Amsterdam to Completely Ban Ocean Cruise Ships by 2035

Initially, the plan was simply to move the existing cruise terminal (Passenger Terminal Amsterdam) from the historic center to the more industrial outskirts of the city. However, a recent study showed that building a new terminal would cost at least 85 million euros. A complete ban, on the other hand, will only result in about 46 million euros in lost revenue calculated over 30 years. In addition, the giant ocean liners in the center are physically blocking the urgently needed construction of a new bridge over the river IJ, which is meant to connect the two halves of the city.

Environmental protection also plays a major role. Even though ships will soon be strictly required to use shore power at the port, the arrival and departure of passengers by plane, as well as navigating through the canals, create too many emissions. The left-green city government, confirmed in the local elections in March 2026, therefore sees the ban as the only logical consequence. The newly freed, highly valuable waterfront areas are to be used for new housing and green parks instead.

However, this plan is not proceeding without resistance. The surrounding province of North Holland strongly criticizes the project. After all, a billion euros was recently invested there in the new sea lock in IJmuiden—specifically to accommodate large ships. Critics also fear that cruise lines will simply dock in Rotterdam in the future. The tourists would then be driven to Amsterdam in tour buses, which would merely shift the traffic problem to the roads. Nevertheless, with this total ban, Amsterdam is taking on an absolute pioneering role in Europe.