A massive brawl erupted among passengers disembarking from the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship in Galveston, Texas, resulting in 24 individuals being permanently banned from future Carnival cruises and at least one person arrested.
Key Takeaways
- Over 20 passengers were involved in a violent altercation at the Galveston port terminal after a 7-day Caribbean cruise.
- Video footage of the fight went viral with over 1.2 million views, showing people kicking, punching, and screaming while security struggled to regain control.
- Carnival Cruise Line has placed 24 individuals on their permanent “Do Not Sail” list for their participation in the brawl.
- The incident occurred in the disembarkation area under U.S. Customs and Border Protection jurisdiction and has been referred to local law enforcement.
- Personal belongings and luggage were scattered throughout the terminal as passengers pushed past barriers during the chaos.
Chaos Erupts as Caribbean Vacation Ends
What should have been a routine disembarkation turned into a scene of chaos as passengers from the Carnival Jubilee returned to Galveston, Texas, following a week-long Caribbean cruise. The vessel had just completed a western Caribbean itinerary with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Roatán, Honduras. As travelers were exiting the ship and proceeding through the terminal, a violent confrontation broke out, quickly escalating into a full-scale brawl involving more than 20 individuals.
Viral videos of the incident show passengers pushing past barriers designed to maintain orderly disembarkation, then engaging in physical altercations. Security personnel attempted to intervene but struggled to contain the rapidly spreading fight. Children can be seen watching from a distance as adults engaged in punching and kicking. The footage reveals open suitcases and personal belongings scattered across the terminal floor, adding to the disorder as the brawl continued despite security efforts.
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 Response and Consequences
Carnival Cruise Line took immediate action following the incident, implementing one of their most severe penalties available. The company has permanently banned 24 passengers who participated in the brawl from all future cruises across their fleet. Unlike the federal No Fly List which applies across all commercial airlines, Carnival’s “Do Not Sail” list is specific to their cruise line, though the ban represents a significant consequence for those involved.
“We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list,” said a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson.
Beyond the cruise line’s penalties, the disturbance has triggered law enforcement involvement. Since the brawl occurred in the debarkation area, it fell under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Carnival confirmed that the matter has been referred to local police, and reports indicate that at least one person was arrested, though specific charges have not been disclosed to the public. The company emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior that affects other passengers’ safety and enjoyment.
History of Similar Incidents
While the scale of this brawl has captured significant attention, it is not without precedent in the cruise industry. Carnival has dealt with similar disturbances in the past, including a notable incident in 2022 involving another large-scale fight stemming from a personal dispute between passengers. These occurrences highlight ongoing challenges cruise lines face in managing passenger behavior, particularly as alcohol and close quarters can sometimes exacerbate tensions during vacations.
Social media reaction to the brawl has been overwhelmingly negative, with the viral video receiving extensive comments condemning the behavior. Many commenters expressed disbelief that adults would engage in such behavior following what should have been a relaxing vacation experience, particularly in front of children who were present in the terminal.
