Barcelona Reduces Cruise Capacity by Demolishing Three Terminals Amid Overtourism

Barcelona is reducing the number of cruise terminals from seven to five by demolishing three older terminals (A, B, and C) and constructing a new, larger terminal at the site of terminal C, with a capacity for 7,000 passengers. This €185 million project aims to reduce the port's maximum daily cruise passenger capacity from 37,000 to 31,000 in response to overtourism concerns and local protests about overcrowding. The new terminal will prioritize cruise lines that begin or end their journeys in Barcelona, encouraging longer stays and higher local spending, while also improving public access and implementing green infrastructure such as onshore power supply to reduce emissions. The city has commissioned a study to understand cruise passenger movement, which will inform a sustainable mobility plan to better integrate tourism with urban life. Mayor Jaume Collboni emphasized that these are the first limits placed on cruise ship growth in Barcelona, reflecting the city's effort to balance tourism benefits with residents' quality of life. Additional investments include expanding connections between the port and city and upgrading port facilities to manage the environmental and social impact of cruise tourism.