“The judgment is expected to be an important one in so far as the international carriage of passengers by sea go.”
Shine will take part in mediation on behalf of passengers claiming compensation in August. If the talks fail, the case will go to trial in the Federal Court on March 1, 2022.
The firm seeks compensation on behalf of passengers or their families and the estates of those who died.
According to Shine, they allege that Carnival Corp and Princess Cruises breached their consumer guarantees under consumer law, acted negligently and breached their duty of care.
“We say the owner and operator 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,” Ms Antzoulatos told Sea Trade.
“More than 20 people have died, many remain gravely ill and others struggle with the grief of having lost a loved one.”
Ms Antzoulatos said all 2,700 passengers who travelled on the ship departing Sydney on March 8 and disembarking March 19 could join the class action.
Carnival told Cruise Passenger: “We do not wish to comment on active litigation that is currently before the court.”