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Ruby Princess passengers launch class action

The passengers embroiled in the Ruby Princess debacle have filed a class action over the mishandling of a deadly coronavirus outbreak onboard.

user iconNaomi Neilson • 24 July 2020 • SME Law
Ruby Princess passengers launch class action
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Shine Lawyers has filed a class action against Carnival plc and Princess Cruise Lines Ltd on behalf of passengers, their families and the estates of those who tragically died onboard the Ruby Princess following the mismanagement of a coronavirus outbreak.

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Class actions practice leader Vicky Antzoulatos said it is alleged the defendants broke Australian consumer laws by breaching consumer guarantees by engaging in conduct that was misleading and deceptive. The firm is also alleging operators were negligent and failed in their duty of care to provide passengers with a safe cruise.

“We say the owner and operator knew of the risks that passengers may contract [the] coronavirus before the ship left and they failed to take steps to ensure the passengers were safe and protected,” Ms Antzoulatos said in a statement.

More than 20 people died, and many remain gravely ill as a result of the outbreak. The 2,700 passengers who travelled on the Ruby Princess at the time of the outbreak are eligible to join the class action, as are the relatives who suffered psychiatric injuries.

“People [onboard] the ship trusted Carnival to do the right thing but they were not told about the risk of coronavirus and some paid the ultimate price for it,” Ms Antzoulatos said.

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Voting is now open for The Lawyers Weekly Award, to be presented to one individual for making substantial, consequential achievements in advancing the Australian legal profession since 2000. Finalists for this prestigious award have been confirmed as those listed below. To vote for your preferred winner, click here. 

Julian Burnside AO QC (barrister)

Bernard Collaery (barrister, former Attorney-General of the ACT)

Kate Eastman SC (barrister and co-founder, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights)

The Honourable Robert French AC (former chief justice, High Court of Australia)

Sue Kench (global chief executive, King & Wood Mallesons)

The Honourable Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC (chief justice, High Court of Australia)

The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG (former justice, High Court of Australia)

Jane Needham SC (barrister and former president, NSW Bar Association)

Geoffrey Robertson AO QC (barrister)

Professor Gillian Triggs (assistant secretary-general, United Nations and former president, Australian Human Rights Commission)

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly. 

You can email Naomi at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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