In the Dutch capital, cruise ships have been banned from the city-centre by Amsterdam's council, as it tries to limit visitor numbers in addition to curb on pollution.

According to politicians, the vessels were not in line with the city's sustainable ambitions.

The ban will mean that the central cruise terminal (Passenger Terminal Amsterdam) on the River Ij near Amsterdam's main 'Centraal' train station will close. The PTA caters for around 200,000 visitors annually.

The move marks the latest measure to clamp down on mass tourism affecting the city where the 600m quayside facility also used by naval ships is 14kms from the open sea.

More on the story from BBC News which reports that the cruise ships have become a symbol of the problem, as the capital receives more than 100 such vessels berthing every year.