The SH Diana, operated by cruise company Swan Hellenic, experienced engine failure during an Antarctic cruise, forcing the expedition to be cut short. The ship, carrying around 170 passengers, was on a 21-day voyage to the southern region when one of its electric motors malfunctioned. As a result, the itinerary had to be changed, and the ship is now heading to its next departure port in Ushuaia, Argentina for repairs. Passengers on board, who had paid up to €10,000 for the voyage, are unhappy with the compensation offered by the company, with some even staging a hunger strike in protest.
Swan Hellenic has offered affected passengers a 50 per cent refund or a 65 per cent future cruise credit to be used within two years. The company has also promised daily excursions for passengers while they wait in Ushuaia for their return flights. Despite the company’s efforts to compensate the passengers, some individuals are still dissatisfied with the offer, feeling that the lost days in Antarctica were a significant highlight of the trip. Swan Hellenic’s chief executive, Andrea Zito, has acknowledged the passengers’ concerns, stating that the compensation offered is higher than the legal requirement, but some guests are pushing for more.
The SH Diana is known as an eco-friendly ship, equipped with zero-emission battery technology that allows it to operate silently when docked in ports and other protected natural areas. The vessel is considered to be completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days, making it an environmentally friendly option for expeditions to remote locations such as Antarctica. Despite the engine failure, the ship is now slowly making its way to Ushuaia for repairs, with passengers expressing disappointment over missing out on key attractions in Antarctica such as Elephant Island and Deception Island.
Passengers on the SH Diana are frustrated with the handling of the situation by Swan Hellenic, feeling that the company should offer more comprehensive compensation for the shortened expedition. Many passengers had viewed the trip to Antarctica as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and are upset over the unexpected turn of events. Some passengers have resorted to extreme measures such as hunger strikes to protest the company’s response, while others are engaging in discussions and making demands to senior staff members in hopes of receiving greater compensation. The situation on board remains tense as the ship slowly makes its way to Ushuaia for repairs.
The cruise company, Swan Hellenic, is facing backlash from passengers on board the SH Diana, who feel that the compensation offered for the shortened expedition is insufficient. Despite offering a refund higher than the legal requirement and future cruise credit, some passengers are demanding more compensation due to missing out on the Antarctic portion of the trip. The company’s chief executive has acknowledged the passengers’ disappointment and frustration, noting that efforts are being made to address their concerns. Despite these efforts, a small group of passengers continue to protest the company’s response, with tensions remaining high on board the ship as it heads towards Ushuaia for repairs.
The SH Diana’s engine failure during an Antarctic cruise has resulted in disappointment and frustration among passengers who had booked the expedition for a unique experience in the southern region. The vessel, which is known for its eco-friendly features and zero-emission battery technology, is now slowly making its way to Ushuaia for repairs. While Swan Hellenic has attempted to compensate passengers for the shortened trip, some individuals are dissatisfied with the compensation offered and are actively protesting the company’s response onboard. Despite the challenges faced during the expedition, efforts are being made to address the passengers’ concerns and reach a resolution as the ship continues its journey to the next departure port.
