Thread: Number of tour ships visiting South Georgia to fall for the second year running

The number of tour ships planning to visit South Georgia in the coming summer looks set to fall for the second year in a row, according to a report in the August edition of the South Georgia Newsletter.

Just 52 ship visits are currently listed to visit the Island on the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) scheduler. This is eleven less than last season, and 18 fewer less than the busiest summer of 2008/9.
The size of cruise ships visiting is also changing. Some of the ships that came regularly in the past will no longer operate in the region. Reasons for this include the economics of running smaller ships and a change in rules - banning cruise ships from carrying heavy fuel oils in Antarctic waters.

The result for South Georgia is that most of the ship visits will be from medium sized vessels (70-199 passenger), with just two small ships operating, the “Polar Pioneer” (54 passengers) and “Bark Europa” (37 passengers). There are currently 8 expected visits from larger vessels (200-500 passengers).
The total number of passenger spaces available on the booked vessels is approximately 6800, not all the available places will be sold, so the actual number of visitors may be nearer 5800 at usual occupancy rates, about 12% less than the number expected last season.

This two-season-long reduction in ship visits and passenger numbers was predicted. It follows the pattern of the last global recession (2001-2) when there was a similar 2-season dip, after which ship visits and tourist numbers continued the steady rise that has been the trend since cruise ship tourism started here in 1970.

The 2010/11 season is due to start on October 30th with a visit from tour ship “Plancius”. The following month, November is scheduled to be the busiest of the season with 14 ships due. Two ships new to South Georgia are due to visit: the 200-passenger ”Le Boreal” and 90-passenger “Marina Svetaeva”.

FMI: Number of tour ships visiting South Georgia to fall for the second year running — MercoPress

Thanks Tim,

I'm booked on the Silver Explorer in January. Can't wait to see all the penguins on South Georgia!

Originally Posted by KruzQueen

Thanks Tim,
I'm booked on the Silver Explorer in January. Can't wait to see all the penguins on South Georgia!

Where else will you be going on your cruise ?

Hi Tony,

Here's our itinerary:

Jan 13 2012 Fri Ushuaia, Argentina
Jan 14 2012 Sat Day at Sea
Jan 15 2012 Sun Westpoint Island, Falkland Islands
Jan 15 2012 Sun
Jan 16 2012 Mon
Jan 17 2012 Tue Day at Sea
Jan 18 2012 Wed Day at Sea
Jan 19 2012 Thu South Georgia, SGSSI
Jan 20 2012 Fri South Georgia, SGSSI
Jan 21 2012 Sat South Georgia, SGSSI
Jan 22 2012 Sun Day at Sea
Jan 23 2012 Mon Day at Sea
Jan 24 2012 Tue Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands
Jan 25 2012 Wed Cruise & Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Jan 26 2012 Thu Cruise & Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Jan 27 2012 Fri Cruise & Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Jan 28 2012 Sat Drake Passage
Jan 29 2012 Sun Drake Passage
Jan 30 2012 Mon Ushuaia, Argentina

Originally Posted by KruzQueen

Hi Tony,

Here's our itinerary:

Jan 13 2012 Fri Ushuaia, Argentina
Jan 14 2012 Sat Day at Sea
Jan 15 2012 Sun Westpoint Island, Falkland Islands
Jan 15 2012 Sun
Jan 16 2012 Mon
Jan 17 2012 Tue Day at Sea
Jan 18 2012 Wed Day at Sea
Jan 19 2012 Thu South Georgia, SGSSI
Jan 20 2012 Fri South Georgia, SGSSI
Jan 21 2012 Sat South Georgia, SGSSI
Jan 22 2012 Sun Day at Sea
Jan 23 2012 Mon Day at Sea
Jan 24 2012 Tue Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands
Jan 25 2012 Wed Cruise & Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Jan 26 2012 Thu Cruise & Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Jan 27 2012 Fri Cruise & Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Jan 28 2012 Sat Drake Passage
Jan 29 2012 Sun Drake Passage
Jan 30 2012 Mon Ushuaia, Argentina

WOW - an amazing list of destinations. All in Silversea luxury - not too shabby.

Hi Tim, It seems to be my time to go and my TA is escorting a group. Might as well go and enjoy it while I can. I normally cruise Regent, so the Silver Explorer should feel similar. I really like small ships, so the Explorer might be my new favorite. I read on other boards that pax really love the ship and return often.