According to a report from The Miami Herald, some large cruise ships may be banned from sailing in Antarctic waters starting next year. The IMO has adopted a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil in those waters, starting Aug. 1, 2011. Princess Cruises, Oceania and Regent said that 2010 will be the last season they visit the frozen continent. Holland America, plans to continue its cruises there, switching to lighter marine fuel. Many smaller ships will still operate Antarctic cruises. These ships can land passengers on the continent itself, 100 maximum at a time; larger ships are not permitted to offload any passengers.
(Source: The Miami Herald)