carnival cruise covid 19 faq

• COVID-19 Legal Notices

Have Fun. Be Safe.

HAVE FUN. BE SAFE.™ COVID-19 GUEST PROTOCOLS

Last updated 27 february 2024.

Effective immediately, we are making it easier for all guests, irrespective of vaccination status, to sail on cruises of any length from Australia. Proof of vaccination, pre-cruise testing, and application for a vaccine exemption are no longer required. Reservations are now confirmed for all guests, including for those awaiting a vaccine exemption.

Guests who have symptoms of respiratory illness within 5 days of embarkation should test for COVID-19. If you receive a positive result, you will not be able to travel. Please contact our customer service team at 13 31 94.

We remain unwavering in our commitment to the well-being and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. Looking ahead, we will continue to abide by our strict and robust hygiene standards, whilst closely collaborating with relevant health authorities.

Before finalising travel plans, guests need to carefully review our Have Fun. Be Safe. Protocols below and the  NSW Health Fact Sheet for Cruises Departing or Entering NSW or the QLD COVID-19 Information for the Cruise Industry to understand their obligations to comply with health requirements.

VACCINES & VACCINE EXEMPTIONS (UPDATED 29 AUGUST 2023)

Carnival Cruise Line has welcomed the decision to lift all government mandated COVID restrictions for guests in Australia. These changes will be effective immediately across all Carnival Cruise Line operations.

Although vaccines are not required, we encourage all guests, 5 years of age and older, to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, when eligible, and carry proof of vaccination.

Australian public health authorities also strongly recommend all cruise ship guests receive an annual influenza vaccination at least two weeks before the start of their cruise.

ENHANCED HEALTH SCREENINGS

At embarkation: We will refer anyone with signs and symptoms of illness, or who are identified at-risk, for additional medical screening before allowing them to board. Guests will be seen by medical personnel and boarding will be approved at their discretion.

Any guest who is denied boarding by medical personnel will not be able to cruise and are recommended to seek reimbursement through their Travel Insurance provider.

During the cruise: Secondary screenings (and health checks throughout the cruise) will be performed, if necessary, at the cost of the guest.

We have implemented a comprehensive set of protocols with the best interests of the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the destinations we serve as our number one priority. Even with our multi-layered protocols in place, there may be infectious illness cases during your cruise. Our ships' medical centres have capabilities for diagnosis and testing. It is important that you are aware of the following information:

Any guests exhibiting symptoms of illness are encouraged to go to our medical centre. Guests who are diagnosed with contagious illnesses may be required to move to an isolation stateroom until our medical team determines if it is safe to resume cruise activities.

HEALTHY ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT

Please help us maintain a healthy onboard environment by using the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitiser dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. We will also need guests to follow our guidance about the ways to stay healthy onboard and when ashore, through daily programming, entertainment systems, announcements, in-stateroom literature, and the Carnival HUB App.

MASKS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Masks are not required on board during your cruise. However, we recommend guests wear masks in public indoor spaces, outdoors when in large congregate events if they’re feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness.

GOING ASHORE

In Australia, all guests, irrespective of vaccination status, may go ashore to enjoy a Carnival tour or independent sightseeing.

We will be following the health protocols for every port we visit, which are under the control of local authorities and subject to change without prior notice. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, must come prepared to follow local guidance pertaining to mask wearing, physical distancing, testing/health screenings, etc. Since destination health protocols continue to evolve, the most up-to-date information will be provided in a stateroom advisory.

Itinerary Adjustments

Should it be necessary to cancel any or multiple ports, we will do our best to find alternative destinations. However, if we are unsuccessful in doing so, there will be no compensation for missed ports, beyond a refund of any pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive international travel insurance that has both cruise and COVID coverage. Certain ports of call may impose a requirement that you hold travel insurance if you are medically disembarked from the ship. International medical and repatriation costs can be high and are outside the scope of Australian Medicare.

NOTE: For cruises to the South Pacific that visits New Caledonia (Noumea or Lifou):

Passport Requirements

A passport is mandatory for all guests (including infants) for this voyage. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the cruise ends.

Visa Requirements

Depending on your nationality, specific travel documentation may be required to enter Fiji, even if you remain on board during the visit. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A, and most other countries do not require a Fijian visa. Please contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for Fiji to determine if your nationality requires one.

Mandatory Travel Insurance

To comply with destination requirements, all guests must present proof of medical travel insurance coverage for the duration of the voyage at time of check-in. The plan must include coverage for cruise, medical emergencies, repatriations, etc.

