Amsterdam Could Ban Cruise Ships by 2035

Amsterdam city officials are moving closer to a potential ban on cruise ships, with plans that could phase out ocean cruise operations in the city by 2035, according to a report from Dutch News.
Rather than proceeding with an earlier proposal to relocate the city’s cruise terminal to a new site farther from the historic city center, the Amsterdam City Council has chosen to explore ending sea cruise operations altogether over the next decade. Council members recently decided not to vote on the relocation plan, leaving the final decision to the next municipal government following city elections scheduled for March 18.

Sustainability Over Expansion

Port Chief Hester van Buren explained that relocating the terminal would require a major financial commitment estimated at more than €85 million a cost city leaders consider undesirable.
“We want to prioritize sustainability and livability,” van Buren told Dutch News, emphasizing that long-term environmental goals outweigh the benefits of continued cruise traffic.

City officials confirmed they will continue evaluating the option of ending cruise ship visits entirely, allowing the incoming municipal executive to make a final determination.

Economic Impact vs. Environmental Goals

Amsterdam authorities estimate that removing cruise ships could result in a loss of approximately €46 million in port and tourist taxes over a 30-year period. Despite this projected impact, the city has remained firm in its stance against mass tourism and pollution.
The proposed ban builds on actions already taken in recent years. In 2024, the city approved a reduction in annual cruise ship calls from 190 to 100 by 2026, and previously announced plans to remove the existing cruise terminal near Amsterdam Central Station in Veemkade by 2035.

A Long-Running Debate

As reported earlier by Cruise Industry News, Amsterdam has been debating cruise ship restrictions since 2023, framing the issue as part of a broader effort to improve air quality, reduce congestion, and preserve the city’s quality of life.
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