P&O Australia is being sued by passengers over what they claim was a “cruise from hell” – sparking fears of an American-style litigation increase that could endanger the viability of some cruises.

Climate change and weather effects like El Nino mean the industry is particularly at the mercy of the elements, and without the protection from what lawyers call “Acts of God”, lines may find it difficult to obtain insurance or protect their earnings.

The industry, which is recovering from the pandemic and at the whim of the weather like few others, has always relied on terms and conditions that exclude litigation over cancellations involving severe weather events.

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