Could Cruise Lines Be Forced To Rethink Size As Europe Pushes Back?

Forbes

a day ago

Could smaller cruise ships be the future for busy European cruise ports such as Barcelona? getty
For years now, it seems that cruise lines have been obsessed with going bigger. Each new launch seemed to outdo the last, boasting more decks, more passengers, and more headline-grabbing onboard attractions.
But as some of Europe's most iconic destinations move to restrict or even ban large cruise ships, a question looms: Could this be the beginning of the end for the megaship era?
Cannes is the latest city to impose tough new rules. From 2026, ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers will no longer be allowed to dock in the glamorous French Riviera hotspot.
It's just one example of a growing movement across Europe where authorities are drawing a line between the economic benefits of cruise tourism and its social and environmental costs.
As pressure mounts and ports tighten their rules, cruise lines may be forced to reconsider not just where they sail, but how. The future of cruising might not be bigger after all. Cannes Says No To Cruise Lines' Megaships
From January 1, 2026, vessels carrying more than 1,000 passengers will no longer be allowed to dock at the harbor in Cannes. Instead, larger ships must anchor offshore and transfer guests via tender boats, while daily disembarkations will be capped at 6,000 passengers.
Described by the city council as a form of 'drastic regulation,' the new policy aims to make tourism in Cannes 'less numerous, less big, less polluting and more esthetic.'
Mayor David Lisnard insists this is not a ban, but a strategic response to balance visitor demand with environmental concerns. 'Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits,' he said. 'It's not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organizing, setting guidelines for their navigation.'
Environmental advocates have welcomed the move. In 2024, Cannes hosted 175 ships and more than 450,000 passengers, underscoring the significance of the shift. A Growing Movement Across Europe
Cannes is just the latest in a series of high-profile European ports placing limits on cruise ship access. In recent years, cities across the continent have introduced restrictions to tackle the environmental impact of cruise tourism and the pressure it places on local infrastructure.
Venice led the way by banning large ships from entering its historic lagoon in 2021, rerouting vessels over 25,000 gross tons to nearby industrial ports. Amsterdam has announced a phased reduction in cruise traffic, aiming to cap visits at 100 ships per year from 2026, with a long-term goal of eliminating cruise ships entirely by 2035.
In Spain, Palma de Mallorca limits daily arrivals to just three ships, only one of which may carry more than 5,000 passengers. Meanwhile, Barcelona has capped arrivals at seven ships per day and banned the biggest ships from its downtown port. While that figure may seem high, Barcelona is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and a major turnaround hub, making the restriction a significant step.
Other cities, including Dubrovnik and Zeebrugge, have implemented caps on daily dockings, while Nice has restricted access to ships over 190 meters or with more than 900 passengers.
The message from Europe is increasingly clear: smaller, better-managed cruise tourism is the way forward. Cruise Lines Need To Segment To Survive
The rise of megaships continues to dominate the cruise industry's marketing and media coverage.
Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean are investing heavily in these floating resorts, aiming to attract younger travelers looking for an all-in-one vacation experience with amenities such as surf simulators and water parks. However, this is only one direction the industry is taking.
Alongside the growth of megaships, a quieter but equally significant trend is reshaping the sector. There is increasing demand for smaller, boutique-style vessels that focus on cultural enrichment and sustainability, together with access to ports that larger ships cannot reach.
Industry analysts report strong growth in the luxury cruise segment, where intimacy and curated experiences are prioritized over size and spectacle.
Viking Ocean Cruises is a clear example. Its ocean-going ships each carry fewer than 1,000 passengers and focus on thoughtful itineraries and an enrichment-focused onboard atmosphere. Other lines, such as Explora Journeys, Seabourn, and Ponant are expanding with similar models that emphasise space, style and service.
As cruise lines adapt to changing traveler expectations and increased regulatory pressure in major ports, the shift toward a more segmented and diversified market appears not just likely, but inevitable.
Large megaships are likely to remain popular on well-established routes such as the Caribbean and parts of Europe, especially where the appeal lies in the ship itself. Travelers seeking cultural depth, unique ports, and a quieter, more personalized atmosphere will increasingly seek smaller ships.
As ports introduce new restrictions and passenger expectations continue to evolve, cruise lines that can serve both ends of the market will be better positioned for long-term success. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes New To Cruising? These 5 Cruise Traditions May Surprise You By David Nikel Forbes When It Makes Sense To Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions By David Nikel Forbes Turnaround Ports Are The Cities That Power The Cruise Industry By David Nikel