Environmental Activists Disrupt Celebrity Eclipse in Amsterdam
On 27th July 2025, the Celebrity Eclipse faced unexpected delays at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion staged a blockade at dawn, preventing the ship from docking on time. This disruption affected thousands of passengers eager to disembark.
Pre-Dawn Blockade Delays Arrival
The protest began around 4:30 am, ahead of the ship’s expected 6 am arrival. The Celebrity Eclipse, a Solstice-class vessel, was returning from an 11-night cruise to Iceland and Ireland. Activists in kayaks and inflatables formed a blockade, posing a safety risk due to the ship’s size and limited manoeuvrability.
A tense two-hour standoff followed until Dutch law enforcement intervened. They removed the blockade and arrested five individuals for various offences. Eventually, the Celebrity Eclipse docked and later departed for a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.
Safety, Disruption, and Escalating Tensions
Extinction Rebellion NL aims to eliminate cruise tourism from Amsterdam and Dutch waters. The group has organised similar protests in Spain, France, and the UK, causing delays and cancellations for major cruise lines. They argue that cruise ships are significant contributors to marine pollution and carbon emissions.
Despite sustainable upgrades, activists claim that cruise ships remain unsustainable. They vow to continue their protests until the industry is banned from Dutch waters. During the blockade’s removal, protestors alleged collisions with police boats, though no injuries were reported.
Industry Efforts and Passenger Impact
While activists call for a cruise ban, the industry is investing in sustainability. New ships are being equipped with shore power capabilities and other eco-friendly technologies. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of cruise travel.
Passengers experienced delays due to the protest, highlighting the ongoing tension between environmental concerns and the cruise industry. As the debate continues, both sides remain committed to their causes, impacting the future of cruise tourism in Europe.
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