Multiple Worldwide Bans Now in Effect for Select Disney Vacations

Imagine standing on the deck of a gleaming Disney cruise ship, Mickey ears on your head, ocean breeze in your hair, and a tropical city sparkling on the horizon. You’ve waited months—maybe years—for this once-in-a-lifetime vacation. But as your ship nears the port, the captain makes an unexpected announcement: “Due to new local regulations, we are unable to dock as planned.”

Could a magical Disney cruise one day be more about what you can’t do than what you can?

The Bigger Disney Cruise Line Picture: Magic Meets Resistance

As Disney Cruise Line prepares for one of its most ambitious expansions in 2025, with two brand-new ships—the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure—a growing number of international ports are saying, “Not so fast.” Why are so many cities turning away the very tourism they once welcomed?

For families and Disney fans alike, a voyage with Disney Cruise Line offers an immersive blend of world-class entertainment, themed dining, Broadway-caliber shows, and unforgettable character encounters. With six ships currently in operation and two more joining the fleet next year, the line sails everywhere from the Caribbean and Bahamas to Europe, Alaska, and beyond.

But as demand soars, so does concern over overtourism—a crisis that’s sparking international pushback. Coastal cities, overwhelmed by environmental damage, traffic congestion, and rising costs of living, are clamping down hard on cruise ship arrivals—Disney’s included.

The Ports Saying “No Thanks”

While Disney has not been specifically banned in most cases, its vessels—often carrying thousands of guests—fall well within the restrictions now being implemented worldwide.

• Barcelona, Spain is limiting where ships can dock. In 2023, the city banned cruise ships from its World Trade Center pier near the urban center. Instead, ships are redirected to the Moll d’Adossat pier, a 30-minute commute from downtown—creating added hassle and deterring short-stay visitors.

• Venice, Italy, has banned any cruise ship weighing over 25,000 tons from entering the historic lagoon. All Disney cruise ships exceed this weight, making docking in the heart of Venice impossible.

• In the U.S., Belfast, Maine, banned any cruise ship carrying 50 or more passengers. That’s a hard stop for nearly all major lines, including Disney.

• Iceland will charge a 2,500 ISK (roughly $18 USD) fee per port day per passenger starting in 2025—a potential deterrent for budget-conscious travelers.

And beginning July 1, 2025, Nice, France and Villefranche-sur-Mer will bar ships with more than 900 guests from allowing passengers to disembark. You’ll see the sights—but only from the ship.

Other Hot Spots Under Pressure

Beyond these headline-making restrictions, several other beloved destinations are tightening their grip:

• Santorini & Mykonos, Greece – Implementing $20 per person port fees

• Dubrovnik, Croatia – Limits to 2 ships per day, capping daily visitors to 8,000

• Zeebrugge, Belgium – Also now limited to 2 ships per day

• Bora Bora – Capping visitors at just 1,200 passengers daily

• Alaska – Allowing only 5 cruise ships per day, even as its popularity rises

• Balearic Islands, Spain – Limiting total number of cruise ships allowed per day

Why It Matters: The Hidden Cost of Magical Voyages

So, what does all this mean for Disney Cruise Line—and you, the guest?

The expansion of Disney’s fleet, combined with these new regulations, creates a tension between supply and opportunity. More ships mean more options for travelers, but fewer ports may be able or willing to accommodate them. This could result in longer travel distances to port cities, reduced shore excursion options, and potentially higher cruise fares to offset new port fees and logistical shifts.

Moreover, these moves signal a wider change in how the world views mass tourism. Once a driver of economic success, cruise tourism is now seen by many cities as a risk to local infrastructure, environment, and quality of life.

Can the Disney Cruise Line Navigate the Waves?

Disney, known for its adaptability and customer-first approach, will likely rise to the challenge. New itineraries, private island stops, and longer stays at alternate ports may fill in the gaps left by tightening regulations.

The cruise line already offers diverse itineraries from short 2-night getaways to 15-night global adventures, with family-friendly amenities like kids’ clubs, themed dining, and Broadway-style performances setting it apart. And with new ships, Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure, launching in 2025, more magic is on the horizon.

Still, travelers are encouraged to do their homework, check updated itineraries, and book early—especially as availability shifts and certain destinations become more exclusive than ever before. Disney Cruise Line promises enchantment at sea—but the world it sails through is changing. As global destinations push back against overtourism, cruise passengers may find their options narrowing, even as ships grow in size and number.

Is the golden age of cruising coming to an end—or simply evolving into something new?

Stay tuned. There may be stormy waters ahead, but Disney magic has weathered worse.