Big ships are pulling out of
Antarctica and changing the
frozen scene forever.
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ANTARCTICA
Tour Operators (IAATO) has released
alarming statistics about the continuing
decrease in cruise passengers to the region,
with next season set to see its sharpest fall.
The number of visitors to Antarctica is
down by more than 8% – from 36,875 in
2009-10 to 33,824 in 2010-11.
But in 2011-12, the total is tipped to
plummet to 26,000 – a 25% drop on the
season just ended.
The reason is a new ban on ships using heavy
fuel oil, effective from August, which has
forced many big ships to pull out of Antarctica.
Last season, 14,373 passengers sailed on
big ships’ cruise-only trips (no landings on
shore) and IAATO expects less than 5,000
passengers next season – a hit of 65%.
However, small ship operators (less than 500
guests) are generally unaffected by the fuel ban.
Steve Odell, Silversea’s senior vice president,
Asia Pacific, says that environmental and
safety issues are crucial to Antarctica’s
future and its tourism.
“We see these changes as very positive as
they aim to bring higher standards to the
region in order to preserve this unique
destination,” Odell told Cruise Weekly.
Silversea’s all-inclusive’ luxury ship Silver
Explorer is almost fully booked for next season
with a few open suites here and there,” he said.
Australia is the second largest market for
Silversea’s Antarctic cruises, and the line is
already taking registrations for 2013.
But Orion’s Antarctic expedition leader, Don
McIntyre, says travellers will not necessarily
switch to small ships when they cannot get
onboard a big ship’s cruise-only voyage.
“My understanding is that this was a very
good teaser to those passengers to then come
back on a smaller ship like Orion another
time, so that will not happen now… as those
big ship trips were very cheap,” he said.
