Fewer cruise ships are visiting Antarctica due to new regulations requiring them to use marine gas oil, a lighter and less polluting but more expensive fuel. The new regulations were set up by the International Maritime Organization after the sinking of the MS Explorer off of Antarctica in 2007.
Of the larger cruise lines, Crystal, Princess, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania have stopped sending ships. Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara continue offering cruises but operate “cruise only” ships; their passengers do not go ashore. There are many small and medium-size expedition ships (carrying 500 or fewer passengers) that do conduct shore visits.
Compared to that of the 2010-2011 season, the total number of cruise passengers visiting Antarctica dropped by 22% to 26,519 in the 2011-2012 season.