Transcript:

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ahead. A potential class action is being investigated against P&O Cruises Australia, accused of encouraging gambling through credit, free alcohol, and perks like complimentary cruises. The claims arose after a passenger who reportedly lost thousands in a ship’s casino tragically fell or jumped overboard in May. Lawyers argue the cruise line’s practices exploit vulnerable guests. Joining us now is Peter Carter, a tourism and travel compensation lawyer who’s launched this investigation. Thank you for your time, Peter. What was the catalyst for this?

Speaker 2 (00:31):
Well, it was the sad, tragic event in May this year when a passenger on a P&O cruise liner jumped overboard potentially as a result of a gambling debt.

Speaker 1 (00:45):
And you’ve accused P&O of undertaking “unethical practices.” How does that relate to this?

Speaker 2 (00:50):
Well, we’ve conducted an investigation since May this year, and we’ve received numerous other accounts of people who’ve been passengers on cruise lines operating out of Australia, relating to the practices undertaken in the ship’s casinos. These are practices that wouldn’t be permitted in Australia, and we think some of the regulation that applies in Australia ought to be applied on the high seas.

Speaker 1 (01:20):
What sort of practices are we talking about?

Speaker 2 (01:22):
Unlimited credit, where passengers are given daily credits of $2,000–$3,000 that they’re allowed to lose in the casino without any checks being made as to their capacity to repay or their suitability for such loans. For example, they might be a problem gambler – no checks are made. Other enticements to lose money include offering free cruises and allowing gambling while passengers are heavily intoxicated. Those are the three things we’re looking at.

Speaker 1 (01:53):
How many customers have signed up to this class action? What are they telling you, and what sort of compensation could they be entitled to?

Speaker 2 (01:59):
All affected passengers who meet any of those criteria will be in the group for which the class action is launched. Our estimate is between 5,000 and 10,000. We’ve had a very healthy flow of inquiries ever since May, and they’re still coming through.

Speaker 1 (02:16):
Well, Peter, thank you so much for your time.

Speaker 2 (02:18):
Thanks, Davina.

Speaker 1 (02:19):
And in a statement from P&O, they say: “We have responsible conduct of gaming policies in place on all P&O ships, and we take those policies seriously.”