Amsterdam to cut river cruise calls to keep city ‘liveable’

In a bid to reduce mass tourism, pollution and congestion, the city council said it will cap calls at 1,150 by 2028, meaning 271,000 fewer visitors will arrive in the city each year. 

The city council previously stated the number of river cruises that visit Amsterdam has nearly doubled since 2011. 

It was estimated that around 542,000 passengers arrived in the city in 2023, according to a recent study. 

The city is currently entering peak season for river cruises with large numbers of visitors arriving to see tulips in spring.  

However, guests generally dock in the city and then depart for Keukenhof, which is around 25 miles away. 

Deputy mayor Hester van Buren said: “The balance in the city needs to improve: for the quality of life of residents and for the climate. 

“River cruising contributes to the congestion and emissions in the city, with tourists, overnight stays, bus movements and supply traffic.

"I am therefore pleased that, in consultation with the Port Authority and Cruiseport Amsterdam, we have succeeded in coming up with a proposal for a phased halving of the number of river cruises.”