GALVESTON, Texas — A disembarkation process turned chaotic at the Galveston Cruise Terminal on Saturday, April 26, when a violent fight broke out among passengers of the Carnival Jubilee. The cruise ship had just returned from a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage.
The incident occurred in the luggage pickup area, where video footage captured a group of individuals assaulting at least two other passengers.
The brawl, which unfolded in front of children and other bystanders, escalated rapidly, moving toward the customs entrance. Security personnel intervened but initially struggled to restore order; one officer was reportedly shoved with considerable force.
Carnival Cruise Line responded by placing 24 guests involved in the altercation on its “Do Not Sail” list, effectively banning them from future cruises with the company. A spokesperson stated, “The incident occurred in the debarkation area under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The matter has been turned over to law enforcement. We will not tolerate such behavior.”
The identities of those involved have not been released, and no arrests or injuries have been publicly reported. However, the Port of Galveston Police Department, which has jurisdiction over the terminal, is expected to handle any legal proceedings.
Passengers also reported that two other fights occurred on Decks 4 and 10 during the cruise, with the Deck 10 incident allegedly resulting in property damage. It remains unclear whether these events are connected to the terminal altercation.
Carnival Cruise Line enforces a strict code of conduct, requiring guests to acknowledge and commit to behavior guidelines during the check-in process. Violations can result in fines up to $500, confinement to staterooms, or removal from the ship at the guest’s expense. The company has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers and crew.