While we will do our best to provide you with as much information as possible, you should always ensure that you follow all travel and documentation requirements for this cruise. Unfortunately, guests who do not have the required documentation will not be able to sail and no compensation will be provided.

Carnival Cruise Line Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19

The following information applies to all sailings until further notice. Except as specifically stated below, or as otherwise provided in the Ticket Contract for your cruise, the standard cancellation policies and penalties described in the Ticket Contract apply.

Cruise Cancelled by Carnival

• If your cruise is cancelled by Carnival, or boarding is delayed by three days or more and you elect not to sail on the delayed voyage, you are entitled to a refund of the amount paid to Carnival or an optional Future Cruise Credit (“FCC”).

Cruise Cancelled by Guest

• If you, your family members living with you in the same household or traveling companions assigned to the same stateroom cancel a cruise booking due to testing positive for COVID-19 within 5 days of embarkation, you will not be able to cruise and are recommended to seek reimbursement through your Travel Insurance provider.
• Any close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 (those in the same household or traveling companions assigned to the same stateroom) may travel if they are asymptomatic on embarkation day and have not tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 5 days.

Denial of Embarkation or Reboarding; Quarantine and/or Disembarkation

• If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are denied embarkation or reboarding, or quarantined or disembarked during the voyage, due to a positive COVID-19 test or being suspected of having COVID-19, you are advised to seek reimbursement through your Travel Insurance provider.
• Failure to comply: If you are denied embarkation or reboarding, or are disembarked or quarantined during the voyage, for failure to comply with the Carnival COVID-19 Guest Protocols in effect at the time of the cruise, you shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation of any kind. Please refer to the Ticket Contract issued for your cruise for complete details.
• Passport Requirements: A passport is mandatory for all guests (including infants) for this voyage. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the cruise ends.
• Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, specific travel documentation may be required to enter Fiji, even if you remain on board during the visit. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A, and most other countries do not require a Fijian visa. Please contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for Fiji to determine if your nationality requires one.
• Mandatory Travel Insurance: To comply with destination requirements, all guests must present proof of medical travel insurance coverage for the duration of the voyage at time of check-in. The plan must include coverage for cruise, medical emergencies, repatriations, etc. While we will do our best to provide you with as much information as possible, you should always ensure that you follow all travel and documentation requirements for this cruise. Unfortunately, guests who do not have the required documentation will not be able to sail and no compensation will be provided.

COVID-19 FAQS

Do i need a covid-19 vaccination to sail, do i have to take a covid-19 test before my cruise.

Testing is not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests. However, we encourage all guests, 5 years and older, to take a pre-cruise COVID-19 test within three days of their cruise.

What if I test positive to COVID-19 within 5 days prior to sailing?

If you test positive within 5 days prior to your cruise departure, you will not be able to travel and you should notify us or your travel agent as soon as possible so we can cancel your booking. In addition, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms at embarkation, you will be asked to complete a health screen and if you test positive to COVID-19, you will be denied boarding.

If you have a valid travel insurance policy, please submit a claim with your insurance provider.

In the event that your claim is denied, please contact [email protected] with your booking details and any relevant documentation, including a letter of denial from your insurance provider. Claims are reviewed on a case-by-case scenario, and there is no guarantee of reimbursement.

What happens if during my cruise I have COVID-19 or test positive?

Any guest reporting or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should notify our onboard medical staff and be tested for COVID-19.  Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least 5 days and until they are symptom free for 24 hours.

How are you maintaining a healthy onboard environment?

The health and wellbeing of our guests is our top priority. Carnival Cruise Line ships are equipped with hand sanitisation stations, and crew members may remind you to wash or sanitize your hands upon entering food service areas. Public areas and staterooms are subject to rigorous cleaning processes; and we have also enhanced our ventilation systems to allow for frequent exchanges of fresh ocean air and modified for greater particle filtration.

Do I need travel insurance to sail?

Please note, International travel insurance is recommended on Carnival Cruise Line cruises, as your cruise is outside the scope of Australian Medicare. Medical service fees will apply to onboard Covid-19 testing and treatment.

Mandatory Travel Insurance (For cruises to the South Pacific that visits New Caledonia (Noumea or Lifou))

Au covid-19 risk acknowledgment faqs.

Acknowledgement & Acceptance of Risks, Policies and Procedures for COVID-19

Please read carefully and log into Cruise Manager to acknowledge and accept.

