A class action lawsuit over the Covid-19 outbreak on the Ruby Princess has swelled to more than 800 people.
The ship docked in Sydney in March and resulted in nearly 700 cases across Australia, leading to 21 deaths.
The suit alleges Carnival Plc and Princess Cruise Lines Ltd were negligent in their duty of care.
"We say they knew of the risks that passengers may contract coronavirus before the ship left and they failed to take steps to ensure their passengers were safe and protected," said Class Actions Practice Leader Vicky Antzoulatos.
The likely success of the legal action will soon become clearer as a state commission of inquiry will soon release its findings on why the Ruby Princess was allowed to dock and release passengers into the community.
It led to one of Australia’s largest outbreaks of the virus.
"The NSW special commission of inquiry, in which we are participating, is in the process of establishing the facts in relation to Ruby Princess," the cruise line said in response to the lawsuit.
by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
