Amsterdam Aims for Total Cruise Ship Prohibition by 2035
Amsterdam’s coalition government has unveiled a bold initiative to eradicate ocean-going cruise ships from the Dutch capital by 2035. This marks a departure from previous plans to merely relocate the cruise terminal to the city’s periphery. The proposal signifies a major intensification in the city’s drive to tackle overtourism and enhance air quality.
Alderman Hester van Buren, the city official in charge of port policy, estimates that the gradual elimination of sea cruises could result in a revenue loss of approximately €46 million over the next three decades. Despite this, she asserts that this deficit could be offset by redeveloping the Veemkade terminal area and repurposing the mooring location in Coenhaven. She contrasts this with the alternative—relocating the cruise terminal—which carries a hefty price tag of €85 million without any assured return on investment.
The city has already taken decisive action, slashing the number of annual sea cruise arrivals by half, from 190 to a maximum of 100 ships starting in 2026. However, river cruise vessels will still be welcomed at the Veemkade. The proposal is set to be presented to the succeeding coalition government after the March local elections. A final decision will then be made before it is submitted to the City Council.