Amsterdam weighs a future without ocean cruises

For years, Amsterdam had considered relocating its cruise terminal away from the city center. Now, the city may instead ban ocean cruises altogether.

Amsterdam's government announced in late January that it is exploring an end to ocean cruise visits by 2035. It said the cost of relocating the terminal -- about $100 million, or 85 million euros -- was prohibitive. 

A feasibility study for developing a new terminal said there were "financial uncertainties" and sustainability concerns, which deputy mayor Hester van Buren said city officials found "undesirable." 

"We prioritize sustainability and livability," she said. "All of this means that we will be better exploring the option of ending sea cruises in Amsterdam by 2035 in the coming months."

A CLIA spokesperson said the organization is aware of the discussion happening in Amsterdam.

"This is part of ongoing dialogue, and it's important to note that cruise operations and itineraries continue as scheduled," the spokesperson said. 

"The port and terminal continue constructive dialogue with the city, and CLIA fully supports their leadership as valued partners."

Conversations between CLIA and the city about a possible terminal relocation extend back at least a decade, and the city council acted on the idea in 2023 with a measure calling on the city to move the terminal.

The recently completed feasibility study for the project determined the Westerhoofd area would be the only suitable location, which is about four miles from the current terminal and is where some river ships currently dock.

The study found that to complete the terminal relocation by 2035, work would have to start soon. It didn't offer a clear verdict on all of the costs and benefits of doing so, the city said, since that depends in part on what would be done with the existing terminal property.

The city does, however, estimate that losing the cruise industry would mean losing about $55 million, or 46 million euros, in tax revenue over 30 years.

There are plenty of factors still up in the air, a prime one being the municipal election in March. It will be the newly elected executive who will be tasked with making the decision.

The city said it plans to further develop the concept of the cruise ban to help the new executive reach a decision. Part of that will include exploring the negative consequences, such as job losses if the ocean cruise industry exits.

A relocation of cruise activity within the city was Barcelona's solution to overtourism concerns. Ships now dock at the Moll d'Adossat terminal rather than the previously buzzing pier just a block from La Rambla.

Venice, meanwhile, banned cruise ships from its lagoon in 2021, and cruise lines have replaced it on itineraries with ports outside of the city, primarily Trieste, Marghera and Chioggia.

Cruise line reactions

A Virgin Voyages spokesperson said passengers enjoy Amsterdam, a city the line feels is culturally aligned with its brand, and that "any change that limits access would, of course, be disappointing."

"That said, we understand that cities are continuously evaluating how tourism fits into their long-term goals, and we'll continue to stay close to the conversation as plans evolve. It's a destination that will remain on our radar, and we'll always look for thoughtful ways to deliver experiences." 

Like Virgin Voyages, two of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, have visits scheduled this year. A company spokesperson recalled how the Norwegian Prima was one of the first cruise ships to connect to shore power in Amsterdam when it became available last year, which they described as an example of a collaborative relationship between the company and city officials.

"We look forward to continuing constructive dialogue with port and community partners as discussions around the future of tourism evolve," the spokesperson said. 

Some cruise lines already opt for a port outside of Amsterdam in the town of Ijmuiden, located about 30 minutes by car and an hour by public transportation from the city. Norwegian Cruise Line will call in Ijmuiden this year. 

Amsterdam overtourism initiatives

Amsterdam has a 100-cruise cap on ocean ships taking effect this year. The city has also moved to limit air travel, hotel development and river cruise calls.

Cuts to river cruise calls begin this year with a 10% reduction as the city moves toward a 1,150 annual cap. 
The city limited hotel construction with a 2024 policy that only allows for a new hotel to be built if another closes. It followed a 2021 cap on hotel nights at 20 million per year.