A jury in Florida has ordered Carnival Corporation to pay US$300,000 to a California woman after she was served at least 14 tequila shots aboard the Carnival Radiance before suffering a serious fall.
Diana Sanders, a nurse from Vacaville, consumed the drinks over roughly eight and a half hours using an all inclusive package. Court documents said she became visibly intoxicated, showing signs like slurred speech and unsteady movement, yet continued to be served. Shortly before midnight, she fell down stairs and was later found unconscious, suffering injuries including a concussion and possible brain trauma.
A jury found Carnival 60 per cent responsible and Sanders 40 per cent at fault, awarding more than the $250,000 initially sought. The case has reignited debate around alcohol sales on cruise ships, which make up a significant share of onboard revenue. Carnival has said it plans to appeal the verdict.
