Carnival ruled negligent over cruise where 662 passengers got COVID-19 early in pandemic

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A cruise operator that failed to cancel a voyage from Sydney that led to a COVID-19 outbreak has been ruled negligent in an Australian class-action case. The Ruby Princess ocean liner left Sydney on March 8, 2020, for a 13-day cruise to New Zealand but returned in 11 days as Australia’s borders were closing. More than 660 of the 2,671 passengers were infected and 28 died. The judge ruled Carnival was negligent under Australian consumer law. He noted Carnival already had outbreaks on two earlier cruises. The lead plaintiff was awarded about $2,800 for medical expenses. Her lawyer said passengers who were sicker could expect larger payouts. Carnival Australia said it was considering the judgment in detail.