From Barcelona to Cannes: How European Cities Are Curbing Cruise Ship Crowds

European port cities are increasingly stepping in to limit cruise tourism as overtourism strains infrastructure, damages the environment, and disturbs daily life. By 2026 many of these destinations plan to introduce stricter rules on cruise ship visits, passenger numbers, and docking capacity.
In cities like Barcelona, the cruise boom has pushed authorities to reduce operational cruise terminals. The city will shrink from seven to five terminals, lowering its passenger handling capacity for simultaneous arrivals. The goal is to reduce the crowding at key landmarks and reduce the environmental impact.
Cannes is among the ports planning major restrictions. Starting January 2026, large cruise ships—with more than 5,000 passengers—will have reduced docking privileges. Daily disembarkation in the port is being capped at 6,000 cruise visitors; any ships above limit will have to transfer passengers using smaller boats.
Nice, too, has adjusted its rules. It initially proposed bans on vessels exceeding certain size or passenger thresholds. After pushback, a compromise was reached. The city will limit the number of large ship visits per year, impose tendering (offshore disembarkation) for oversized vessels, and enforce restrictions on ship dimensions and passenger capacity.
These changes reflect more than concern over aesthetics. Local governments cite environmental degradation—air pollution from ships, overcrowding of heritage sites, traffic gridlock—as well as the economic imbalance. Cruise visitors often stay briefly and contribute less per capita than other tourists, yet their influx exerts heavy pressure on local resources.
Beyond France and Spain, numerous European cities and island destinations are also exploring policies to limit cruise ship arrivals, raise fees, ban certain vessels, or relocate terminals outside of densely populated areas. Venice’s restrictions, Palma de Mallorca’s ship caps, Amsterdam’s plans to move cruise operations away from city centers are examples of this growing trend.
Officials stress these are not anti-tourism moves but measures meant to restore balance: to preserve heritage, protect residents’ quality of life, reduce environmental harm, and ensure tourism remains sustainable long-term.