Ship Denied Access to Port for Health and Safety
Two British cruise ships were not allowed entry into an Argentina port due to issues between the UK and the South American country. There is a dispute over the Falkland Islands, yet Argentina cited their reasoning for denial into the port was for health and safety reasons, according to undefined sources. The P&O ship Adonia and Princess Cruise Star Princess ship were not allowed to dock at Ushuaia. Both of the vessels belong to Carnival.
Officials have quickly stated that it was not health and safety aboard the ship or with the port. Instead, the real reason seems to be the issue of the Falkland Islands and the upcoming anniversary of the 1982 war.
What is known about the speculation and the incident is that a month ago the Star Princess was indeed turned away from the Falklands. There is no information as to whether there were actually issues or not at the time. It is apparently a controversy without real substance or health and safety concerns.
Officials are still stating that both cruise ships are fine and all on board are healthy. Argentina also states they do not have a health reason to close the port, so the question is more about politics stopping the cruise ships because they are part of a British fleet rather than safety concerns. The Adonia has moved on to Punta Arenas in Chile and the Star Princess is also moving on.