approximately 500 dockings recorded in 2023. The city has implemented measures to handle the large streams of tourists and minimize negative impacts.
Overcrowding issues
The substantial influx of cruise passengers creates overcrowding, especially in central Palma and at popular tourist attractions. This leads to congestion in the streets, at landmarks, and on local transportation, diminishing the experience for both tourists and residents.
Environmental concerns
Cruise ships contribute significantly to pollution, both in the form of emissions and waste management in the ports. This negatively impacts the island's environment and marine ecosystem.
Strain on infrastructure
The constant flow of tourists puts a strain on the city's infrastructure, including roads, public facilities, and historic buildings. Increased foot traffic and activity in the city center necessitate more frequent maintenance and restoration.
Impact on residents’ quality of life
Overcrowding and increased tourism can reduce the quality of life for residents. It becomes more challenging for locals to carry out daily activities, and rising living costs due to the tourism industry make it more expensive to live on the island.
Measures to manage tourism
Cruise ship limits: Authorities have imposed a cap on the number of cruise ships that can dock each day. This measure aims to reduce overcrowding and distribute tourist traffic more evenly over time. Since 2022, a limit of three cruise ships per day has been established, with only one allowed to carry over 5,000 passengers.
Tourist fee introduction: A tourist fee for cruise passengers has been implemented to generate revenue for maintaining the city's infrastructure and protecting the environment. This fee also helps fund various initiatives to manage mass tourism. There are proposals to expand the fees to include separate charges for entering the port and for accessing Palma.
Promotion of greener technology: Palma de Mallorca encourages the use of greener technology on the cruise ships that visit the city. This includes requirements for low-sulfur fuel and measures to reduce emissions while the ships are docked.
Digital monitoring system: Palma de Mallorca has implemented a digital monitoring system to track tourist flows. This system uses data analysis to forecast and regulate tourist traffic, helping to avoid congestion in critical areas.
Sustainable tourism awareness campaigns: Campaigns have been launched to raise awareness among tourists about the importance of sustainable tourism. Tourists are encouraged to respect the city's cultural heritage and environment through information and guidance.
Juneau, Alaska i USA
Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the United States.
Its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, forests, and wildlife, attracts thousands of cruise tourists each year. However, this popularity has led to a range of challenges for the city.
– Approaching a 400% increase
The residents have expressed concerns about the impact of cruise tourism on their community, and written several opinion pieces in the newspaper Juneau Empire. Nate Vallier, a local resident, emphasized the need for a balanced approach to cruise traffic, stating,
– We’ve got to come up with a way to manage our cruise traffic that appeases not only the cruise lines, but also us as citizens in Juneau.
Similarly, Stuart Hallam, also a Juneau resident, noted the rapid increase in cruise traffic and stated that Juneau are quickly approaching a 400% increase in cruise traffic in that time frame.
«Ship-free Saturdays»
In response to these challenges, Juneau's city officials have been considering measures to manage the influx of tourists. One proposal is to implement «ship-free Saturdays,» which would prohibit large cruise ships from docking on Saturdays to alleviate congestion and provide relief to residents.
Additionally, a new agreement between Juneau and major cruise lines aims to limit the number of cruise passengers arriving daily in the city starting in 2026, proposing a cap of 16,000 passengers from Sunday to Friday and 12,000 on Saturdays. This initiative seeks to address the rapid increase in tourism and its associated challenges.
Surge in cruise traffic
Before the pandemic, Juneau experienced a significant influx of cruise ships, with approximately 1.3 million cruise passengers visiting the city annually, resulting in around 600 ship dockings. Cruise traffic continued to increase in 2023, with about 500 arrivals recorded.
Overcrowding issues
The substantial influx of cruise passengers creates overcrowding, particularly in downtown Juneau and at popular tourist attractions. This results in congestion in the streets, at landmarks, and on local transportation, diminishing the experience for both visitors and residents.
Environmental concerns
Cruise ships contribute significantly to pollution, both in terms of air quality from emissions and waste management in the ports. This negatively impacts the city’s environment and marine ecosystem.
Strain on infrastructure
The constant flow of tourists also strains the city’s infrastructure, including roads, public facilities, and historic buildings. Increased traffic and activity in the downtown area necessitate more frequent maintenance and restoration efforts.
Impact on residents’ quality of life
Overcrowding and increased tourism can diminish the quality of life for local residents. It becomes more challenging for them to carry out daily activities, and rising living costs associated with the tourism industry make it more expensive to live in the city.
Measures to manage tourism
Cruise ship limits: Authorities have imposed a cap on the number of cruise ships that can dock each day. Starting in 2024, the limit has been set at five cruise ships per day to help reduce overcrowding and distribute tourist traffic more evenly over time.
Promotion of greener technology: Juneau encourages the use of greener technology on the cruise ships visiting the city. This includes requirements for low-sulfur fuel and measures to reduce emissions while the ships are docked. Stricter regulations for waste management and pollution control have also been implemented.
Tourist fee introduction: A tourist fee for cruise passengers has been introduced to generate revenue for maintaining the city’s infrastructure and protecting the environment. This fee also helps fund various initiatives aimed at managing mass tourism.
Sustainable tourism awareness campaigns: Campaigns have been launched to raise awareness among tourists about the importance of sustainable tourism. Visitors are encouraged to respect the city’s natural environment through information and guidance.
Alternative tourist routes: To distribute tourist traffic more evenly throughout the city, Juneau has developed alternative tourist routes and attractions outside the downtown area. This helps reduce the burden on the most popular locations and allows visitors to experience more aspects of the city.
