Protesters Clash with Police, Block Cruise Ship in Amsterdam
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On July 26, 2025, environmental activists in Amsterdam clashed with police during a protest targeting a cruise ship. The group, Extinction Rebellion, aimed to block the Celebrity Eclipse from docking at the city’s port. Their actions caused a two-hour delay for the ship and its 2,850 passengers.
The protesters used small boats, canoes, and inflatables to form a barrier between the cruise ship and the dock. Starting at 4:30 a.m., about 30 activists positioned themselves in the water. They claimed cruise ships harm the environment, polluting water and air while impacting local communities. Extinction Rebellion demanded a complete ban on cruise ships in Dutch waters.
Police arrived to clear the waterway, leading to tense moments. Five protesters were arrested for assault, obstructing the ship, and refusing to show identification. Two were later released, according to local reports. Some activists alleged that police boats ran over their inflatables, though no injuries were confirmed. The confrontation ended when authorities removed the protesters, allowing the Celebrity Eclipse to dock safely by 6:30 a.m.
The Celebrity Eclipse, a 121,878-gross-ton vessel, was completing an 11-day trip to Iceland and Ireland. The ship carried around 1,200 crew members alongside its passengers. Extinction Rebellion’s protest was part of a broader campaign against the cruise industry. Last year, the group blocked port access locks, and they’ve vowed to continue similar actions until stricter environmental regulations are enforced.
Amsterdam’s port authority criticized the protest, calling it dangerous. Small boats near a 1,040-foot cruise ship pose serious risks, a spokesperson said. The city has faced similar protests before, with Extinction Rebellion targeting other ships like Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas and Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Mariner in recent months. These actions have disrupted passenger plans, forcing some ships to dock at alternative ports like IJmuiden, about 25 miles away.
The protests come as Amsterdam plans to limit cruise ship visits. Starting in 2026, the city will cap annual visits at 100, down from over 1.1 million passengers last year. By 2035, ocean-going cruise ships will be banned entirely from the city center. Extinction Rebellion argues these measures don’t go far enough, citing the industry’s carbon footprint and its impact on local ecosystems.
Cruise lines, however, are responding to environmental concerns. Many, including Celebrity Cruises, are investing in shore power to reduce emissions and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. Despite these efforts, activists remain unconvinced, calling cruise ships “floating environmental disasters.” The ongoing tension highlights the challenge of balancing tourism, economic interests, and environmental goals in one of Europe’s busiest ports.
