Home / Crime and Justice / Cruise Chaos: Slap Fight Leads to Lifetime Ban
Cruise Chaos: Slap Fight Leads to Lifetime Ban
15 May
Summary
- Two women faced charges after a physical dispute on a cruise ship.
- Carnival banned them and revoked their top-tier loyalty status.
- A final court decision regarding the assault charges is pending.
Two women, Lisa Horace, 51, and Tonya Nelson, 58, faced federal court on Wednesday following a physical dispute that occurred on a Carnival Spirit cruise ship. The confrontation reportedly began when Nelson approached Horace and her husband regarding their placement in a line for settling cruise accounts.
According to court documents, the argument intensified after Nelson allegedly touched Horace's husband multiple times, leading to a physical exchange between the two women. Bystanders witnessed the incident, and Carnival staff intervened to separate them.
Beyond the legal ramifications, the incident resulted in significant consequences from Carnival Cruise Line. Both Horace and Nelson have been permanently banned from all Carnival cruises and stripped of their Diamond member status, the pinnacle of Carnival's VIFP loyalty program. Achieving Diamond status requires a substantial commitment, typically involving 200 sail days.
During the court proceedings, Tonya Nelson expressed her regret, stating, "I'm just sorry that we're here." Her attorney, Buzz Jordan, suggested the incident was a result of crowded conditions on the ship and hoped Carnival would reconsider their ban. A final decision in the case is slated for August 12th.
