Nice is restricting cruise ships with over 900 passengers from disembarking, starting July 1, aiming to limit tourism impact and reduce environmental effects.

On January 24, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi signed a decree restricting cruise ships carrying more than 900 passengers from disembarking in Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, according to Le Monde. This restriction will take effect on July 1.

Although the mayor cannot prohibit ships from docking, he does have the authority to prevent passengers from disembarking for excursions, Le Monde reported. The new rule will specifically block larger ships from using tender boats to bring passengers ashore. Many of these vessels anchor in Villefranche-sur-Mer, where nearly 90 cruise calls are scheduled for 2025—about two-thirds involving ships exceeding the 900-passenger threshold.

In contrast, Nice expects approximately 124 cruise calls this year, all from ships carrying fewer than 900 passengers, which will still be permitted. The city is also exploring the addition of shore power to allow docked ships to shut off their engines, reducing emissions.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) expressed surprise at the decision, noting that no large cruise ships are scheduled to visit the port of Nice in 2025. CLIA also stated that three large cruise ships and 34 mid-sized vessels are set to call at Villefranche-sur-Mer this year. The organization urged Mayor Estrosi to reconsider, citing the impact on local businesses and tourism.

Nice joins several other cities in implementing cruise ship restrictions, including Barcelona, Venice, Santorini, Mykonos, and Amsterdam.

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