Why Monaco prohibits jumbo jets
Cruise Tourism: Why Monaco prohibits jumbo jets
This summer, the Principality of Monaco decided to change its cruise reception policy by blocking the way to large units and opening its arms wide to small luxury units.
We will not see more, or exceptionally, on the quays of the port of Monaco these large cruise units of more than 300 m long disembarking 4,000 passengers. Monaco has decided to give preference to luxury or superior category ships of less than 250 m carrying a maximum of 1,250 passengers.
It is also a hunt for the most polluting ships which could no longer frequent Monegasque waters. Advantage will be given to the small units which make Monaco their leader in their circuit in the Mediterranean.
This will encourage passengers to sleep on site to discover the Principality and will consider returning to a more traditional stay.
The cruise reception activity will be prohibited from mid-November to the end of March, i.e. nearly 5 months compared to two months (January and February) previously.
Suffice to say that the number of cruises in Monaco should fall. This year 137 stopovers are expected against 165 stopovers and nearly 200,000 cruise passengers in 2019.
A significant shortfall
This activity brought in 20 million euros per year in the coffers of the State, not counting the expenses of cruise passengers in shops, restaurants or casinos.
This new reception policy also has ecological support because it will result in a significant reduction in pollution with a 30% drop in gas emissions.
After Nice, which decided to limit the reception of cruise units deemed to be polluting, the restriction is in order for this activity which has nevertheless replaced on the hats of wheel.
Michael Bovas