Irish Man Wins Payout from Cruise Line over Offensive Jokes

An Irish Man who brought a civil claim against Carnival Plc over offensive jokes told by comedians onboard has won an out of court payment.

John Wolfe, 74, from Dublin, claimed jokes told onboard stereotyped Irish people and was highly offensive. He complained to P&O after he and his wife returned from a world cruise on Oriana five years ago.

He claimed that during the cruise two comedians entertained passengers by telling a series of Irish jokes in their routines. After receiving reassurances from the company such jokes would be banned the Wolfes were given £1,000 of vouchers to spend, however, they were both shocked and surprised when on a cruise in 2008 onboard Artemis, they heard the same jokes.

Wolfe then brought a civil claim against Carnival Plc, owners of P&O Cruises, under the race relations legislation as well as the European Union’s race directive.

The case was due to be heard at Manchester Civil Justice centre but it has now been settled out of court. Wolfe represented himself during the proceedings and said he could not comment on the settlement.

At a hearing in May, District Judge Anthony Harrison said the case centered on whether Carnival was "vicariously liable" - that is, whether they were responsible for the actions of the comedians. Carnival argued that as the comedians were employed by a sub-contractor - and not directly by them, it is not responsible for the offensive jokes.

The Company also claims that as the alleged incidents took place outside UK waters, they do not fall under the jurisdiction of its laws.

A P&O spokesperson said: "We can confirm that this case has been resolved amicably out of court to the satisfaction of both parties."