Denmark residents could join class action after cruise from hell

A Denmark couple is considering joining a class action lawsuit against Sydney-based luxury cruise company Aurora Expeditions. Isavel and Laura Carija were among a contingent of 10 Denmark residents who boarded the Greg Mortimer cruise ship in Argentina on March 15, setting out on an expedition to the Antarctic peninsula. The ill-fated cruise started four days after the World Health Organisation had declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The day after the WHO’s declaration, with other cruise lines ceasing operations, the Carijas were trying to get out of their cruise to Antarctica. But they said Aurora Expeditions made it clear refunds were not available for a trip which was costing them more than $50,000. Dr Laura Carija would later describe the company’s actions as playing “Russian roulette” with their health. Seven days into the planned 21-day voyage, passengers were told someone on board had developed a fever. Of the 217 people who boarded the Greg Mortimer on March 15, 128 of them contacted COVID-19, including at least nine of the Denmark group. Two of the Denmark residents were hospitalised after the Greg Mortimer docked off the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo. Rose Paget, 74, remains in hospital in Montevideo. Now, Melbourne-based law firm Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyers is gearing up to launch a class action against Aurora Expeditions. “Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyers are investigating the alleged negligence of cruise liner, Greg Mortimer which led to the COVID-19 infection of approximately 130 passengers and crew,” the firm said in a statement on its website. “The basis of this investigation is to uncover failings of cruise liner owner operator, Aurora Expeditions to protect passengers and staff from an outbreak of COVID-19, despite embarking on the tour four days after the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic. “It is alleged that cruise owner operator, Aurora Expeditions had encouraged the ship’s doctor to exaggerate and minimise the seriousness of the outbreak on-board. This led to an exacerbation of the outbreak, which could have been contained if handled correctly.” “To add to the severity of this allegation, passengers were left with little choice to join the cruise after being told they would receive no refund if they forfeited their trip, despite the global pandemic.” Dr Laura Carija, one of the Denmark passengers who caught the virus, said Aurora Expeditions had last week offered passengers a partial cash refund for the cruise or full credit for a future voyage. Dr Carija said she understood passengers had about a month to decide. An Aurora Expeditions spokeswoman said the company had not been notified of the potential class action. “Aurora Expeditions rejects the characterisation of the situation and will, if and as required, vigorously defend the matter,” she said. “All passengers have been offered refund or voyage credit options.”