Russians stuck on a cruise ship on their way to Antarctica and went on hunger strike

Passengers of the SH Diana liner heading to Antarctica, including Russians, went on hunger strike due to engine failure. This was reported by the British newspaper The Times on November 28.

Tourists heading to Antarctica went on hunger strike after technical problems interrupted their trip. The cruise company Swan Hellenic refused to reimburse them in full. According to the passengers, the trip cost them £7-10 thousand. In total, there are about 170 tourists on board.

It is specified that Swan Hellenic offered those on the ship a refund of 50% of the amount spent on the trip, or "credit for a future cruise" in the amount of 65%, which can be used within two years. Some travelers were unhappy with this arrangement, The Times noted.

A group of passengers, including some from Russia, began a hunger strike and put up posters demanding a full refund.

"The captain announced to us that the ship was not going to Antarctica because one of the propellers had broken. <...> I and two other guys from Russia went on hunger strike. We sat down in front of the mess hall and are sitting - in response to the company's offer. Without water, without food," one of the tourists said in her Telegram channel.

She added that she sees no other way to influence the cruise company, which "has been out of touch for 48 hours."

On Nov. 7, Royal Caribbean reported on its blog that the Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship with passengers was stuck in the port of Yokohama in Japan. It is believed to have happened due to engine problems. About 500-600 Russian citizens were on board the ship.