The cruise from South Africa to Argentina was due to stop in Antarctica for three days, but the stopover was canceled due to an engine problem.

Swan Hellenic's CEO said: "A select few chose to stage a hunger strike in their protest which is rather counterproductive."

A group of passengers onboard a luxury Antarctic cruise ship staged a hunger strike after their trip was cut short before they reached the continent.

The SH Diana was en route to the South Pole when the maritime mishap occurred earlier this week, derailing the 20-night voyage.

Furious passengers aboard a luxury Antarctic cruise ship have launched a hunger strike after engine problems forced the cancellation of their dream voyage. The protest began after Swan Hellenic's SH Diana was forced to abandon the Antarctic portion of its 20-night cruise due to a faulty propeller bearing.

Hundreds of passengers onboard what was meant to be a dream cruise are now on a hunger strike. Thrill seekers paid between £7,000 to £10,000 for a ’boutique journey to Antarctica aboard Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana – but engine failure meant the journey was cut short.

It feels rather surreal so deep in the South Atlantic Ocean on the aft deck of Swan Hellenic’s ocean vessel, Diana, watching grey-headed albatrosses swoop and dive as I enjoy a coffee, that our voyage suddenly garnered international attention.