Cruise Line to Pay $300,000 After Serving Intoxicated Passenger Who Fell

A California woman has been awarded a $300,000 settlement from Carnival Cruise Line after a night of heavy drinking aboard the Radiance ended in a serious fall. The case, first reported by People, was resolved in 2026, though the incident occurred in November 2024.

Diana Sanders, a 45-year-old nurse, alleged that crew members served her alcohol at six different ship bars over the course of an evening, even as she showed clear signs of intoxication. According to court documents, Sanders was slurring her words, swaying, and stuttering. The night concluded when she attempted to walk down a staircase, fell, and sustained significant injuries including a concussion, traumatic brain injury, and damage to her spine and tailbone.

In her lawsuit, Sanders argued the cruise line violated its duty of care by continuing to serve her. The court agreed, finding her claim justified. The ruling underscores the legal responsibility of hospitality providers, even in international waters, to monitor guest intoxication.

This case follows other recent incidents involving passenger safety on cruise ships, highlighting ongoing discussions about accountability at sea.