Passengers on SH Diana Cruise Ship Go on Hunger Strike Amid Engine Failure
About 170 passengers aboard the SH Diana cruise ship, operated by Swan Hellenic, are currently experiencing a distressing situation as they remain stranded en route to Antarctica. The cruise, which began on November 13 in Cape Town, South Africa, was supposed to allow tourists to explore the Antarctic region for four days starting November 27. However, engine failure on November 22 forced the company to cancel the planned itinerary, leaving passengers frustrated and demanding refunds.
Passengers have expressed their outrage over the handling of the situation, with many feeling that they have not received adequate compensation for their disrupted travel plans. The cruise line has offered a refund of only 50% to 65% of the ticket price, contingent upon booking another cruise within the next two years. This offer has been met with significant dissatisfaction, as ticket prices for the cruise ranged from $6,200 to $10,000, and many passengers feel they deserve a full refund given the circumstances.
Growing Tensions and Calls for Full Compensation
As the situation aboard the SH Diana escalated, several Russian passengers initiated a hunger strike to draw attention to their plight. The first to protest was Natalia, who spent $6,200 on the cruise and an additional $2,400 to travel from Volgograd to Cape Town. She, along with others, has since been forced to abandon the hunger strike due to health concerns. Passengers have reported increasing tensions on board, with some expressing feelings of anxiety and frustration as they remain confined to the ship, having only made brief stops at three ports since the cruise began.
Passengers are now seeking legal counsel to pursue claims against Swan Hellenic, arguing that the company failed to provide the promised services. Lawyer Alexander Mugin highlighted that the passengers paid for an experience that they ultimately did not receive, emphasizing the need for accountability from the cruise line. The cruise company has acknowledged the passengers' frustrations, with CEO Andrea Zito stating that the offer made to them is significantly higher than the legal minimum required.
Future Implications for Swan Hellenic and Passengers
The ongoing situation has raised concerns about the reputation of Swan Hellenic, particularly as passengers recall previous incidents where other cruise lines faced similar issues. The company has promised to provide free excursions in Ushuaia, Argentina, where the ship is headed for repairs, but many passengers remain skeptical about the adequacy of the response. With the potential for legal action and negative media coverage, the cruise line may face long-term repercussions if they fail to adequately address the grievances of their customers.
As the passengers await their arrival in Ushuaia, the outcome of this incident could significantly impact future bookings and the overall trust in luxury cruise experiences.
