Carnival loses groundbreaking COVID-19 case in Australian court

A judge in Australia has ordered Carnival Corporation’s Australian subsidiary to cover the medical costs of a woman who contracted COVID-19 on one of their cruises. In a landmark class action ruling, the judge found that Carnival Australia had misled passengers about safety risks and should have cancelled the return trip from Sydney to New Zealand in March 2020. This decision marks the first class action victory against a cruise ship operator in the world. However, the ruling only awarded the lead plaintiff, Susan Karpik, medical expenses and no compensatory damages. The remaining parties to the class action will have their claims decided by the courts.

The Ruby Princess cruise ship, operated by Carnival Australia, was a significant source of COVID-19 infections in Australia, with 2,651 passengers affected. The outbreak led to around 900 cases and 28 deaths. In a public inquiry, health authorities in New South Wales were criticized for allowing passengers to disembark, with the errors described as “inexcusable.” Karpik, who was a passenger on the Ruby Princess, claimed over A$360,000 in damages due to the psychological strain of her husband’s hospitalization with the virus.

Carnival Australia has stated that it is reviewing the ruling in detail. This decision may have significant implications for the cruise industry as it sets a precedent regarding the legal responsibility of cruise ship operators for the safety of their passengers. It also highlights the devastating impact that COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships can have on individuals and their families, with many people experiencing long-lasting effects from the virus.

Source .