Cruise travel has picked up speed globally since the pandemic-era restrictions were lifted last year, benefitting liners and port cities. But residents and activists in these cities are complaining.
Locals in port cities like Juneau, Alaska, and Bar Harbor, Maine, aren't happy with the large influx of cruise tourists taking over downtown areas, city centers and shops—rarely buying anything and taking selfies.
Juneau has a population of 32,000, and this year, some days saw more than 20,000 cruise passengers descend upon it. To curb the tourist rush, starting in 2024, the city will allow only five large ships—carrying 950 people or more—to dock each day.
People in Amsterdam and Barcelona are protesting against cruises because of the pollution tourists and ships cause and are asking the government to ban large cruise liners.