Galveston Terminal Brawl Lands 24 on No-Sail List

A large-scale fight erupted in the disembarkation area of the Galveston cruise terminal at the end of a seven-day Caribbean voyage aboard the Carnival Jubilee, resulting in 24 passengers being banned from future sailings on Carnival Cruise Line. The incident unfolded in late April under the oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Cruise Terminal 25, where arriving guests were awaiting passport checks and shuttle transfers. According to Carnival, multiple security officers and port police were required to break up the melee that broke out just as passengers were leaving the ship.

Carnival shared in an email statement that the Port of Galveston Police Department responded after “an altercation” began in the terminal building. CBP agents detained several individuals for questioning while local police took one person into custody and filed charges. “This matter has been turned over to law enforcement,” the cruise line told USA Today. “We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list.” Those placed on the no-sail list are formally prohibited from boarding any Carnival vessel going forward, even if they hold valid tickets.

CruiseMapper notes that Carnival Jubilee had just completed calls in Mexico and Honduras before docking in Galveston, during which passengers disembarked to explore ports of call. Although the root cause of the brawl has not been disclosed, Carnival’s code of conduct makes clear that any disruptive behavior affecting the safety or well-being of guests or crew can lead to ejection at the offender’s expense and a future sailing ban. Additional penalties may include confinement to one’s stateroom, fines up to $500, or financial liability for any costs incurred by the cruise line during the incident.

This dramatic terminal fight is not the only recent publicized altercation involving Carnival ships. In 2022, a barroom-style brawl aboard Carnival Magic drew the U.S. Coast Guard back to port after passengers scuffled through multiple decks and security struggled to restore order. More recently, in June 2024, video footage captured Carnival Paradise guests throwing chairs and trading punches at a buffet station, prompting swift action by shipboard security and local authorities at the next port.

Carnival’s vice president of guest services emphasized to Cruise Hive that the company takes a zero-tolerance approach to fights, verbal harassment, and any actions that undermine the fun, family-friendly atmosphere for which the line is known. Guests agree to uphold courteous conduct during the online check-in process, acknowledging that failure to do so may result in removal from the ship or disembarkation at the traveler’s own cost.

Local law enforcement officials confirmed in Galveston that several passengers suffered minor injuries and were treated at a nearby medical facility, though no life-threatening conditions were reported. Carnival Jubilee resumed its normal schedule after a brief delay in disembarkation and continued on to homeport maintenance. Carnival has not indicated whether affected guests will face civil penalties or restitution claims beyond the no-sail ban.

Travel advisors caution passengers to familiarize themselves with terminal procedures and shipboard rules, noting that incidents both on board and at port facilities can derail vacation plans and lead to unexpected legal entanglements. Carnival and other lines maintain extensive shore-to-ship security protocols, but the company underscores that personal responsibility and respect for fellow travelers remain the first line of defense against such disruptions.

As Carnival and Galveston authorities complete their investigations, the cruise industry will be watching closely to see whether new measures are implemented at embarkation and disembarkation points to prevent similar outbreaks. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most routine end-of-cruise procedures can turn chaotic without adherence to safety and conduct guidelines.

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