Saturday, June 21, 2025
One of Europe’s premier destinations, Amsterdam, will likely implement an all-inclusive transformation that could reshape its tourism landscape: an end to all cruising traffic by 2035. The action follows years of debate about the city’s increasing tourism-related issues, including overtourism, air quality, and disruptions to resident life. Millions flock to Amsterdam every year—20 million visitors each year—to take in the canals, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. Nevertheless, while tourism is one of the city’s key revenue generators, increasing visitor growth has caused locals to fret about having an impact on the city’s infrastructure, environmental friendliness, and resident well-being.
This snap measure comes in response to increasing pressure from locals and environmental activists, who had been asking for greener tourism policies. Let’s find out what this ban entails, why it’s coming, and what it will be like for tourists visiting Holland’s capital in the years to come.
The Problem of Overtourism in Amsterdam
Overtourism is a challenge that many European cities, including Barcelona, Venice, and Dubrovnik, are facing. Amsterdam, however, has long been one of the frontrunners in the fight against mass tourism. Over the past decade, the city has experienced a massive surge in the number of tourists, leading to overcrowded streets, polluted canals, and an overall decline in the quality of life for its residents. In response to this, city officials have rolled out various measures to curb the negative impacts of tourism, including stricter regulations on short-term rentals and limiting party tourism.
Cruise tourism, in particular, has been a point of contention. Cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers have become a significant contributor to the city’s congestion, noise pollution, and environmental degradation. Each year, nearly 200,000 cruise passengers disembark in Amsterdam, many of whom stay for a short time before hopping on a bus for a whirlwind tour of the city. This short-stay, high-volume tourism often leaves a trail of damage, including overcrowded public spaces and environmental harm to the city’s waterways.
The 2035 Ban: Key Aspects of the New Policy
The plan to phase out cruise ships by 2035 is a landmark step in Amsterdam’s effort to restore the balance between tourism and local life. The ban aims to drastically reduce the number of cruise ships docking at the Port of Amsterdam, a hub that currently hosts some of the largest vessels in the world. The move comes after a consultation with residents and various stakeholders, who have expressed growing frustration with the burden of mass tourism.
The city’s authorities hope that by banning cruise ships, they can promote alternative, sustainable forms of tourism that will provide a more balanced experience for both visitors and locals. This could include an increase in eco-friendly travel options, such as smaller, more sustainable river cruises, which generate less pollution and do not overwhelm the city’s infrastructure.
Why Is Amsterdam Taking This Bold Step?
Overcrowding: The sheer volume of tourists flooding the city has led to overcrowded streets, overbooked attractions, and clogged public transport systems. The rise in visitor numbers has been particularly noticeable in the summer months, putting strain on the city’s historic neighborhoods and cultural sites.
Environmental Concerns: Cruise ships contribute significantly to air and water pollution. They burn large amounts of fuel, emitting greenhouse gases and toxins into the air, which exacerbates climate change. The canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are also adversely affected by waste and debris from these ships.
Quality of Life for Locals: The residents of Amsterdam have voiced concerns over the noise and disruption caused by large cruise ships. Local complaints have included issues like noise disturbances at odd hours, overcrowded public spaces, and a degradation in the quality of life. Additionally, there have been several incidents involving rowdy tourist behavior, which have led to frustration among locals.
Cultural Integrity: The rapid increase in tourism has also threatened Amsterdam’s cultural identity. The city is striving to protect its heritage, and a reduction in mass tourism allows for a more authentic experience for both locals and visitors.
The Stay Away Campaign: A Precursor to Change
Before committing to the cruise ship ban, Amsterdam launched its Stay Away campaign in 2023, aimed at discouraging irresponsible, party-focused tourism. The campaign targeted young British men who often visit Amsterdam for cheap party vacations, particularly involving canal booze cruises and pub crawls through the Red-Light District. These types of activities have led to significant local grievances, including public urination, vomiting in canals, and disruptive behavior in the streets.
As part of the Stay Away initiative, the city introduced measures such as banning cannabis smoking in public areas in the Red-Light District and imposing stricter penalties for disruptive behavior. While these steps were a response to the city’s immediate challenges, they also laid the groundwork for the larger cruise ship ban, which seeks to address the root cause of many of these issues.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For those planning to visit Amsterdam in the coming years, this shift will likely bring about a more sustainable and peaceful experience. Travelers can expect quieter streets, less congestion, and a more authentic, culturally immersive trip. Moreover, with fewer cruise ships arriving, visitors may find a reduction in large crowds and long queues at popular attractions, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
However, for cruise lovers, the 2035 deadline will require significant changes in their travel plans. The city will encourage travelers to explore alternative modes of travel, such as train journeys or more eco-friendly ships, which have less of an environmental footprint and do not overwhelm the city’s infrastructure. Moreover, as the city transitions toward more sustainable tourism practices, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in initiatives that support local businesses and sustainable travel choices.
How Will This Impact Local Businesses?
While the ban on cruise ships may initially seem like a loss for local businesses catering to cruise passengers, it is expected to lead to a shift in the types of tourists visiting Amsterdam. With cruise tourism being phased out, Amsterdam is likely to see a rise in sustainable tourism practices, such as extended stays, small-group tours, and increased engagement with local attractions and businesses.
By focusing on a more diverse range of tourists—such as those interested in cultural experiences, nature tourism, and responsible travel—the city hopes to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on short-term, mass-market tourism.
The Future of Amsterdam’s Tourism
As the deadline for the cruise ship ban approaches, Amsterdam’s tourism industry is preparing for a transformative shift. The city is already investing in infrastructure that supports eco-friendly travel, such as the expansion of green transport options like bicycles, electric vehicles, and sustainable hotels. These efforts are aligned with the city’s long-term goal of becoming a model for sustainable urban tourism, demonstrating how a major European capital can reduce its environmental footprint while still attracting visitors from around the world.
A Sustainable Path Forward
Amsterdam’s 2035 cruise ship ban is a bold new direction for the tourism sector in this city, an environmentally sustainable and local-welfare-oriented one. While the transition may initially be counter to tourism patterns, it provides an opening for other tourism-plagued cities to consider. With an eye to other, cleaner tourism options, Amsterdam is leading an age in which locals and visitors alike will be able to experience the city in an improved, balanced, respectful, and green-conscious way.
References: Amsterdam Municipality Website, Government of Netherlands
