If you want to enjoy a cruise holiday in Antarctica, you had better act very quickly or be prepared to face a price hike. The price of a cruise to this region is set to rise next month when new regulations that compel ships in the region to use fuels that cause less pollution come into effect.

From the 1st August they will no longer be allowed to use heavy fuel. Instead they have to use marine gas oil, which is significantly more expensive but also much cleaner.

The regulations will result in additional costs of millions of pounds to large-scale tour operators. As a result many of them have decided to withdraw from the region and passenger numbers are expected to drop to their lowest level in ten years.

The Executive Director of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, Steve Wellmeier, says that “The ban will reduce the number of voyages next season available aboard larger 'cruise-only’ ships – those carrying more than 500 passengers, with no opportunities to go ashore in Antarctica.”

He added that Princess, Crystal, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas have cancelled their Antarctica itineraries as a result, but that Azamara Cruises and Holland America will continue to offer cruises to the region.

Last year the region was visited by a total of 33,824 cruise passengers. About 40% of them arrived in large ships. This number is expected to drop by two thirds next season. The total number of cruise visitors will fall back to 2003/04 levels.

What this says about the world’s willingness to carry the cost of a greener future is a story for another day.