How do we mitigate and manage COVID-19 cases on board?

We have consulted with leading medical experts to create an extensive response plan for mitigating and managing COVID-19 cases on our ships, and have also made arrangements with local port, health and transportation authorities to support our ships should it become necessary.

We have enhanced our shipboard medical capabilities with the necessary staffing, medications, supplies, oxygen, equipment and procedures to triage and treat multiple COVID-19 cases across the full clinical spectrum including intensive care. Our highly experienced doctors and nurses are up to date on the latest COVID-19 scientific status and trained on all relevant COVID-19 procedures.

In addition to our onboard Medical Centres, our shoreside Health Operations Centre is staffed 24/7 by our team of dedicated medical and public health professionals. Other measures in place include, but not limited to:

• COVID-19 viral testing capabilities, including PCR;
• Detailed quarantine management plan including isolation staterooms for COVID-19 positive cases, as well as isolation ward and beds in the medical centre;
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitising, including guest rooms and public areas;
• Onboard signage and regular communication to guests about COVID-safe practices; and,
• Regular monitoring of disease activity and health regulations in the destinations we visit so we can adjust our cruise itineraries as necessary.

Do I need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to cruise?

You should always ensure you understand all requirements to travel from your home country and the destinations you plan to visit. Details continue to be updated regularly and official websites and apps developed by government departments & agencies, and tourism ministries are the recommended resources, including:

• Smart Traveller
• Home Affairs
• Safe Travel

Any guests exhibiting symptoms of illness are encouraged to go to our medical centre. Guests who are diagnosed with contagious illnesses may be required to move to an isolation stateroom until our medical team determines if it is safe to resume cruise activities. 

What health care is available on board and how do I access it?

Each ship has a dedicated team of medical staff operating the onboard medical centre to serve the general health care needs for guests and crew. Our highly experienced doctors and nurses are up to date on the latest COVID-19 scientific status and trained in relevant COVID-19 procedures. We have also enhanced our shipboard medical capabilities in terms of staffing, medications, supplies, oxygen, equipment and procedures to triage and treat multiple COVID-19 cases across the full clinical spectrum including intensive care.

You can contact the medical centre using the phone in your room to request non-urgent appointments. This avoids congregation of patients in the medical centre and allows the medical staff to pre-determine the best location for the consultation, including your room.

Whenever possible, anyone suspected of COVID-19 will be assessed and treated in their room with all medical first responders wearing full PPE. Medical staff will arrange safe transfer of any unwell individuals to the ship's Medical Centre if additional treatment is required that cannot be provided in the guest's room. All cruises on our ships are outside the scope of Australian Medicare, New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation and private health insurance.

What is the cost of onboard health care?

For cruises to or from Australia, there is a medical facility onboard where guests can have an initial consultation and COVID-19 related testing at their expense. Different policies may apply in other jurisdictions.

Non-COVID-19 related medical consultations, treatment and medication will be charged at private rates, and must be paid for by the guest and should be claimed on guest's international travel insurance. All cruises on our ships are outside the scope of Australian Medicare, New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation and private health insurance.

What happens if my medical needs cannot be supported on board and I need to be transported off the ship?

While our onboard Medical Centres are equipped to handle many medical conditions, including COVID-19, there may be occasions where it becomes necessary to disembark or evacuate a guest to receive further essential medical treatment. To ensure guest safety, this decision will be made by the onboard doctor and the captain, in coordination with the relevant port and health authorities. Depending on medical water vessel or road ambulance, or a combination of these. Guests will be responsible for the costs of any evacuation required to treat COVID-19.

Our CareTeam will provide support to any guest who requires medical evacuation, along with their family and travel party.

What are the disembarkation arrangements for guests who test positive and close contacts?

Guests who are in isolation, or a close contact, will be disembarked in a controlled manner, separate from other guests. Isolation arrangements can vary by country/region. For guests disembarked in Australia:

• If a guest is well enough to travel home, they can proceed with their plans to return home.
• If a guest is unwell and requires ongoing medical treatment, we will make the necessary arrangements to transfer them to a local hospital or medical facility. If the guest does not require medical attention and prefers to stay locally until they recover, Carnival will assist in making arrangements however the guest will be responsible for any expenses.

Our CareTeam will provide assistance and support, as required, to guests who test positive to COVID-19 during their cruise, their families and any close contacts, to ensure they arrive home safely.

I have an existing medical condition. Can I still cruise?

