United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Cruise line facing possible class action over ‘unethical’ casino operations
P&O Cruises Australia could be hit with a class action lawsuit over ‘unethical’ practices in shipboard casinos.
The action was sparked after Sydney man Shane Dixon is thought to have jumped overboard after racking up thousands in gambling debts over two nights in the casino.
An Aussie law firm has met with several guests who have spoken out at cruise lines’ ‘predatory’ behaviour.
Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter said he has been ‘inundated with stories’ of guests building up big gambling debts without being informed at the time.
In one case a passenger was detained onboard after the cruise due to his casino debt.
Carter accused P&O Cruises of offering credit, free alcohol and free cruise incentives to keep gambling, which are tactics generally banned in Australian land-based casinos.
Another guest had a history of past debts with the cruise line and was still given thousands in credit.
“The cruise lines think that once they’re in international waters anything goes. We have a different opinion and we think there are still regulations that need to be followed,” Carter told ABC Radio Sydney.
“It’s all very poor conduct, it wouldn’t be tolerated in Australia and our objective is to get compensation for those passengers who’ve been financially harmed.”
The possible class action is targeting P&O Cruises Australia and potentially Royal Caribbean.
Just weeks after the man overboard incident with Shane Dixon, Carnival Corp announced the P&O Cruises Australia brand would be shut down and absorbed into main brand Carnival Cruise Line.
Related News Stories: Royal Caribbean International - TravelMole Traveltek - TravelMole Man charged for cruise ship hoax bomb threat Cruise guests arrested for credit card fraud Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm Port Canaveral ditches cruise terminal development plan World's largest cruise ship joins Royal Caribbean fleet Saga could sell off cruise ships - TravelMole MSC Cruises extending Guinness World Records entertainment to ... Carnival Cruise Line unveils latest 'portal' at new private island
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled