The municipality of Amsterdam has announced its intention to prohibit cruise ships from docking at the Veemkade passenger terminal starting in 2035. This measure is part of a broader effort to tackle mass tourism, particularly the overwhelming number of visitors that cruise ships bring to the city center and the significant CO2 emissions associated with this mode of transport. The city believes that this ban will help preserve its cultural heritage and improve the quality of life for residents by alleviating the tourist congestion in central areas.

The decision comes in light of the high costs associated with relocating the current terminal facilities, which could amount to around 85 million euros, with uncertain prospects for recovering such an investment. This financial consideration, alongside environmental concerns, has led city officials to pursue this policy aggressively. However, the director of the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) has expressed reservations about the plan, asking for more studies to support the decision, indicating that there are still ongoing discussions about the feasibility and implications of such a ban.

The upcoming municipal elections on March 18 will also factor into this decision, as the future administration will have the final say on implementing the ban. As Amsterdam grapples with the challenges of balancing tourism and environmental impact, this initiative could set a precedent for other cities facing similar issues with mass tourism, potentially sparking a larger conversation about how urban areas can sustainably manage visitor influx while protecting their local ecosystems.