We recommend guests seek advice from their medical practitioner about their condition and any possible risk associated with cruise travel. If you are travelling with a specific medical requirement, please let us know at the time of booking as we may require you to complete a medical questionnaire prior to travel.

Guests who use oxygen (concentrators or tanks) and those who are undergoing dialysis are welcome to travel on cruises 7 days or less, but please let us know at the time of booking.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to welcome guests on board cruises of 8 nights or longer who are dependent on supplemental oxygen tanks or who are undergoing haemodialysis. Our medical experts have determined that, for the guests own safety, this is the right decision. We remain optimistic that our approach on future departures will become more flexible.

Do I need travel insurance?

Will the cruise itinerary be altered if there are covid-19 cases on board.

Our cruise itineraries are never guaranteed and may be altered for various reasons. In the event of COVID-19 cases on board, depending on the level of transmission and perceived risk by local port and health authorities, we may not be permitted to visit certain destinations included in the cruise itinerary.

How will guests be advised of COVID-19 positive cases and level of transmission on board?

If there are a small number of controlled cases, only close contacts will be notified by the onboard medical staff. When there is a potential risk of ongoing COVID-19 transmission, guests will be advised, as required by health authorities. Communication may include onboard announcements, letters to guest rooms and additional information in the Carnival Hub App.

Do guests need to be aware of and comply with Government entry requirements when returning from an international cruise, or when visiting the countries included in the itinerary?

Guests arriving on a cruise that has transited international ports are responsible for ensuring they meet local government entry requirements. Failure to do so may result in denial of boarding, being issued a fine, deportation or the ship being denied entry.

Guests are also responsible for ensuring they meet the entry requirements of the countries included in their itinerary, including any vaccination requirements.

Details continue to be updated regularly and official websites and apps developed by government departments & agencies, and tourism ministries are the recommended resources, including:

What if a guest fails to comply with the required health protocols during their cruise?

Anyone who doesn't comply with the onboard public health measures may be disembarked at the first available opportunity. Other consequences could include being denied service, required isolation in their room and being banned from cruising with Carnival Cruise Line and other Carnival Corporation and plc brands in future.

For any guest who is non-compliant, no refund will be issued of the cruise fare for missed cruise days, nor will travel expenses (if flying home) be covered.

If the travel party of a guest who is non-compliant is impacted and they are required or voluntarily choose to disembark with them, the same policies will apply to travel party: no refund of cruise fare for missed cruise days or coverage of travel expenses home.

What are the implications for guests travelling from overseas to join a cruise departing from Australia?

We strongly recommend guests obtain appropriate international travel insurance which may cover costs associated with changes to travel arrangements. Also, it is a condition of entry into some countries that guests hold specific travel insurance. It is your responsibility to inform yourself about what insurance you are required to hold and carry proof of any coverage. Guests travelling from overseas should also ensure their travel insurance provides cover for COVID-19 related medical care. If ongoing medical treatment is required after disembarkation, any associated costs will be incurred by the guest.

How will a COVID-19 outbreak on board be managed?

We have a COVID-19 response management plan covering varying levels of risk determined by the number of positive COVID-19 cases, clusters and close contacts.

In the unlikely event there is an outbreak of COVID-19 on board which is considered to be higher risk, all non-essential services will be suspended, and guests who are not isolating will be asked to minimise their movements around the ship and remain in their room as much as possible or utilise outdoor areas while maintaining physical distancing. Masks will also be required to be worn by guests at all times when outside their rooms, except while consuming food & drinks. The ship may still call at destinations for the provisioning of essential stores, subject to local health and port authority approvals, however shore visits will be suspended. In consultation with relevant health and port authorities, arrangements may be made to shorten the cruise and return to the closest suitable port to safely disembark all guests

Where an outbreak is considered to be moderate risk, some services may be modified or suspended in order to mitigate the risk, as outlined in Question 21.

Enhanced cleaning and sanitisation will be implemented in all areas, and hand washing or sanitiser use will be enforced at all food outlets and restaurants.

Guests will be kept informed onboard of any COVID-19 outbreak and any changes to the situation and what this means, including any changes to onboard health protocols. In addition, guests due to board the next cruise after a COVID-19 outbreak of moderate to higher risk has occurred will be informed of this prior to boarding.

Will activities be cancelled if there is a COVID-19 outbreak?

