The Mayor of Nice was involved in an angry confrontation with the crew of a Royal Caribbean ship just a couple of days after new cruise ship restrictions came into force.
Mayor Christian Estrosi sailed out to the ship, anchored off Villefranche.
He had an official letter to hand over stating the ship was in violation of the new restrictions.
The new rules only allow small ships with up to 450 passengers to dock at the port in Nice.
Ships with a maximum limit of 2,500 passengers can anchor in the bay at Villefranche sur Mer.
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas has a capacity for 3,600 guests.
Ship crew denied the Mayor the opportunity to board the ship.
This sparked an angry response which was filmed by a French TV news crew,
“Get out of here. You are not allowed to be there,” he said.
Cruise Lines International Association weighed in, criticising the Mayor’s actions.
“Such conduct is deeply regrettable, as they undermine efforts by the cruise industry to build cooperative relationships with municipalities.”
The mayor was unrepentant.
“I will not give up. I call on all relevant authorities to take the utmost firmness on this issue. I intend to strictly enforce the decision.”
