Campaigners Urge Higher Taxes for Massive, Growing Cruise Industry

Cruise ships have doubled in size since 2000, significantly increasing their environmental impact and prompting calls for stricter regulations and greener fuels.

Cruise ships are now twice as large as they were in 2000, with some vessels carrying up to 11,000 passengers by 2050.
The number of cruise ships has increased from 21 in 1970 to 515 today, making cruising the fastest-growing tourism sector.
Environmental groups highlight the industry's substantial greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, despite some ships switching to cleaner fuels.
Campaigners propose a global tax on cruise tickets to fund climate action and advocate for the adoption of green shipping fuels.
Ports in cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam are imposing new taxes and restrictions on cruise ships to combat pollution and overtourism.