A group of furious passengers aboard the luxury cruise ship SH Diana have initiated a hunger strike after the vessel’s engine malfunctioned, ruining their highly anticipated voyage to Antarctica.
The luxury expedition cruise, operated by Swan Hellenic, was supposed to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the 170 passengers aboard, with a planned four-day exploration of the South Pole. However, the malfunction forced the captain to cancel the trip’s signature leg to Antarctica, leading to widespread discontent among the travelers,
The SH Diana, a relatively new luxury vessel completed just a year ago, was en route from South Africa when the engine problem arose, cutting short scheduled stops in South Georgia and canceling the Antarctic expedition entirely. Passengers, who had paid between $8,882 and $12,689 for the 20-night journey, were offered a choice of compensation: a 50% cash refund or 65% credit toward a future cruise. However, the cruise company’s refusal to offer a full refund has left many passengers deeply dissatisfied, the New York Post reported.
One passenger voiced their frustration, describing the trip as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” that was ruined by the technical issues.
Many felt that the company mishandled the situation and expressed their disappointment at the lack of a full refund. As a form of protest, a group of passengers, including some Russian tourists, began a hunger strike, holding up signs and demanding that Swan Hellenic reimburse them for the disrupted journey.
The SH Diana, which is the largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, is known for its luxury amenities, including nine decks, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
However, despite the lavish surroundings, passengers were left frustrated by the failure to deliver the promised Antarctic experience. The ship is now heading to Ushuaia, Argentina, where it will undergo repairs, but many feel the compensation offered was insufficient.
The cruise line did express regret over the situation, with Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito acknowledging the disappointment and apologizing for the changes to the itinerary. However, the apology hasn’t quelled the anger of the passengers, who were hoping for more than just a partial refund or future cruise credit. Their protest continues, with no resolution in sight as the ship slowly makes its way to port for repairs.
The controversy surrounding the SH Diana’s engine failure highlights the risks associated with luxury travel, particularly when it comes to complex itineraries that depend on flawless operations.