Carnival Cruise Line Ordered to Pay $300,000 After Overserving Passenger

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 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 some stairs and suffered a possible traumatic brain injury. The 45-year-old nurse from California filed the lawsuit after the 2024 incident aboard the Carnival Radiance cruise ship.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of all-inclusive drink packages on cruise ships, which can encourage excessive alcohol consumption and pressure underpaid servers to prioritize tips over passenger safety. It also raises questions about cruise line liability for intoxicated passengers and the adequacy of onboard security and surveillance.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Sanders was served at least 14 shots of tequila between approximately 2:58 p.m. and 11:37 p.m. on January 5, 2024. She experienced a fall sometime between 11:45 p.m. and 12:20 a.m. that caused her to suffer a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury, back injuries, tailbone injuries, and bruising. Jurors were presented with evidence of 30 minutes of missing surveillance video from the time Sanders left the Casino bar until she was found unconscious in a crew-only area.

• On January 5, 2024, Sanders was served at least 14 shots of tequila between approximately 2:58 p.m. and 11:37 p.m.
• Sanders experienced a fall sometime between 11:45 p.m. and 12:20 a.m. on January 5, 2024.

What’s next

Carnival Corporation has stated it will pursue a new trial and appeal the verdict.