Seven members of the Dutch environmental group Extinction Rebellion successfully blocked critical locks on August 10, 2024, making it impossible for Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas to dock at the Port of Amsterdam. The protestors chained and glued themselves to the bridge and gate at the IJmuiden causing the ship to backtrack and disembark guests at IJmuiden. Guests then had to take a 25-mile bus ride to the center of the city or airport and the reverse trip was made for those returning to the ship or new passengers needing to embark.
Extinction Rebellion released this statement regarding Saturday’s protest, “This action is a direct protest against the scandalous pollution caused by cruise shipping. They deliberately prevented the arrival of the gigantic cruise ship, the Jewel of the Seas. Extinction Rebellion demands an immediate and total halt to the destructive cruise industry in the midst of the devastating climate and ecological crisis.”
The following day, eight members of Extinction Rebellion returned to block Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner from arriving. After police intervention, the ship was able to dock at the Port of Amsterdam. The cruise ship was delayed for nearly three hours before guests were able to disembark, and they were able to embark again without disruption.
The protest comes just after Amsterdam’s city government announced plans in June to limit the number of cruise ships to call at the port by 2026 with a requirement for ships to use shore power while in port. The ultimate goal is to entirely ban cruise ships from the city center, move the dock to the west and manage the number of tourists into the city by 2035.
Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas is expected back at the Port of Amsterdam on August, 22, 2024, for her final call of the summer season, and it is unclear if Extinction Rebellion will stage another protest at that time.