A recent legal case has put Carnival Cruise Line in the spotlight, as a US jury has ordered the company to pay $300,000 in damages. This decision came after the jury found Carnival partially responsible for overserving alcohol to a passenger, Diana Sanders, who later sustained serious injuries onboard. Sanders, a 45-year-old from California, embarked on a three-night cruise aboard the Carnival Radiance from Long Beach to Mexico on 5th January 2024. She claimed she was served at least 14 tequila shots over an eight-hour period, leading to a fall on a stairway that evening. Her lawsuit, filed in November 2024, sought damages exceeding $75,000 and requested a jury trial. After a 17-month legal battle, the jury ruled in her favour, though both parties shared liability.
Details Of The Incident And Injuries
Court documents reveal that Sanders began drinking around 3 pm and continued until shortly after 11:30 pm when the accident occurred. While navigating the ship, she fell on a stairway, suffering multiple injuries. These included a concussion, headaches, a possible traumatic brain injury, back injuries, tailbone injuries, and bruising. The jury attributed 60% of the responsibility to Carnival, while Sanders was assigned 40% of the blame, acknowledging her personal accountability for her alcohol intake. Her lawyer, Spencer Aronfeld, highlighted broader issues within the cruise industry. He pointed out that prepaid drink packages might encourage passengers to overconsume. Additionally, he noted that servers, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are incentivised by tips to continue serving alcohol.
Questions Over Service And Accountability
The case has sparked debate over how alcohol service is managed on large cruise ships. Carnival Radiance, a vessel weighing over 101,000 gross tonnes, boasts eight bars and lounges, allowing passengers to be served by various crew members throughout the day. During the trial, it was revealed that Sanders could not pinpoint a specific bartender or venue responsible for overserving her. Moreover, there was no evidence to suggest she appeared visibly intoxicated, which would have warranted crew intervention. Although all purchases are tracked through a guest’s Sail & Sign account, it remains uncertain if bartenders consistently check a passenger’s previous orders before serving more drinks. High demand and long queues at onboard bars may complicate this process.
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