An Australian casino player has won the right to continue a consumer claim against Royal Caribbean over five complimentary cruises valued at A$22,040 that were cancelled after the cruise line placed him on a no-sail list.
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal appeal decision in Mark Timothy Grant v RCL Cruises Ltd t/as Royal Caribbean Cruises [2026] QCATA 137 was delivered September 14 and is now drawing wider attention. Grant says the cruises were earned through Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale program. Royal Caribbean alleged breaches of casino rules in connection with his play. The appeal tribunal overturned an earlier jurisdictional dismissal, allowing the consumer dispute to proceed on its merits.
Importantly, the tribunal has NOT ruled that Royal Caribbean improperly cancelled the cruises, that Grant is owed A$22,040, or that the underlying casino allegations are proven. Those issues remain unresolved.
WHY IT MATTERS: The dispute could have broader interest for frequent cruise-casino players because complimentary cruises are among the most valuable rewards offered through onboard loyalty programs, and the eventual ruling may address how those rewards interact with consumer-contract protections.
