For several years now, the regional government of the Balearic Islands has wanted fewer cruise ships in the port of Palma de Mallorca. The huge ships are a thorn in the side of local politics, because they pollute the environment and on top of that, the passengers do not bring a lot of sales to the island of Mallorca.

Negotiations took place for a long time with the industry association CLIA, which represents Costa Crociere, MSC, TUI Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Marella Cruises, among others. The result was the compromise that only three ships are allowed to dock per day. So much for the agreement, but there are some very complicated special regulations.

For example, in 2022 there will be the option of up to four ships per day being allowed to dock in the port of Palma de Mallorca for a total of 20 days. The negotiated rule will only apply without exception from 2023. This means that only one in three ships a day may have a capacity of more than 5.000 passengers. In total, no more than 8.500 passengers per day are allowed to go ashore. And now it gets really complicated: The numbers mentioned are average values ​​that should be adhered to, but have no consequences, provided the weekly maximum number of 59.000 crusaders is not exceeded. 

The Balearic Government said in the presentation that 14,5 percent fewer ships will dock. They also celebrate that they have asserted themselves against the shipping companies. The opposition sees it differently and points out, among other things, that it would be a kind of voluntary self-commitment, because only the central government in Madrid can intervene in the ports.