An elderly tourist has been arrested in Australia after allegedly assaulting a gay man during a two-week cruise around New Zealand.

The British national, 71, was arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) after the Discovery Princess returned to Sydney on January 31.

The alleged assault reportedly took place days prior with the man only charged once the ship had docked in Sydney Harbour, the police said.

Due to privacy reasons, the victim’s nationality has not been disclosed.

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 across the ditch to Sydney.

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.

The alleged attack took place onboard the Discovery Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, during a 14-day cruise around New Zealand.

“He deserves the maximum penalty for this savagely brutal attack on an innocent gay man, after a verbal attack about him being gay,” she said.

“The younger man left and the old b****** followed him and savagely beat him.”

The victim was beaten so badly that blood had spattered over the ship’s carpet and chairs, Guchi alleged.

“I do hope the innocent victim makes a full recovery,” she said.

The alleged assailant was removed from the ship by AFP officers upon arrival in Sydney, charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

AFP’s detective acting superintendent Trevor Robinson said Australian law still applies to alleged offences at sea on vessels associated with the country.

“Where Australian law applies under the Crimes at Sea framework, the AFP will move swiftly to investigate incidents and bring alleged offenders before the courts,” Robinson said.

“We 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.”

The man was due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court next week.

Princess Cruises has been approached for comment.

Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.