Tourism: Cruises Maintain Dominance Amidst Local Discontent

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We’ll also keep you informed about the sea change happening in harbours all over the world. Barcelona, Amsterdam, Juneau in Alaska, and Venice are considering limiting the number of ships able to dock. But despite the criticisms and environmental concerns, the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow.

Harbours full of cruise ships are agitating for a sea change. This week, locals in the small Cornish port town of Fowey criticised its decision to host a ship big enough to increase the area’s population by half. Barcelona, Amsterdam, Juneau in Alaska, and Venice have all floated the idea of limiting the number of ships able to dock. However, the growing popularity of cruise holidays suggests these efforts will be unsuccessful.

Some residents regard cruise ships as eyesores. In fact, they are not even permitted in the waterway between Venice’s Giudecca Island and St Mark’s Square due to their visual impact. Additionally, accusations of air pollution caused by naphtha fumes are often directed towards these ships. However, it is important to note that passengers often do not contribute significantly to the local economy, as they tend to have their meals and entertainment on board. 

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However, reports of cruise ships’ environmental impact may be exaggerated. In the case of Venice, the decline in the local population cannot be solely attributed to cruises. The city’s high level of tourism is sustained by a large number of non-cruise tourists, with cruise ships accounting for only 8% of the total. Furthermore, efforts are being made to improve the environmental friendliness of these ships. Many new vessels scheduled to debut between 2023 and 2028 will be powered by cleaner liquefied natural gas, and most modern ships already have the capability to use onshore electricity instead of running their engines while in port. Port authorities are also upgrading their infrastructure to provide sufficient power when needed. 

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Despite the concerns from some port cities, the cruise ship market still has plenty of potential for growth. While adhering to stricter environmental standards may increase costs, the trend towards larger ships allows cruise ship operators to maintain their profit margins. For example, the Spirit of Adventure, operated by Saga Cruises, is the largest ship to ever dock in Fowey, with a capacity for over 1,000 passengers. The Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean is even bigger, accommodating more than 9,000 people. With proper coordination and planning, cities should be able to prevent overcrowding, as cruise ship schedules are set well in advance. The cruise trend is here to stay.