Starting July 1, cruise ships carrying over 900 passengers will no longer be allowed to disembark travelers in Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, following the implementation of a new decree. While vessels can still enter the waters, the restriction prevents guests from coming ashore for excursions, according to a report by Le Monde.

This regulation primarily affects larger cruise ships that typically anchor in Villefranche-sur-Mer and transport passengers to shore via tenders. In 2025, nearly 90 cruise calls are expected at this harbor, with around two-thirds of those involving ships exceeding the 900-passenger limit.

Meanwhile, Nice will continue to welcome smaller cruise ships, with approximately 124 port calls scheduled this year. To further enhance sustainability efforts, the city is considering installing shore power infrastructure, allowing docked ships to operate without running their engines.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) expressed surprise at the decision, noting that no large cruise ships are currently slated to visit Nice in 2025. However, Villefranche-sur-Mer is set to receive visits from three large cruise ships and 34 mid-sized vessels throughout the year.

This move reflects a broader trend across Europe, where popular destinations are introducing tighter regulations on cruise tourism to reduce environmental impact and manage visitor flow more effectively.

The post Cruise Tourism Faces New Limits in France as Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer Block Passenger Landings for Large Ships to Curb Overcrowding appeared first on Travel And Tour World.