Mayor of Nice Confronts Royal Caribbean Ship Over Cruise Ban Violation

image Credits: Christian Estrosi/X
A recent publication by France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur highlights a tense exchange between Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur region, and Royal Caribbean International. this confrontation unfolded on July 3 when the Voyager of the Seas cruise ship docked near Villefranche-sur-Mer, flouting a newly implemented ban on large cruise vessels.

The Voyager of the Seas is quite a sight at 137,276 gross tons and can accommodate up to 3,600 passengers.On this particular day, it had around 3,114 guests onboard along with approximately 1,200 crew members. according to Estrosi’s statements, this arrival was in direct violation of regulations that took effect on july 1—prohibiting ships carrying more than 2,500 passengers from docking in Villefranche or Nice.

While port officials argued that this stop had prior approval, Estrosi viewed it as an outright challenge to environmental guidelines. He made his way to the ship via police boat with an official letter intended for its captain or crew regarding their breach of protocol.Accompanied by a film crew for added drama, he attempted to deliver his message but was met with resistance; security personnel at the gangway denied him access and refused to accept his letter.

Footage from this encounter shows an agitated Estrosi demanding to see the captain while expressing frustration at being ignored. his outbursts included phrases like “Get lost” and “You are nobody,” directed toward one officer who stood in his way.

Video Credits: France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur/YouTube
following this incident, Estrosi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) where he recounted what transpired. He reached out promptly to various authorities including local prefects and ministers responsible for ecological matters urging them to take swift action against what he deemed an infringement.

As part of his role as port authority head, he declared that no passengers would be allowed ashore and ordered all access points leading into Villefranche’s maritime terminal closed off entirely.Estrosi has been vocal about not backing down after such confrontations; he emphasized that strict enforcement is crucial for combating maritime pollution while safeguarding air quality for both residents and tourists alike.

Back in January 2025—before thes events—Estrosi proposed banning cruise ships altogether from local waters but later settled on limiting passenger capacity first set at under 190 meters length with fewer than 900 guests before finally agreeing upon a cap of just over double that number at 2,500 passengers.

He also suggested option ports like Cannes or marseille for larger vessels; cannes has since enacted its own rule capping cruise ship capacities at just 1,000 starting January next year. Under current regulations in Villefranche-sur-Mer only one cruise ship may dock each day with an annual limit set at just sixty-five visits total; simultaneously occurring Nice restricts arrivals further down allowing only those carrying fewer than four hundred fifty people onboard.

despite these restrictions imposed by local authorities following their heated exchange earlier in July—the Voyager of the Seas continued its journey as planned leaving Villefranche later that evening en route towards Ajaccio located on Corsica’s picturesque shores before scheduling return trips back into Nice come September alongside stops planned elsewhere including Marseille and Cannes too!

Considering these developments within cruising industry dynamics—the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), representing various operators criticized Estrosi’s actions labeling them “apparently illegal” while claiming they contradict principles outlined within their Enduring Cruises Charter established recently across Mediterranean waters back last June!

Nevertheless undeterred by backlash received thus far—Estrosi remains steadfast insisting upon rigorous adherence towards new regulations aimed ultimately protecting both environment & community interests alike!