Passengers on Swan Hellenic Diana Protest Antarctic Voyage Cancellation
In an unexpected turn of events, three passengers aboard the Swan Hellenic cruise ship Diana have staged a hunger strike following a disrupted voyage that was meant to reach Antarctica. The unusual protest comes after a critical engine malfunction forced the ship to alter its course, skipping key destinations, including a highly anticipated trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. While the protest has garnered significant media attention, the hunger strike appears to have done little to sway the cruise line’s position on compensation. Instead, Swan Hellenic’s CEO, Andrea Zito, has expressed that the strike is “counterproductive” and emphasized the company’s already generous offer of compensation.
Technical Malfunction on the SH Diana
The Diana, a relatively new vessel only a year in service, was expected to provide passengers with a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Antarctica. However, two weeks into the 21-day journey, the ship experienced a malfunction in its electric propulsion motor. This issue led to the decision to reroute the ship to Ushuaia, Argentina, causing a significant disruption to the planned itinerary. Passengers, who had invested between $8,900 and $12,600 for the voyage, lost out on crucial stops, particularly in South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, leaving many frustrated and seeking additional compensation.
Passenger Response: Staging a Hunger Strike
In a dramatic show of discontent, three passengers, all reported to be Russian nationals, initiated a hunger strike aboard the Diana. They positioned themselves outside the ship’s dining area, wrapped in blankets, and carried placards demanding a full 100% refund of the cruise fare. Their protest drew attention not just from fellow passengers but also from the media. While the strike was an extreme measure, it reflects the deep dissatisfaction many passengers felt over the loss of a promised experience. It is unclear how long the protest lasted, but it was reported that the strike has since ended.
Swan Hellenic’s Response: Generous Compensation on Offer
In response to the growing dissatisfaction, Swan Hellenic has attempted to manage the situation by offering passengers a 50% refund or a 65% cruise credit towards a future voyage. CEO Andrea Zito defended the company’s position, stating that this offer exceeded the legal requirements and was in line with the cruise line’s commitment to customer satisfaction. Zito also noted that many passengers had accepted the compensation and rebooked their trips.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the itinerary changes, Zito pointed out that disruptions, especially in polar regions like Antarctica, are not uncommon due to unpredictable weather and challenging conditions. He reiterated that the company’s offer was “very generous,” going beyond the legal obligations and demonstrating the company’s desire to keep passengers satisfied despite the unforeseen technical issue.
Cruise Itinerary Disruptions are Common in Polar Regions
While the Diana’s engine failure was unfortunate, it is important to note that cruise itineraries in polar regions like Antarctica are often subject to sudden changes due to weather conditions. The remote locations and extreme environments can present unforeseen challenges for cruise lines, even with the most reliable equipment. As Swan Hellenic’s CEO pointed out, these types of disruptions are not rare and should be considered when booking a polar cruise. For many passengers, the experience of a cruise to the ends of the Earth is a dream, making any deviation from the planned itinerary all the more frustrating.
In the end, the hunger strike aboard the Diana appears to have done little to change the outcome for the disgruntled passengers. While their protest garnered media attention, Swan Hellenic has already made what it considers a generous offer in the form of refunds and future cruise credits. Passengers may not have gotten the 100% refund they demanded, but the incident highlights the challenges cruise lines face when things go wrong—especially in such extreme and unpredictable environments. For future travelers, it’s a reminder of the risks involved in booking polar cruises and the importance of being prepared for potential itinerary changes.
