Ushuaia Sets Cruise Record With 19 Ship Calls in Three Days

The port of Ushuaia, Argentina, recorded a new milestone in late December after welcoming 19 cruise ships over a three-day period.

Local outlet 24 Horas reported that the vessels brought roughly 10,600 passengers to the city, which is a major departure point for Antarctic expedition cruises.

The arrivals featured a combination of small expedition vessels and larger premium cruise ships, including those operated by Princess Cruises, Atlas Ocean, Quark, Lindblad-National Geographic, and Swan Hellenic.

The record-breaking activity occurred during the final weekend of the year, with ship calls taking place between December 26 and December 28, 2025.

Ushuaia’s Tourism Authority emphasized the economic benefits of the surge in cruise traffic, pointing out that the port plays a central role in Argentina’s tourism sector. “Every cruise that arrives means work, economic activity, and opportunities for hundreds of families in Tierra del Fuego,” said Ushuaia Tourism Secretary Viviana Manfredotti.

She also highlighted the city’s strategic importance due to its location and infrastructure. “Ushuaia is the gateway to the Antarctic continent. We have a deep-water port and an international airport that make us a key point in world tourism.”

Local officials added that the influx of ships brought a substantial number of visitors to Tierra del Fuego National Park. During the same period, more than 4,700 tourists visited the park, including about 4,200 international visitors and 500 from within Argentina.

In other news, two expedition cruise ships were involved in a minor collision at the port of Ushuaia earlier this month. The incident occurred on January 6 during severe weather conditions and involved Viking Octantis and Atlas Ocean’s World Voyager. Authorities confirmed that neither ship sustained serious damage and both were able to continue their voyages as planned.