Carnival Cruise Line Found Negligent in Over-Serving Alcohol to Passenger

Thu Apr 16 2026 20:48:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Miami federal jury awarded $300,000 to a former passenger after determining Carnival Cruise Line acted negligently by over-serving alcohol, leading to injuries.

In a significant jury ruling, Carnival Cruise Line was ordered to pay $300,000 to Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old nurse, after being found negligent for serving her over 14 shots of tequila before she suffered critical injuries from a fall. This case raises concerns about the implications of all-inclusive drink packages on passenger safety. Carnival plans to appeal the verdict. The case echoes broader issues surrounding alcohol service on cruise ships, exemplifying the delicate interplay between profit and responsibility in the hospitality industry.

MIAMI (AP) — A federal jury in South Florida has ruled that Carnival Cruise Line was negligent in serving a former passenger too much alcohol, awarding her $300,000. The plaintiff, Diana Sanders, 45, was found to have been served more than a dozen shots of tequila during her time on the Carnival Radiance, resulting in a severe fall that caused her significant injuries, including a possible traumatic brain injury.

Sanders’ attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, expressed pride in the outcome, acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals against large corporations like Carnival. According to him, this lawsuit has brought to light the potential dangers associated with all-inclusive drink packages, which may tempt excessive drinking while pressuring staff to prioritize tips over the guests' safety.

Carnival responded to the verdict, stating their disagreement with the jury's decision and indicating plans to appeal and seek a new trial. The incident occurred on January 5, 2024, when Sanders was allegedly served at least 14 shots between the afternoon and late evening. The timeline of the events suggests she fell between 11:45 p.m. and 12:20 a.m., resulting in various physical injuries, including serious concussions and bruises.

Evidently, evidence was presented to the jury regarding 30 minutes of missing surveillance footage from the time Sanders left the Casino bar until she was discovered unconscious in a crew-only area, raising further questions about accountability and safety on cruise ships.

This case is not an isolated incident in the cruise industry. A separate ongoing lawsuit involves a fiancée alleging wrongful death after her partner was reportedly served 33 alcoholic drinks before he died on a Royal Caribbean cruise, epitomizing a troubling trend regarding how alcohol is managed on vessels.