Antarctica dropped from SH Diana cruise due to technical fault

A sudden malfunction in one of SH Diana’s two electric propulsion motors led to the last leg of the ship’s 21-day voyage, which would have featured Antarctica, to be dropped.

The problem occurred as Swan Hellenic’s newest ship travelled from Cape Town, South Africa to the White Continent as part of a repositioning voyage to Ushuaia, Argentina. 

‘As a result of this technical issue, the captain changed the planned route on day 14 of the 21-day cruise. The 3.5 planned days in the Antarctic Peninsula had to be curtailed for safety reasons and the ship set a direct course for the next accessible port, Ushuaia, where it will dock on November 30,’ explained Andrea Zito, the cruise line’s CEO.

There, ‘a team of maker technicians will board with tools and spares in order to rectify the damage in time for the next planned cruise. 

'Guests will be able to use the ship's facilities for the remaining three days until their return flight. 

‘Daily excursions have been made available to guests,’ Zito added. 

Compensation

Zito acknowledged that ‘days lost on the Antarctic Peninsula leg of the sailing, understandably, were considered by most guests to be a highlight.'

With the technical difficulties occurring on day 14, guests were offered a 50% cash refund on the price of the cruise, which is higher than the legal requirement of approximately 30%. 

‘Alternatively, guests were offered a 65% future cruise credit on any SH cruise. Many of the obviously very disappointed passengers accepted this offer and some have already rebooked,’ Zito commented.

Hunger strike 'counterproductive’

The incident led to tensions on board, including a hunger strike by some passengers, which Zito described as unhelpful. ‘As expected, not all of the guests were immediately satisfied with this compensation and have tried to build up pressure through discussions on board and by making demands on the captain and senior staff in order to obtain an even higher compensation for themselves.

‘The initial unease has largely subsided. 

‘A select few chose to stage a hunger strike in their protest which is of rather counterproductive.’ 

Swan Hellenic is working towards a swift end to this action. 

'Generous' offer 

Swan Hellenic expressed that they wish ‘to reiterate that we deeply regret that we had to change the itinerary due to the technical problems with the propeller drive and we understand the disappointment of our guests who were looking forward to a taste of the Antarctic experience.

‘We feel we have offered a very generous compensation package, beyond what is legally required. 

‘Swan Hellenic always strive to go above and beyond our guest expectations and look forward to welcoming all our guests back onboard future expeditions,' concluded Zito.