Due to escalating tensions between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, P&O Cruises announced in January that it was suspending its scheduled port calls in Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia. Argentine activists had harassed some passengers, and ships had been delayed from leaving port. If embarkation interruptions continue, other cruise lines may suspend their Argentine port calls too.
Why are tensions escalating? The crashing economy in Argentina was a large factor in the 1982 Falklands War. Now, the country is again experiencing extreme economic decline, spurring riots over poverty in late December in several cities.
Also, a potentially large oil field was discovered off of the islands and would be a lucrative income stream if the oil is viable. In addition, a referendum vote on whether the Falklands should remain a British territory or not is scheduled for March 10-11. Polls indicate the 3,000 residents are strongly in favor of remaining British
