The mayor of Nice backtracks on recent cruise ship restrictions

The mayor of Nice backtracks on recent cruise ship restrictions - Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, has backtracked on recent cruise ship restrictions. Initially, he announced a ban on ships with over 900 passengers entering Nice ports this summer, which was met with support from environmental groups but anger from local businesses in Villefranche-sur-Mer. However, in late February, Estrosi softened his stance, suggesting a more lenient approach with unclear passenger limits.

New regulations include a ban on cruise ships over 450 passengers at Port Lympia and a limit of one ship per day in Villefranche-sur-Mer, down from 80 in 2024. These changes differ from the previous 900-passenger cap. The Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur is bound by a 2025 agreement allowing ships with up to 3,500 passengers. Villefranche-sur-Mer’s mayor, Christophe Trojani, has rejected the new restrictions and is seeking a new agreement. Meanwhile, Monaco has imposed stricter rules, allowing only smaller ships with a maximum of 1,250 passengers.