France To Ban Large Cruise Ships To Combat Over-tourism Starting July 2025

Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice, France, has announced plans to ban large cruise ships from docking in the city starting July 1, 2025.
This will apply to vessels carrying more than 900 passengers or exceeding 190 meters in length, according to multiple reports from French media.
Estrosi revealed the proposal during his New Year’s speech on January 21, 2025, describing such cruise ships as “polluters” that bring “low-cost clientele” who contribute little to the local economy but leave behind huge waste.
The mayor said that he is working to cancel all cruises that can still be stopped before the ban officially comes into effect.
Talking about the UNESCO World Heritage status of Nice and its surrounding areas, Estrosi stated that the city wants to maintain its status as a high-end tourist destination and cannot accommodate “floating hotels” that damages the natural beauty and cultural appeal of the region.
The Nice port, which recorded 452,000 passengers in 2019, accommodates ships in a natural harbour with two terminals. However, these ships often anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore, as the port lacks dedicated docking facilities.
Estrosi’s proposed ban targets about 70% of the cruise traffic scheduled for Nice in 2025.
Despite his concerns, critics say that he lacks the authority to enforce such a ban on vessels anchoring beyond 300 meters from the shore, as these areas are regulated by federal authorities.
Several major cruise operators, including Marella Cruises, Cunard, and Celebrity Cruises, have itineraries planned for Nice in July and beyond. These include large vessels like the:
- Marella Discovery (2,076 passengers) and Marella Voyager (1,886 passengers).
- Queen Victoria by Cunard (2,061 passengers).
- Celebrity Equinox (2,850 passengers), is scheduled to arrive on Bastille Day, July 14.
- Celebrity Ascent, the largest ship set to visit, with 3,260 passengers.
- Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas (carrying 3,602 passengers and 4,290 passengers respectively)
- Other cruise lines include P&O Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Viking Oceans.
European cities have also faced similar challenges forcing them to take similar measures. Venice, for example, banned ships exceeding 25,000 gross tons in 2021, diverting them to ports far from its historic centre.
Despite this, the city reported 540,000 cruise passengers in 2024, leading to restrictions, including a €5 tourist fee that will double in 2025.
Estrosi has also announced plans to regulate Airbnb operations in Nice. He aims to reduce the number of short-term rentals by 50%, targeting companies managing multiple properties that make housing unaffordable for locals.
References: Cruise Hive, Cruise Industry News
Marine Insight Academy
Online courses for the Maritime industry!
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Marine Insight Academy
Enroll For Maritime Courses
- 100 + Free & Premium Courses
- Learn at your own speed
- Earn certificates on completing Premium Courses
- Quizes to evaluate your knowledge
- Interactive videos
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
Related Articles
Related Articles
Daily Maritime News, Straight To Your Inbox
Sign Up To Get Daily Newsletters
Join over 60k+ people who read our daily newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT