On January 24, the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, announced new restrictions on large cruise ships docking in the city. The measure aims to combat overtourism, according to AFP.
Under the new regulation, cruise ships carrying more than 900 passengers are prohibited from disembarking tourists for sightseeing tours in the city. Smaller vessels are not subject to the ban.
“Tour boats—yes. Floating buildings—no,” said Estrosi, emphasizing that excessive tourist flows place significant strain on the city. It is projected that the number of tourists in Nice will reach 300,000 by 2026, compared to 160,000 in 2024. In 2025, the city expects 124 cruise ship visits with capacities ranging from 32 to 700 passengers, AFP noted.
The issue of large cruise ships is a pressing concern for many port cities worldwide. Residents increasingly voice complaints about noise pollution and accident risks. For instance, Venice has banned large cruise ships from entering its historic center since 2019, following an incident where a cruise liner collided with a tourist boat.
Amsterdam is also planning to restrict cruise ship access to its city center by 2035.
