French Riviera introduces official cruise ship restrictions

After months of negotiations, French regional authorities have agreed on official cruise ship regulations for the Bay of Cannes, which includes the ports of Nice, Cannes and Villefranche-sur-Mer. The decision follows legal disputes between overlapping local authorities and provides long-awaited clarity for the cruise industry operating along the Côte d’Azur.

The final agreement was reached by Laurent Hottiaux, Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, and Christophe Lucas, Maritime Prefect for the Mediterranean, in consultation with local municipalities and maritime authorities.

Passenger and ship limits introduced

Under the new regulations:

• Cruise ship calls are capped at 3,000 passengers per vessel
• Only one cruise ship per day is permitted for vessels carrying up to 1,300 passengers
• During peak season (July and August), a maximum of 15 ships per month will be allowed

These limits are designed to reduce crowding, manage local capacity and protect coastal environments across the Riviera’s most popular cruise destinations.

Sustainability criteria prioritised

The new framework also prioritises cruise lines that commit to environmental standards. Ships that have signed the “Sustainable Cruise in the Mediterranean” charter will receive priority access to anchorage and port schedules.

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The charter, introduced this year, requires cruise operators to:

• Use cleaner fuels with lower sulphur emissions
• Reduce engine use when anchored near shore
• Improve waste and water treatment procedures
• Implement emission-reduction technologies

Policy stability for cruise operators

The decision brings regulatory stability after conflicting local bans were declared unconstitutional earlier this year. The unified guidelines are expected to help cruise operators plan itineraries while aligning with growing environmental expectations in European ports.

The French Riviera joins other Mediterranean destinations, such as Barcelona and Venice, in introducing cruise management strategies balancing tourism with sustainability and local community impact.

The article French Riviera introduces official cruise ship restrictions first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

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