Nice Proposes Ban on Large Cruise Ships

 

The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, is pushing for a ban on large cruise ships from docking or anchoring in the city’s waters as early as July 1, 2025. The proposed restrictions would apply to vessels exceeding 900 passengers or 190 meters (approximately 620 feet) in length, which Estrosi criticizes as symbols of “low-cost tourism.”

 

“Tourism, yes. Overtourism, no,” Estrosi declared in a recent address to Nice residents. “The cruises that pollute and dump their low-cost clientele who consume nothing but leave their waste behind … these cruises have no place with us.”

 

The move aligns with Estrosi’s ongoing efforts to combat pollution caused by large ships in Nice, a city uniquely surrounded by residential areas near its port. His previous initiatives include reducing ferry services between Nice and Corsica, which were once regular.

 

While Nice itself seldom accommodates ships larger than Estrosi’s proposed limits, the nearby town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is likely to bear the brunt of the decision. Villefranche boasts one of the Mediterranean’s deepest natural bays, regularly hosting cruise ships with up to 3,500 passengers under current regulations. As part of the Nice metropolitan area, the town could experience significant changes if the ban takes effect.

Prominent cruise lines potentially affected include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Viking. Viking’s fleet, with a maximum capacity of 930 passengers on most vessels, narrowly exceeds the proposed limits. Local newspaper Nice Matin reported that the city is already reviewing cruise schedules to determine which visits can be canceled this summer.

 

The ban has sparked mixed reactions among residents and businesses in the region. While many welcome the environmental benefits, others worry about the economic impact on tourism, a major livelihood for locals. Cruise ship visitors, often accused of contributing to pollution and overcrowding, have sometimes caused public disruptions, such as fights at train stations and on buses during peak travel times.

 

Smaller cruise lines, such as Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar, and Atlas Ocean Voyages, remain unaffected by the proposed rules. Estrosi has pledged €7 million ($7.29 million) to electrify ports, allowing these ships to connect to shore power. He also plans to construct a high-end maritime terminal specifically for smaller vessels.

 

In 2023, the ports of the Alpes-Maritimes region, known as the Côte d’Azur, hosted 670,000 cruise passengers. Villefranche-sur-Mer saw 70 cruise ship visits last year, a significant decrease from 200 in 2010. Cannes, which welcomed 174 visits in 2023, has also expressed support for Estrosi’s initiative.

 

The proposed bylaw requires approval from regional authorities. Estrosi has emphasized the importance of minimizing disruptions to the upcoming tourist season as the city evaluates its cruise schedules.