Karl WP Beyer June 30, 2025 – The cities of Cannes and Nice are drastically tightening their regulations for cruise tourism. The focus is on ecological sustainability and preserving the local quality of life – with noticeable consequences for shipping companies and cruise guests..
Cannes: Only one cruise ship per day – from 2030 only small units
Cannes, the film city, is taking things seriously: Starting in 2026, only one cruise ship with more than 3.000 passengers will be allowed to anchor off the coast per day. Just one year later, this limit will be reduced to 31 large ships per year – and starting in 2030, only ships with a maximum of 1.300 passengers will be permitted.
A complete change of course, then – but not against cruises per se, as Mayor David Lisnard emphasizes: The goal is to welcome "smaller, more modern, and more environmentally friendly" ships. The reason for this is the sensitive location: The large ships cannot dock in the small harbor and must anchor outside the city – their passengers are brought ashore by tender boats. The "Bay of Cannes," according to Lisnard, is an "ecological treasure" that must be protected.
Cannes - Croisette
Cannes - Croisette - Hotel Carlton Intercontinental
Strict environmental regulations have been in place in Cannes for years. Those who violate them can expect to be denied boarding. However, the International Cruise Line Association (CLIA) criticizes the new restrictions as "unjustified"—after all, they contribute to the economic vitality of many port cities. In 2023, 175 cruise ships with around 460.000 guests docked in Cannes.
Nice: Restriction to small vessels – large units only off Villefranche-sur-Mer
The neighboring city of Nice has also recently introduced strict limits: only 65 ships per year are allowed to Villefranche sur mer anchor – and here, too, the shipping companies are limited. The limit is 2.500 passengers per ship. In the actual (yacht and pleasure boat) harbor of Nice Only small cruise ships with fewer than 450 guests are allowed.
Villefranche-sur-Mer - Celebrity Reflection in the roadstead
Nice - Bay of Angels
The measures are part of a Europe-wide development: In Barcelona Cruise guests are now charged entrance fees, and in Venice Large cruise ships have been banned for years with the aim of protecting the sensitive lagoon city from damage caused by bow waves.
Conclusion: Change of course with signal effect
What's happening on the French Riviera could serve as a model for other cruise destinations. Cannes and Nice are setting a clear example for more environmentally friendly cruise tourism – and challenging the industry to respond to new conditions with innovation and sustainability.