Where an outbreak is considered to be moderate risk, some activities and services may be modified or suspended in order to mitigate the risk, which may include:

• Reduced capacity in dining venues and lounges, with extended hours to facilitate physical distancing;
• Suspension of dining events, such as Chef's table;
• Walk-up bar service suspended, and only table service will be provided;
• Modification or suspensions of Kids Club centre and procedures and activities;
• Modification of entertainment, activities and shows, which may include reduced capacity, suspension, venue changes, shortening shows to increase frequency;
• Closure of waterslides;
• Reduced capacity in onboard shops;
• Reduced capacity in the gym, with masks required to be worn at all times and increased sanitising; and
• Closure of self-serve guest laundries.

During a moderate level outbreak, where we are still permitted to call at a destination as determine by the local health and port authorities, some shore tours may need to be modified or cancelled.

In the unlikely event there is an outbreak of COVID-19 on board which is considered to be higher risk, all non-essential services will be suspended.

Carnival Cruise Line Updates COVID-19 Protocols for Guests

By nbc 6 • published august 15, 2022 • updated on august 15, 2022 at 10:53 am.

Beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022, Carnival Cruise Line will be implementing new COVID-19 guidelines for both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers.

Vaccinated guests must continue to provide proof of their vaccination status, either through VeriFLY or at embarkation.

Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, but some destinations will still require a COVID-19 test before sailing.

For more information on Carnival Cruise Line's COVID-19 protocols prior to boarding, click here .

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Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer. 

Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 3 days of embarkation, but some destinations will still require a COVID-19 test before sailing.

For passengers traveling to Canada, a PCR test can be taken 3 days before sailing or an antigen test can be taken 2 days before sailing.

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Passengers sailing to Bermuda must take a PCR test 4 days before sailing. An antigen test will not be accepted.

Passengers heading to Australia will need to take a PCR test 3 days before sailing or a self-administered antigen test 1 day before sailing.

Guests under the age of 5 years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements for sailings from the U.S., and under the age of 12 for sailings from Australia.

For a more information on COVID-19 testing protocols for each major cruise line, click here .

This article tagged under:

Carnival Cruise Line-Approved COVID-19 Home Tests, Explained

• September 11, 2021

As the cruise industry is adapting to the new CDC regulation stating that all passengers must test negative against coronavirus no more than two days before sailing, cruisers may be troubled by more worries ahead of their holidays.

In a bid to alleviate some of the difficulties, Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will accept specific home tests for fully vaccinated travelers wanting to sail with the cruise line.

According to Carnival’s website, a medically observed self-test (sometimes referred to as home test) used by guests must meet the following criteria:

• It must be a COVID-19 viral test (NAAT or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA);
• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription;
• The telehealth provider must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Carnival has recommended using an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test, which includes a viral antigen home test and the services of an eMed telemedicine professional who will supervise the administration of the home test.

The test provider must provide guests with an official test result; no handwritten report. Results are provided in approximately 15 minutes, and test kits are available to be shipped in 50 states. The home test (including two tests) costs $69.99 when it is purchased via the Optum Store. 

The new changes come as the CDC announced that as of Sept. 13, 2021, pre-cruise testing for vaccinated guests must be taken within two days prior to the sailing date, as opposed to three. So, if the sailing is on Saturday, the test may be taken on Thursday, Friday, or even as late as Saturday as long as the guest is guaranteed to receive their results in time for check-in.

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Carnival Cruise Line drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for most sailings — here's where you'll still need one

Carnival Cruise Line is joining Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line in dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

But like the latter lines, it'll still make you show proof of one for some sailings.

The world's second-largest cruise line late Friday said that effective Sept. 6 it no longer would require passengers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine for all voyages except those departing from Australia and cruises that are 16 nights in length or longer.

Unvaccinated travelers who want to sail out of Australia or on a 16-night-plus voyage will be able to apply for a vaccine exemption.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Carnival also announced that vaccinated passengers no longer will have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to board its ships in most places. The line said testing will still be required for vaccinated passengers in advance of cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, per local regulations in those countries, and on voyages of 16 nights or longer.

In addition, all unvaccinated passengers will still have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before sailing. The test must be taken within three days of embarkation.

A few caveats to the new rules that Carnival spelled out in its announcement:

• All of the new policies are subject to local destination regulations.
• Passengers under the age of five will be exempt from all vaccination and testing requirements on sailings from the United States.
• Passengers under the age of 12 will be exempt from all vaccination and testing requirements on sailings from Australia.
• Voyages of 16 nights and longer will continue to have vaccination and testing requirements that are specific to the itinerary.

