Extinction Rebellion calls for ‘immediate end to the cruise industry’ as new ship targeted
Extinction Rebellion (XR) has called for “an immediate end to the cruise industry” after blocking the locks at the port of IJmuiden near Amsterdam at the weekend, preventing a Royal Caribbean International ship from entering.
The 2,490-passenger Serenade of the Seas skipped a call in Bergen, Norway, in a bid to reach the Netherlands ahead of the planned XR protest. However, it still ran into trouble when it arrived in the country.
On Sunday (18 August), Extinction Rebellion posted on a statement on its website, saying: “With this action, the activists are once again demanding attention for the serious pollution caused by cruise shipping.
“Cruise ships are an environmental catastrophe – and that is no exaggeration. They are therefore, without exception, environmental crimes on the water.
"Extinction Rebellion is calling for an immediate end to the cruise industry due to the urgent and rapidly escalating climate and ecological crisis."
The same day the locks at IJmuiden were occupied by Extinction Rebellion, Ambassador Cruise Line was forced to divert its Ambition ship from Amsterdam to avoid planned protests in the city by the same group.
It decided to bus passengers from IJmuiden to Amsterdam instead, assuring guests any destination experiences would operate as scheduled.
It is not the first time XR has targeted cruise calls in the Netherlands. On 11 August, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner was delayed for more than four hours when the climate activists blocked its entry into IJmuiden port.
A day earlier, another Royal ship – Jewel of the Seas – was forced to divert to IJmuiden rather than dock in Amsterdam.
Cruise ships have also been the focus of protests in France this summer. Around 20 activists from the Stop Cruises BZH Collective and Extinction Rebellion groups banded to block another Regent ship Seven Seas Voyager from entering Concarneau in north-west France.
A Clia spokesperson said: “The cruise industry has a clear and demonstrated commitment to sustainable and responsible cruise operations. It 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."
The spokesperson added: "We welcome responsible, productive engagement on achieving mutual objectives for sustainability – and believe the most effective path is a collaborative approach rather than sensationalised tactics that impede on the rights or safety of holidaygoers.”
Recommended For You
Most read features
Your guide to tour operator news for 2025
Competitions
Upcoming events
Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
