Cannes Bans Cruise Ships Over 1000 Passengers From 2026

The French Riviera city of Cannes is implementing a ban on cruise ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers starting next year as part of a broader effort to regulate tourism and reduce environmental impact. This new rule, voted on by the city council, also restricts the number of passengers disembarking each day to 6,000, with larger ships required to tender passengers via smaller boats. Cannes, known for its prestigious film festival and picturesque location, receives about 175 cruise ship visits annually, representing roughly 15% of its tourism. Mayor David Lisnard emphasized the policy is not a ban on cruise ships outright, but a move to organize and set guidelines for navigation to balance economic benefits with environmental concerns. The move aligns Cannes with other European cities such as Venice, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Nice, which have imposed similar restrictions in response to overtourism. Cruise operators have criticized these restrictions as harmful to both destinations and passengers, while local authorities continue to manage growing crowds and environmental impacts.