"These guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months," Carnival President Christine Duffy said in a statement.

Related: 20 things you should never cruise without — including a roll of duct tape

Duffy added that Carnival is in the process of updating its website, communications and internal processes, and sharing more details with passengers and travel agents to reflect the new policies.

"We appreciate the patience of our guests and travel advisor partners as we update all materials, but the end result is a very positive one for all who are looking forward to cruising with us," she said.

Carnival's announcement came just two days after the world's largest cruise line Royal Caribbean and sister line Celebrity Cruises announced they were dropping their COVID-19 vaccine requirement for many but not all sailings , effective Sept. 5. Norwegian Cruise Line and sister lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises on Monday dropped their vaccine requirements for many sailings , effective Sept. 3.

Carnival sister brand Princess Cruises on Friday also announced that it would remove its vaccine requirement for most voyages of fewer than 16 days, effective Sept. 6.

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Carnival Ruled Negligent Over Cruise Where 662 Passengers Got COVID-19 Early in Pandemic

A cruise operator that failed to cancel a voyage from Sydney that led to a COVID-19 outbreak has been ruled negligent in an Australian class-action case

Dan Himbrechts

Susan Karpik speaks to media outside the Federal Court in Sydney, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. Karpik was the lead plaintiff in the case against British-American cruise operator Carnival and its subsidiary Princess Cruises that an Australian judge ruled failed to cancel a voyage from Sydney that led to a major COVID-19 outbreak had been negligent in its duty of care to passengers. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP Image via AP)

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A cruise operator that failed to cancel a voyage from Sydney that led to a major COVID-19 outbreak was ruled negligent in its duty of care to passengers in an Australian class-action case Wednesday.

The Ruby Princess ocean liner left Sydney on March 8, 2020, with 2,671 passengers aboard for a 13-day cruise to New Zealand but returned in 11 days as Australia’s borders were closing. COVID-19 spread to 663 passengers and claimed 28 lives.

Passenger Susan Karpik was the lead plaintiff in the case against British-American cruise operator Carnival and its subsidiary Princess Cruises, the ship's owner.

Federal Court Justice Angus Stewart ruled that Carnival had been negligent as defined by Australian consumer law by allowing the cruise to depart in the early months of the pandemic. He said Carnival had a duty to take reasonable care of her health and safety in regard to COVID-19.

“I have found that before the embarkation of passengers on the Ruby Princess for the cruise in question, the respondents knew or ought to have known about the heightened risk of coronavirus infection on the vessel and its potentially lethal consequences and that their procedures for screening passengers and crew members for the virus were unlikely to screen out all infectious individuals,” Stewart said.

Carnival had already experienced outbreaks on its cruises in the previous month aboard the Grand Princess off California and the Diamond Princess off Japan, the judge said.

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Carnival had failed to explain why it offered free cancellation for all cruises worldwide leaving from March 9 — the day after the Ruby Princess departed — and suspended all cruises on March 13, he said.

“To the respondents’ knowledge, to proceed with the cruise carried significant risk of a coronavirus outbreak with possible disastrous consequences, yet they proceeded regardless,” Stewart said.

Susan Karpik had sued Carnival for more than 360,000 Australian dollars ($230,000).

However, she was only awarded her out-of-pocket medical expenses of AU$4,423.48 ($2,823.28) for reasons including that the judge did not accept she suffered from long COVID and that Carnival had refunded all the passengers’ fares.

But she said she was happy with the outcome.

“I was very pleased with that finding. And I hope the other passengers are pleased with that finding too,” she told reporters outside court.

“I hope the finding brings some comfort to them because they’ve all been through the mill and back,” she added.

Her lawyer Vicky Antzoulatos said other passengers who suffered worse consequences from their sickness could expect larger payouts.

While Susan Karpik's symptoms were relatively mild, her husband Henry Karpik spent two months in hospital and almost died from his infection.

“Susan’s husband was very catastrophically injured, so we expect that he will have a substantial claim, and that will be the same for a number of the passengers on the ship,” Antzoulatos said.

Each passenger will have to prove their claims unless Carnival agrees to settle, she said.

“It’s been a long time coming and a very comprehensive victory for the passengers on the Ruby Princess,” Antzoulatos said.

Carnival Australia said in a statement it was considering the judgment in detail.

“The pandemic was a difficult time in Australia’s history, and we understand how heartbreaking it was for those affected,” Carnival said.

Copyright 2023 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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