Published on
February 28, 2026
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In 2026, several major European cruise destinations, including France, Netherlands, Spain, Norway, and Greece, are implementing new, stricter regulations to combat the growing issue of overtourism. These measures are designed to reduce overcrowding, minimize environmental impact, and preserve the local culture and infrastructure. With cities struggling to cope with the daily influx of cruise passengers, these countries are focusing on sustainability by limiting passenger numbers, imposing new taxes, and banning larger ships. The changes reflect a broader shift towards more responsible tourism, aiming to strike a balance between economic benefits and the well-being of popular travel destinations.
As we move into 2026, some of Europe’s most popular cruise destinations are taking steps to address the growing issue of overtourism, particularly in cities with major cruise ports. The impact of large-scale tourism, including overcrowding and pollution, has led several destinations to reconsider their cruise policies and introduce new regulations that will affect both passengers and cruise lines alike. Here’s a look at the upcoming changes that travellers can expect to see in 2026.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam, a city renowned for its canals and vibrant cultural scene, has been feeling the effects of overtourism for years. In response, the city implemented a €15 tourist tax per cruise passenger in 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, Amsterdam will introduce even stricter measures by limiting the number of sea cruises allowed to dock at its ports to just 100 per year. This will significantly reduce the volume of cruise ship arrivals, aiming to ease the strain on the city’s infrastructure. By 2035, the central cruise terminal will be relocated to a less congested area, further alleviating the impact on the city centre. Additionally, Amsterdam plans to halve the number of river cruises, with a target of just 1,150 river cruise arrivals annually by 2028.
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Cannes, France
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Cannes, the French Riviera’s glamorous destination, has also taken steps to limit cruise tourism. As of January 1, 2026, the city has imposed a cap on the number of passengers cruise ships can carry, limiting ships to a maximum of 1,000 passengers. The number of disembarking passengers has also been capped at 6,000 per day, ensuring that the city is not overwhelmed by the influx of tourists. Cannes is not alone in tightening its cruise policies; Nice has already limited cruise ships to just 65 vessels per year. France is also considering the implementation of a €15 tourist tax for all cruise passengers arriving at French ports. This proposed tax has received support from the French senate, but its exact timeline remains uncertain.
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Valencia, Spain
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The Spanish city of Valencia is another destination taking action against overtourism. In 2026, the city plans to ban mega-cruise ships, only allowing smaller vessels to dock at its port. This measure is part of a broader effort to reduce overcrowding and preserve the city’s unique character. Valencia’s decision reflects a growing trend among popular Mediterranean ports to manage the volume of cruise passengers and mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism.
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Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona, one of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, is also making significant changes in 2026. The city will reduce its cruise passenger capacity by demolishing two of its cruise terminals at Adossat Wharf, which will bring the daily passenger limit down from 37,000 to 31,000. This reduction is part of Barcelona’s strategy to curb the overcrowding that has plagued the city in recent years. The city is also planning to build a new terminal away from the city centre, which will be connected by shuttle buses, further distancing large cruise ships from the bustling heart of Barcelona.
Norway
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Norway is focusing its cruise regulations on environmental concerns rather than limiting the number of passengers. Starting in 2026, all cruise ships entering Norway’s iconic fjords will be required to meet strict emission standards. By 2032, the country plans to ban all non-zero-emission ships from its waters, further promoting eco-friendly tourism. In addition to these environmental measures, Norway’s individual municipalities will be allowed to implement a 3% tax on cruise passengers and overnight tourists starting in 2026. This means passengers visiting certain areas may face additional fees, helping to offset the environmental and infrastructure costs associated with tourism.
Greece
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Popular Greek destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are also raising prices for cruise passengers in 2026. From June 1 to September 30, a €20 fee (around £17.50) per person will be introduced for passengers disembarking in these high-demand ports during the peak tourist season. Other Greek ports will charge a more modest €5 fee during peak times, with reductions during the shoulder and off-seasons. These fees aim to regulate the number of tourists visiting the islands and ensure that the infrastructure can handle the influx of visitors without compromising the local environment and quality of life for residents.
These new policies in major European cruise destinations highlight the growing need for sustainable tourism practices and the importance of balancing economic benefits with the preservation of local cultures and environments. As 2026 approaches, passengers should be aware of these changes and consider how they may affect their travel plans. With increased regulations, the cruising experience may look a little different, but these measures are crucial for ensuring that popular destinations remain vibrant and accessible for future generations.
