Cruise ship Disney Dream avoids Amsterdam following Extinction Rebellion protests

   August 26, 2024 ,   Accidents

The cruise ship Disney Dream, scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam (Netherlands) on September 6th, will bypass the city due to concerns about access to the port.

A booking website announced the change on social media platform X. The cruise line cited "problems with access to the port" as the reason for the detour. This follows recent protests by Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists, who have been blocking the IJmuiden lock in protest against cruise ships.

An email shared in a Facebook group from Disney Cruise Line informed passengers of the altered itinerary, mentioning "problems beyond our control" without specifying details. As compensation, the company is offering passengers a US$250 onboard credit.

The Disney Dream, departing from Southampton England on Sunday, will now head to Zeebrugge Belgium, after an extended stay in Hamburg Germany.

Disney has not confirmed that the ship, which measures 340 meters and accommodates up to 4000 passengers, is avoiding Amsterdam due to the XR protests.

The latest blockade at the IJmuiden lock, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in a 2- to 3-hour delay for shipping traffic before the lock was reopened later in the evening.