Antarctic Cruise Passengers Protest With Hunger Strike Over Abandoned Voyage

[Social Media]

 

A group of travelers embarking on what they hoped would be the adventure of a lifetime to Antarctica has turned to drastic measures after mechanical issues derailed their plans. Passengers aboard the luxury cruise ship SH Diana, operated by Swan Hellenic, have begun a hunger strike to demand full refunds after their voyage was cut short due to an engine failure.  

 

 

The SH Diana, a state-of-the-art vessel just a year into operation, encountered problems with one of its electric motors, forcing the cancellation of key stops at South Georgia and the entirety of its planned exploration of Antarctica. This abrupt change of plans has left the ship traveling at a sluggish 6 knots (11 km/h) as it heads toward Ushuaia, Argentina, where it is scheduled to dock on Saturday. Engineers will board the vessel in Ushuaia to address the issue before its next scheduled departure on December 3.  

 

 

Swan Hellenic, a company specializing in luxury cruises to remote destinations, prides itself on offering "boutique 5-star ships" designed for polar expeditions. However, for the 170 passengers aboard the SH Diana, including about ten British travelers, the current experience has fallen far short of expectations.  

 

 

One anonymous passenger expressed disappointment to *The Times*, acknowledging that while the decision to abandon Antarctica for safety reasons was justified, the company’s handling of the situation has left much to be desired. “To go to Antarctica is a trip of a lifetime, and this specific sailing made it achievable for many on board as it’s a repositioning sailing that had attractive deals,” the passenger said.  

 

The ill-fated journey, which began in Cape Town on November 13, was meant to be a 20-night repositioning cruise to Ushuaia, where the ship would prepare for its Antarctic summer season through March 2025. The itinerary included planned visits to renowned Antarctic destinations such as Elephant Island, Paulet Island, Yankee Harbour, and Deception Island.  

 

In an attempt to placate disgruntled passengers, Swan Hellenic has offered a partial refund of 50 percent or a 65 percent credit for future cruises, valid for two years. Additionally, complimentary excursions in Ushuaia have been promised to passengers as they await their departure on December 3. Despite these gestures, many passengers remain dissatisfied.  

 

Reports from aboard the ship indicate growing tension, with some passengers calling for better compensation. “Many of the passengers are very angry, and it was getting nasty yesterday,” said a source on the ship. They added that the company “needs to make a better offer to quell the continuing rising anger.”  

 

Among the passengers, a group of Russians has initiated a hunger strike, displaying signs demanding full refunds. Written complaints to Swan Hellenic have also surfaced, underscoring the frustration of those onboard.  

 

For travelers who embarked on this journey with dreams of exploring the icy expanse of Antarctica, the experience has turned into an ordeal marked by delays, dissatisfaction, and mounting unrest. As the ship inches toward Ushuaia, the passengers’ demands for fair treatment and accountability continue to resonate.

 

Based on a report by The Times & Sunday Times 2024-11-30

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

I'm with the passengers. If the company can't provide the promised cruise they should make a full refund, at a minimum.

[Yagoda]

How do you collect your refund if you died from starvation?