Europeans are over tourists flocking to their cities — as a result, they’re taking drastic measures to keep them out.
Just as the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions recently wrapped up, which brought in celebs from and tourists from all over — the glamorous French Riviera resort has decided to impose a “drastic regulation” on massive cruise ships.
Gone are the days when travelers will be able to book a European cruise where Cannes is one of the stopping points on the itinerary.
Beginning next year, the French city council is banning large cruise ships that carry more than 1,000 people from its harbor with the goal of “less numerous, less big, less polluting and more aesthetic.”
Reportedly, large ships will be forced to transfer travelers to small boats if they want to visit Cannes.
“Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits. It’s not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organising, setting guidelines for their navigation,” Mayor David Lisnard said in a statement.
The city itself has a small population of only 75,000 people, but its luxurious appeal brings in hordes of tourists throughout the year.
Whether you’re planning on going to Cannes or not on your next cruise vacation — while aboard the massive ship, there is a chance you might get sick.
To avoid doing so, experts advise practicing good hygiene first and foremost.
“Infectious diseases spread quickly on cruise ships because a lot of people share the same space day and night for an extended amount of time in relatively close contact,” Dr. Shalom Sokolow, an emergency medicine physician at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital, told The Post.
Dr. Eric Ascher, a family medicine physician at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital, agreed, adding, “Norovirus, a stomach virus, travels very quickly on cruise ships.”
The experts also strongly encourage slathering on sunscreen.
“Sunscreen is the first thing travelers should pack, and extra!” said Ascher.
“It is important to make sure you reapply as the label instructs, especially after being in the water. And do not forget to apply to the nose, back of the neck and ears. Wearing hats and sunglasses are also things I encourage.”
Lastly, make sure you make an appointment with your doctor prior to boarding the ship to be up to date on all the necessary shots, since you don’t know what you might be exposed to while aboard.
“Cruises often bring together people from different parts of the world. A traveler or crew member from one continent may expose their shipmates to germs to which they have no previous exposure and therefore no immunity,” said Sokolow.
