This paper analyses residents’ perceptions toward cruise tourism development and its externalities. The research involved a primary data collection in Messina, during the summer peak of the cruise season in 2011. A correspondence analysis on the local residents’ perceptions shows that residents have an overall positive attitude towards cruise tourism development with respect to social, cultural and economic aspects. Nevertheless, they moderately feel that cruise activity has a negative impact on their wellbeing (i.e. increase in micro-crime; increase in road congestion) and the environment (i.e. increase in waste, pollution, congestion in recreational areas). Significant differences, based on residents’ characteristics, also exist in the perception and attitude towards cruise tourism development. Implications for policy makers are discussed and suggestions for further research are given.