Seven polar cruise ships arrive in Montevideo as Antarctic season opens
The vessels use the Uruguayan port for supplies, crew changes and repairs before continuing their expedition itineraries.
Montevideo has received seven expedition vessels as the Antarctic cruise season gets underway, with the Uruguayan capital serving as a preparation stop before their onward voyages. The ships have reinforced hulls for operating in polar waters.
Among the arrivals were Sea Spirit, Seaventure, Sylvia Earle and Expedition, alongside Ocean Explorer, Ocean Nova and Ocean Albatros. Their stops allow crews to change, drinking water and other provisions to be loaded, and repairs to be carried out.
Uruguay’s National Ports Administration said Expedition undertook some preparations in Montevideo and took aboard 123 passengers. Port captain Luis Varela oversaw the operation.
Ruben Jokas, who heads shipping agency Velmaren, said some passengers arrive by air and spend time in Montevideo before boarding. He said those stays create demand for hotels, dining, transportation and shopping, in addition to port services.
Ocean Albatros will next sail to Buenos Aires. Ocean Explorer and Ocean Nova will continue to Ushuaia, the main embarkation port for Antarctica.
