A massive brawl involving more than 20 people erupted as passengers disembarked from the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship in Galveston, Texas, resulting in 24 individuals being permanently banned from future Carnival cruises.
Quick Takes
- A large-scale fight broke out among passengers disembarking from the Carnival Jubilee after a Caribbean vacation
- Video footage of the chaotic scene showed people kicking, punching, and screaming as luggage was scattered across the terminal
- Carnival Cruise Line placed 24 individuals on their permanent “Do Not Sail” list following the incident
- At least one arrest was made as the matter was turned over to US Customs and Border Patrol and local law enforcement
- The cause of the brawl remains unclear, though it’s not the first such incident on Carnival cruise ships
Vacation Paradise Turns to Chaos
What should have been the end of a relaxing seven-day Caribbean cruise turned into mayhem at the Galveston cruise terminal on Monday when a large brawl broke out among passengers disembarking from the Carnival Jubilee. Video footage captured the violent scene as vacationers who had visited destinations including Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatán during their journey ended their trip with kicking, punching, and screaming. Children watched from a distance as security officers struggled to contain the situation, which rapidly spread across different areas of the disembarkation zone.
The chaotic scene left open suitcases and personal belongings scattered throughout the terminal as passengers pushed past barriers to join the melee. Some individuals were seen being punched while already on the ground as the violence escalated. The altercation occurred in the customs processing area, technically under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, complicating the immediate response as terminal security attempted to restore order.
NEW: 24 people have been banned from Carnival Cruise Line after a massive brawl broke out when the ship docked in Galveston, Texas over the weekend.
One man was seen getting pulverized on the ground by multiple people after he fell down.
"The incident occurred in the… pic.twitter.com/5qeAI9LJOq
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 29, 2025
Swift Consequences for Brawlers
Carnival Cruise Line wasted no time responding to the incident with decisive action. The company immediately placed 24 individuals involved in the altercation on their “Do Not Sail” list, permanently banning them from future cruises with the company. Unlike the federal No Fly List which applies across all airlines in the United States, Carnival’s ban is specific to their cruise line, though the incident has certainly raised questions about passenger behavior and security protocols throughout the industry.
“We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list,” said a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson.
The company further emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for violent behavior, noting that the matter had been turned over to law enforcement authorities. At least one arrest was reported in connection with the incident, though specific charges have not been disclosed publicly. The viral video of the brawl has garnered over 1.2 million views online, generating widespread criticism and disbelief at the behavior displayed by the former vacationers.
Not an Isolated Incident
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Carnival has dealt with passenger violence. The cruise line has a history of handling unruly behavior, including a significant brawl in 2022 that reportedly stemmed from a personal dispute among passengers. These incidents highlight the challenge cruise lines face in maintaining order and safety among thousands of guests confined to a limited space for extended periods. While the vast majority of cruises conclude without incident, the visibility of such altercations on social media amplifies their impact.
What specifically triggered this extensive fight remains unclear, as neither Carnival nor law enforcement has released details about the cause. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly vacation dreams can turn into nightmares when tempers flare, and how permanent the consequences can be for those who fail to maintain appropriate behavior even as their journey comes to an end.
