Sometimes, a cruise line has to change its itinerary because of damage to the ship. In such a case the ship must either divert to a place where repairs can be made and/or it might have to miss a port because it can't reach the speeds needed to go where it was scheduled to go.

Itineraries can change suddenly, especially around Antarctica, where the weather conditions can be unpredictable and extreme.

A group of travellers went on a hunger strike after their the itinerary of their Antarctic was changed mid-voyage. The protests reportedly started after an unexpected issue with the propulsion electric motor stopped Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana from travelling to Antarctica during the 21-day itinerary.

Cruise passengers on Swan Hellenic’s Diana vessel go on hunger strike over lack of full refund and cruise cancellation.

A mechanical failure cut short a luxury Antarctic cruise, sparking protests and a hunger strike from passengers demanding full refunds.