The ship, operated by Princess Cruises, had departed Dunedin on January 27, where it would pass through Milford Sound on a scenic cruise before returning to Sydney.<\/p>\n
Passenger Shell Guchi claimed the victim had been subjected to verbal abuse over his sexuality later that night by the British man, before escalating into physical violence around midnight.<\/p>\n
The alleged attack took place onboard the Discovery Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, during a 14-day cruise around New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe deserves the maximum penalty for this savagely brutal attack on an innocent gay man, after a verbal attack about him being gay,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe younger man left and the old b****** followed him and savagely beat him.\u201d<\/p>\n
The victim was beaten so badly that blood had spattered over the ship\u2019s carpet and chairs, Guchi alleged.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do hope the innocent victim makes a full recovery,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The alleged assailant was removed from the ship by AFP officers upon arrival in Sydney, charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.<\/p>\n
The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years\u2019 imprisonment.<\/p>\n
AFP\u2019s detective acting superintendent Trevor Robinson said Australian law still applies to alleged offences at sea on vessels associated with the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere Australian law applies under the Crimes at Sea framework, the AFP will move swiftly to investigate incidents and bring alleged offenders before the courts,\u201d Robinson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe work closely with cruise operators and maritime partners to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and to make it clear unlawful behaviour on vessels connected to Australia will be addressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man was due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court next week.<\/p>\n
Princess Cruises has been approached for comment.<\/p>\n
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.<\/p>\n