Have any questions? Call us: Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cruise ships and cruise ship excursions to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of cruise ship accident compensation claims.
Introduction
On the morning of August 3, 2025, Celebrity Eclipse experienced a brief docking delay at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam due to a coordinated environmental protest by Extinction Rebellion activists. The demonstration, part of a wider anti-cruise campaign in the Netherlands, disrupted port operations for two hours before authorities intervened.
Details of the Incident
Protest Action and Response:
- Approximately 30 activists from Extinction Rebellion staged the protest using kayaks and inflatable boats to obstruct the cruise terminal’s access channel.
- The protest began at 6:00 a.m. and lasted until roughly 8:00 a.m., when police removed the demonstrators, arresting at least five participants.
- Activists displayed banners criticizing the environmental impact of cruise ships, including emissions, overtourism, and port-related pollution.
Impact on Celebrity Eclipse Operations:
- The ship’s arrival and docking were temporarily delayed but resumed without significant disruption to the day’s scheduled activities.
- No injuries or damage were reported, and guests were informed of the short delay by onboard announcements and port staff.
Broader Context and Policy Debate:
- Extinction Rebellion’s protest forms part of an ongoing movement to ban cruise ship traffic in Dutch cities due to concerns over sustainability and urban livability.
- Amsterdam currently limits annual cruise ship calls to 100 and plans to relocate its central terminal in the coming years.
- New legislation will require all ships visiting the city to be shore power–capable by 2027, a significant push toward greener port practices.
- Despite cruise passengers comprising a small portion of overall tourism, the industry remains under scrutiny for its disproportionate environmental footprint.