European cities are seeing a rise in tourists, but this comes with a twist: they are making significant efforts to regulate visitor access.
Recently, the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions wrapped up, attracting numerous celebrities and tourists. Now, the picturesque French Riviera town is imposing strict regulations on large cruise ships.
Cannes, once a popular stop for European cruises, will not be able to accommodate these large vessels much longer.
Beginning next year, the city council will prohibit large cruise ships that hold over 1,000 passengers from docking, aiming for “lower pollution, enhanced aesthetics, and improved organization.”
If travelers wish to visit Cannes via larger ships, they must transfer to smaller boats for the final leg of their journey.
According to Mayor David Lisnerd, “Cannes has emerged as a prominent cruise destination that brings real economic benefits. It’s not about banning cruise ships entirely, but rather about setting regulations and guidelines for navigation.”
Despite a population of just 75,000, Cannes attracts a considerable number of tourists year-round, thanks to its stunning allure.
The ban will take effect in January 2026.
Regardless of your plans for a cruise, being on a large ship can sometimes lead to illness.
To minimize this risk, experts stress the importance of good hygiene. Dr. Shalom Sokorou, an emergency physician at Phelps Hospital, notes, “Due to close quarters, infections spread quickly on cruise ships.”
He highlights that “norovirus, the stomach virus, spreads rapidly in such environments,” as echoed by Dr. Eric Asher from Lennox Hill Hospital.
Experts also advocate for sunscreen usage.
“Travelers should definitely prioritize packing sunscreen,” Asher emphasizes. “Make sure to reapply, especially after swimming, and don’t forget to cover areas like your nose, neck, and the back of your ears. Wearing a hat and sunglasses is advisable too.”
Lastly, it’s wise to consult your doctor before embarking and to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date.
“Cruises often gather people from across the globe, exposing travelers and crew to unfamiliar bacteria,” Sokorou warns.
