Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse was met with disruption at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam on 27th July 2025, as environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion staged a dawn blockade, preventing the vessel from docking on schedule and delaying thousands of passengers from disembarking.
The protest marked a fresh escalation in tensions between the cruise industry and environmental campaigners, as more than 30 activists in small boats and inflatables created a human and physical barrier across the harbour – targeting what they describe as “floating environmental disasters.”
“We protest with this blockade against the harmful influence of cruise ships on humans, nature and the climate,”
Extinction Rebellion statement on social media
Pre-Dawn Blockade Delays Arrival
Activists began assembling around 4:30 am local time, anticipating the ship’s scheduled arrival closer to 6 am.
The Solstice-class Celebrity Eclipse, which carries 2,850 passengers and 1,200 crew, was concluding an 11-night sailing to Iceland and Ireland.
As the ship approached, the protestors – many in kayaks, inflatable animals, and canoes – formed a blockade near the bow of the ship in a high-risk manoeuvre that drew concern for safety, particularly given the vessel’s massive size and reduced manoeuvrability in port.
A two-hour stand-off ensued until Dutch law enforcement intervened, removing the blockade and making five arrests for assault, obstruction, and failing to identify themselves.
Celebrity Eclipse was eventually cleared to dock and later departed on schedule around 5 pm for her next itinerary – a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.
Safety, Disruption, and Escalating Tensions
Extinction Rebellion NL stated its goal is the complete elimination of cruise tourism from Amsterdam and Dutch waters.
The group has staged similar demonstrations in Spain, France, and the UK, with past actions forcing delayed arrivals and even cancelled port calls for major cruise lines.
The group claims that cruise ships contribute significantly to marine pollution and carbon emissions, and argue that even newer ships – despite sustainable upgrades – are still unsustainable forms of tourism.
“Cruise ships are floating environmental disasters. They should not be allowed in Dutch waters,
“We will continue with actions like this until this harmful tourist industry is banned.”
Extinction Rebellion statement.
The protestors alleged that police boats collided with their inflatable vessels during the removal process, although no injuries have been reported.
Industry Efforts and Passenger Impact
While protestors are unwavering in their calls for a cruise ban, the cruise industry continues to invest heavily in sustainability efforts, including:
- Equipping new ships with shore power capabilities
- Introducing LNG-fuelled vessels
- Committing to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, or sooner
Celebrity Cruises, like many others, has positioned itself as part of this greener shift – though this hasn’t shielded the brand from activist backlash.
In fact, Royal Caribbean Group brands, including Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea, have all been previously impacted by similar protests.
The fallout from such demonstrations can be widespread:
- Passengers may miss flights, shore tours, or other pre-arranged transport
- Tour operators ashore may lose revenue if schedules collapse
- Cruise lines may face financial losses due to refunded excursions or compensation
- Safety risks for both activists and ship operations increase
A Growing Challenge in European Ports
Amsterdam welcomed over 1.1 million cruise passengers in 2024, but with public pressure mounting and climate activism growing louder, the future of cruise tourism in the city remains in question.
While Seaports of Amsterdam and cruise lines continue to highlight eco-investments, activist groups are determined to push for stricter regulation or an outright ban.
Celebrity Eclipse’s temporary delay serves as a reminder that the debate over cruise tourism’s environmental footprint is intensifying, and with more protests anticipated, cruise operators may need to further adapt – both operationally and diplomatically – in European waters.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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