Floating Fisticuffs Results In Dozens Of Lifetime Bans and Arrests

A massive brawl erupted during disembarkation from the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship in Galveston, Texas, resulting in 24 passengers being permanently banned from the cruise line and at least one arrest as security struggled to contain the chaos.

Quick Takes

A violent fight broke out among passengers disembarking from Carnival Jubilee in Galveston on April 26, 2025
Carnival has permanently banned 24 individuals involved in the incident from sailing with the cruise line again
Video footage shows passengers breaking through barriers and engaging in physical altercations in the customs area
Port of Galveston Police responded to the scene, resulting in at least one arrest
The cause of the brawl remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation

Chaos Erupts During Cruise Ship Disembarkation

What should have been a routine end to a Caribbean vacation turned into mayhem on April 26 when a large brawl broke out among passengers disembarking from the Carnival Jubilee in Galveston, Texas. Video footage of the incident has since spread across social media, showing dozens of passengers shoving past barriers and engaging in physical altercations in the customs area. The ship was returning from a Caribbean cruise that included stops in Mexico and Honduras when the violence erupted in the terminal building.

The disturbance occurred in the debarkation area that falls under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Security personnel attempted to intervene as passengers pushed through barriers, threw punches, and in one particularly chaotic moment, sent a man tumbling to the ground amidst scattered luggage. Despite their efforts, the security guards were initially unable to control the situation as the commotion continued throughout the debarkation area.

Carnival’s Swift and Severe Response

Carnival Cruise Line wasted no time in addressing the incident, implementing immediate and serious consequences for those involved. In a clear demonstration of their zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior, the cruise line has permanently banned 24 individuals who participated in the brawl. This decisive action underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining safety and order for all passengers across their fleet.

“The incident occurred in the debarkation area under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” said a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson.

The cruise line further emphasized their position by stating, “We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list.” This permanent ban means these individuals will never be permitted to book a cruise with Carnival again, a significant penalty for those who may have previously enjoyed cruising as a vacation option.

Law Enforcement Takes Control

The Port of Galveston Police Department responded to what they described as “an altercation” at Cruise Terminal 25. Several individuals were detained by Customs and Border Protection officers following the incident. At least one person was arrested and charged by port police, though specific details about the charges have not been fully disclosed. The investigation has now been turned over to law enforcement authorities who are reviewing the incident.

“It went down this morning,” reported witness Trelle Ray, who captured some of the chaos on video.

The cause of the fight remains unclear, with neither Carnival nor law enforcement officials specifying what triggered the brawl. Investigators are likely reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to determine how the situation escalated so dramatically. This incident follows a previous fight aboard the Carnival Paradise in June 2024, raising questions about passenger behavior and security protocols during cruise embarkation and disembarkation processes.