Disclaimer: This article covers a very sensitive incident. While every effort has been made to approach the topic carefully and respectfully, the content may be distressing or triggering to some readers. If you or someone you know may be affected by this topic, consider seeking support from a professional.

The allure of the open sea and the promise of a carefree holiday can be irresistible, especially for those who've spent a lifetime dreaming of a well-deserved break.

Cruises have long been famous for seniors looking to explore the world in comfort and style.

However, a shadow has been cast over the cruise industry with recent allegations of 'predatory' behaviour in the casinos of P&O cruise ships.

The serene image of cruising might be under threat as legal firm Carter Capner Law considers a class action lawsuit against cruise line giant P&O.

The firm alleges that P&O has been engaging in unethical practices that prey on vulnerable passengers, particularly in the wake of a tragic incident where a man lost his life after jumping overboard off Sydney Heads.

P&O has been accused of 'predatory' behaviour after a man died following a jump overboard after losing money in the ship's casino. Credit: Unsplash

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of 6 May 2024, has raised serious questions about the conduct of P&O's onboard casinos.

According to Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter, the man who jumped had reportedly lost thousands of dollars over two nights of gambling in the cruise ship's casino.

The firm accuses P&O of incentivising guests to gamble by offering credit without proper checks on their ability to repay and by providing free alcohol and cruise offers—practices generally prohibited in Australian casinos.

Mr Carter has also accused P&O of detaining passengers and their families, interrogating them about casino debts upon disembarkation in Australia, a practice he claims is against the law.

This has raised concerns about the potential for 'unlawful imprisonment' and the recovery of financial losses incurred by passengers.

The legal firm is considering a class action against P&O's owner, Carnival Cruises, and asking other affected passengers to join the potential claim.

Since the news of the investigation broke, the firm has been flooded with stories from Australia and New Zealand, painting a troubling picture of the cruise line's practices.

One such story involves a man, referred to as Paul, who was allegedly held onboard for three hours over a casino debt while his partner and children waited for him.

In another case, a man claimed he was offered a free cruise with unlimited drinks and a daily credit limit of $5,000 despite the cruise line's knowledge of his gambling issues and unpaid debts.

Key Takeaways

• P&O has been accused of 'predatory' behaviour following the death of a man who jumped overboard after losing money in a ship's casino.
• A legal firm is considering a class action alleging that P&O incentivised guests to gamble and provided them with free alcohol to encourage betting.
• The firm claims P&O's practices in its casinos prey on vulnerable passengers, such as those with gambling addictions.
• Carter Capner Law calls affected passengers to join a potential claim against P&O owner Carnival Cruises to recover financial losses and damages for unlawful imprisonment.

Have you ever felt pressured to gamble more than you intended on a cruise? Have you encountered any issues with casino debts while at sea? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

[kenrconn]

Several cruises done but NEVER ventured into a casino on any of them.

 

[Annna]

If gambling is the highlight, that could be done anywhere.

Is this offer of credit and free drinks and perks a new thing happening now?

I thought the idea of being on a cruise was to see new places and people.

 

[Cridland]

it appears there may have been no self control, everyone else is to blame.

 

[Veggiepatch]

If gambling is the highlight, that could be done anywhere.

Is this offer of credit and free drinks and perks a new thing happening now?

I thought the idea of being on a cruise was to see new places and people.

My thought of a cruise is being stuck in the middle of the ocean and looking at the horizon continuously. Hardly my idea of visiting new places and people.

 

[mylittletibbies]

My thought of a cruise is being stuck in the middle of the ocean and looking at the horizon continuously. Hardly my idea of visiting new places and people.

Couldn't think of anything worse. Not my cup of tea, but millions seem to love it.

 

[maggiej]

We have done a number of cruises and have never felt the need to go into the Casino. Surely the people who do would know how much money they in their accounts. Sorry no sympathy for those that are so stupid and try to blame someone else.

 

[Luckyus]

I spent over forty years at being paid for doing it, upon retiring I have no ambition of ever setting on a gangway ever again. My Initial plan upon retiring was to throw an "oar" over my shoulder and walk inland until someone asked what I was carrying and there I planned to stay. However as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men mine went awry.

 

[magpie1]

You don't have to go on a cruise to hear such stories everyday about gamblers who are chronically addicted.

 

[Veggiepatch]

There was a fellow from Nowra, NSW, who won a $100000 lottery in the 1980s and blew it all on poker machines at the local bowling club. The club started giving him substantial amounts of credit to the extent that he lost his house AND his family.

He committed suicide a few years later.

Then there is Kennedy, a Dandenong resident who I vaguely knew. He won over $2 million on Keno, only to squander it all within 18 months. He now walks around in the same clothes for weeks at a time, bludging smokes off passers by, while living in a boarding house.

Some people don't know when to stop.

 

[magpie1]

There was a fellow from Nowra, NSW, who won a $100000 lottery in the 1980s and blew it all on poker machines at the local bowling club. The club started giving him substantial amounts of credit to the extent that he lost his house AND his family.

He committed suicide a few years later.

Then there is Kennedy, a Dandenong resident who I vaguely knew. He won over $2 million on Keno, only to squander it all within 18 months. He now walks around in the same clothes for weeks at a time, bludging smokes off passers by, while living in a boarding house.

Some people don't know when to stop.

Sad thing is there are many who haven't won staggering amounts but have destroyed families, lost loved ones, lost homes and more and still continue gambling.....

 

[Tina10456]

it appears there may have been no self control, everyone else is to blame.

Too true , use your brain, l love the casino on cruise ships , never had a problem with free drinks except there wasnt enough