Amsterdam drafting plans to handle protests impacting cruise operations

These resulted in Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas being forced to turn around at IJmuiden instead of Amsterdam on Saturday while on Sunday, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner experienced delays. 

Extinction Rebellion is a movement pressing governments to act on climate change.

‘We see protests against cruise tourism (and "overtourism") in more cruise ports, often based on perception and not on facts and figures,’ Cruise Port Amsterdam MD Dick de Graaff told Seatrade Cruise News.        

 ‘... We were indeed dealing with an action by Extinction Rebellion who blocked the lock towards Amsterdam and caused delays.’ 

The lock is owned by the Ministry of Public Works and Water Management and is operated by the Amsterdam Port Authority. 

De Graaff added, ‘What happened here could happen anywhere. A protocol is currently being drawn up by the Public Prosecution Office, the mayor of Velsen and the police on how to deal with this in the future …’  

‘Sensationalized tactics’

A Cruise Lines International Association spokesperson added, ‘The cruise industry has a clear and demonstrated commitment to sustainable and responsible cruise operations and is investing billions in environmental technologies and practices that are yielding strong results. Already today cruise lines are building and introducing the ships of the future which will run on new, more sustainable engine technologies.

‘While we respect the right of people to hold and express different views, we take exception when the expression of those views ignores facts, impedes on the rights of others or, worse, creates safety and security concerns. 

‘We welcome responsible, productive engagement on achieving mutual objectives for sustainability — and believe the most effective path is a collaborative approach rather than sensationalized tactics that impede on the rights or safety of holiday-goers.’