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Vacaville Today
By the People, for the People
Carnival Cruise Line Ordered to Pay $300K After Overserving Passenger
A Miami federal jury found the cruise line negligent in serving a woman 14 shots of tequila before her fall and injury.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:09pm
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A shattered glass and spilled tequila bottle symbolize the legal and safety consequences for cruise lines that fail to responsibly manage alcohol consumption on board.Vacaville TodayA Miami federal jury has ordered Carnival Cruise Line to pay $300,000 to a former passenger, Diana Sanders, after finding the company negligent in serving her at least 14 shots of tequila before she fell down stairs and suffered a possible traumatic brain injury. Sanders' attorney said the case highlights the dangers of all-inclusive drink packages that encourage excessive consumption.
Why it matters
This case raises concerns about cruise lines' alcohol policies and the responsibility they have to ensure passenger safety, especially when offering unlimited drink packages. It also comes amid a separate ongoing lawsuit against Royal Caribbean over a passenger's death after being overserved alcohol.
The details
According to the lawsuit, Sanders was a passenger aboard the Carnival Radiance on January 5, 2024, when she was served at least 14 shots of tequila between 2:58 p.m. and 11:37 p.m. She then experienced a fall sometime between 11:45 p.m. and 12:20 a.m., suffering a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury, back injuries, tailbone injuries, and bruising. Sanders' attorney said jurors were presented with evidence of 30 minutes of missing surveillance video from the time she left the Casino bar until she was found unconscious in a crew-only area.
- On January 5, 2024, Sanders was a passenger aboard the Carnival Radiance.
- Between 2:58 p.m. and 11:37 p.m., Sanders was served at least 14 shots of tequila.
- Between 11:45 p.m. and 12:20 a.m., Sanders experienced a fall that caused her injuries.
The players
Diana Sanders
A 45-year-old nurse from Vacaville, California, who was a passenger aboard the Carnival Radiance.
Carnival Cruise Line
The cruise line that was found negligent in serving Sanders excessive alcohol before her fall and injury.
Spencer Aronfeld
The attorney representing Diana Sanders in the case against Carnival Cruise Line.
What’s next
Carnival Corporation has stated it will pursue a new trial and appeal the verdict.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for cruise lines to re-evaluate their alcohol policies and practices to ensure passenger safety, especially when offering all-inclusive drink packages that can incentivize overservice. It also underscores the legal risks cruise lines face if they fail to properly monitor and limit alcohol consumption on board.
