Cruise Guests Go On Hunger Strike In Protest Against Cancelled Ports

A highly anticipated voyage to Antarctica aboard Swan Hellenic’s Diana has turned into a public relations crisis after a propulsion issue forced the ship to cancel all port calls, leaving passengers frustrated and demanding full refunds, with a small number staging a hunger strike in protest.

The 192-guest Diana, built in 2023 with an ice-resistant hull for polar expeditions, departed Cape Town, South Africa, on 13th November 2024, for a 21-day voyage to Ushuaia, Argentina.

However, on 28th November, passengers took to social media to reveal that an engine failure had resulted in the cancellation of all planned stops in Antarctica, including iconic destinations such as Elephant Island, Deception Island, and Yankee Harbour.

It’s since been confirmed by a journalist onboard that it’s a problem with a propellor bearing rather than the engine itself.

Swan Hellenic offered affected guests a 50% refund or a 65% Future Cruise Credit, a gesture CEO Andrea Zito stated exceeded the legally required 30%.

“The 3.5 days lost on the Antarctic Peninsula leg of the sailing, understandably, was considered by most guests to be a highlight of the 21-day cruise. In terms of compensation, the technical difficulties occurred on day 14. As a result, guests were offered a 50% cash refund on the price of the cruise,”

Andrea Zito

Despite this, some passengers criticised the compensation as inadequate. One guest described the experience as “a scam” on social media and revealed that a hunger strike involving a small group of passengers had begun onboard.

Круизный лайнер SH Diana сломался по дороге в Антарктиду . Русские подняли бунт , и присоединившиеся к ним китайцы объявили голодовку .
Компания предложила вернуть 50% суммы либо скидку в 65% на следующий круиз . Из 170 человек многие согласились , но русские требуют 100% . pic.twitter.com/yCD0xwzQta

— Ivo 2 🇱🇻♥️🇺🇦 (@Ivo21840813) November 29, 2024

Another passenger noted that most guests appeared calm and had accepted the compensation, though disappointment over missing Antarctica was widely shared.

Also sailing in @swanhellenic SH Diana and would concur with your comments. Passengers are understandably disappointed at not reaching Antarctica but are happy to know we are being safely taken to our final destination in great comfort @TravWriters https://t.co/hfYhklhhIX

— The Howorths (@SaltySeadog) November 29, 2024

Swan Hellenic has called the hunger strike counterproductive but expressed its regret over the situation. The company assured passengers that their safety and comfort were priorities as the ship made its way to Ushuaia.

It remains unclear when Diana will reach Ushuaia or how long repairs will take to address the propulsion issue.

The disruption has raised concerns about upcoming voyages, including the Diana’s 10-day Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey scheduled to depart on 3rd December 2024, as well as two additional Antarctic sailings later in the month.

The Diana is the largest ship in Swan Hellenic’s fleet, featuring three restaurants and lounges, ocean-view and balcony cabins, and luxurious suites.

Delivered in March 2023, the 12,100-gross-ton vessel was designed specifically for polar expeditions but has now faced a significant setback in fulfilling its itineraries.

Swan Hellenic has acknowledged the frustration and disappointment of passengers missing the Antarctic portion of the cruise.

For many, the planned stops were the highlight of the voyage, and the unexpected change of itinerary has left a lasting impression. While the company continues to work toward a resolution, the incident underscores the challenges and risks of expedition cruising in remote regions.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.