Scenic to appeal ruling

SCENIC will appeal yesterday’s court decision in the long-running class action over its flood-affected river cruises ( TD breaking news).

The NSW Supreme Court found in favour of the lead plaintiff David Moore, ruling that he is entitled to a 100% refund and $2,000 in damages.

The ruling opens the way for payments to more than 1,000 other passengers, however Scenic today said it would appeal and has disputed widely reported estimates that it now faces costs of up $14 million.

The case stems from the disastrous European floods of 2013 which impacted 13 of Scenic’s departures during Apr and May that year.

Passengers took action against Scenic over the affected cruises, unhappy with the alternative arrangements offered and compensation made.

In a statement yesterday, Scenic said it would review the judgement in detail before making any specific comments.

However, the company said its practice had always been to deliver itineraries that were “as close to schedule as possible without compromising on safety or comfort”.

“Despite the extraordinary weather conditions in Europe in early 2013, less than 5% of Scenic cruises in the past four years resulted in any itinerary change,” it said, adding that estimates of the costs it faced were “premature”.