Popular cruise destination will cut river cruises to reduce visitor numbers | Cruise | Travel

Amsterdam is set to slash the number of river cruises that can visit under a new plan to cut overtourism.

By 2028, the city will halve the number of river cruise arrivals to a maximum of 1,150 calls per year.

Amsterdam’s City Council said that the number of ships had almost doubled since 2011, increasing pollution and overcrowding in the Dutch capital.

Around 500,000 river cruise passengers visit the city each year under current rules so this is expected to be halved in the next five years.

A statement from the city’s council said: “Amsterdam must be and remain liveable, for residents and visitors.

“That is why we take measures to combat overtourism. We want to halve the number of river cruise ships in the city within five years to a maximum of 1,150 in 2028. Fewer river cruises means less crowds and more quality of life.”

Amsterdam will also introduce more rules for the river cruise ships that are allowed to visit the city.

Only ships that have shore-power capabilities will be allowed to dock in Amsterdam under the new rules.

The council added: “River cruises contribute to the crowds and emissions in the city, with tourists, overnight stays, bus movements and supply traffic.

“River cruises remain part of the Amsterdam visitor economy. We focus on the most sustainable ships that have a connection for green shore power.”

Peak season for river cruises in Amsterdam tends to be in April and May, with tourists travelling to see the country’s tulip season.