Several river cruise operators are reshaping itineraries as Amsterdam (Netherlands) moves to reduce river cruise calls by nearly half in the coming years.
The city, which welcomed 1,950 riverboats in 2023, has announced a plan to cut that figure by 10% in 2026 as part of broader measures to curb overtourism. Cruise lines will receive annual quotas based on prior activity, requiring adjustments to scheduling and port planning.
From 2026, ships that do not meet the Green Award certification—an environmental standard already in force for vessels docking in downtown—will no longer be permitted to berth anywhere in Amsterdam. This requirement, introduced in 2023 for central berths, is being extended to all docking locations as part of the city’s strategy to reduce environmental impact.
Industry bodies are working with the municipality on the issue. IG RiverCruise, the European River Cruise Association, has formed a joint working group with Amsterdam to address concerns. The association has emphasized that river cruise calls are typically short in duration and represent only a fraction of the city’s overall tourism, yet remain under scrutiny amid wider efforts to distribute visitor traffic.
The impact of the reduction is uneven across fleets. Docking allocations are distributed to shipping companies rather than individual cruise lines, with operators such as Scylla managing allotments for multiple brands. Lines including Tauck Travel (USA), Avalon Waterways, and Riviera Travel (UK) have indicated that they expect minimal disruption, while others are revising schedules to accommodate the changes.
Some operators are turning to Zaandam, a town located twenty minutes from Amsterdam, as an alternative docking point. AmaWaterways, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Emerald Cruises have all indicated they will use this port when necessary, citing both its accessibility and quieter atmosphere.
Amadeus River Cruises has already factored the new quotas into its 2026 deployment and does not anticipate the need for substitutions.
Amsterdam’s broader tourism policy includes a cap on oceangoing vessels, with no more than 100 calls permitted annually from 2026. The city is also pursuing measures aimed at reducing the number of bachelor parties, converting hotel stock to residential and commercial use, and directing visitor flows to lesser-visited areas.
Though river cruise passengers account for just 2% of Amsterdam’s annual visitors, the sector contributes an estimated US$257 million in direct spending each year. Industry leaders argue that the economic benefits are substantial and caution that the restrictions could have unintended consequences.
Some advisors note that Amsterdam’s convenient flight connections and appeal as an embarkation point remain significant draws for international travelers. Others, however, view the restrictions as an opportunity for river cruise lines to highlight smaller Dutch ports and diversify itineraries in response to changing attitudes toward tourism management.
The new measures place Amsterdam at the forefront of European cities taking action against overtourism in the river cruise sector. While no other destinations have yet announced similar restrictions, some observers believe that additional ports may eventually follow suit.