Carnival Cruise Lines has permanently banned two women from future voyages following a physical altercation aboard one of its ships. The incident, which occurred on the Carnival Spirit, resulted in both women facing simple assault charges in federal court.
Altercation Details
Lisa Horace, 51, and Tonya Nelson, 58, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bert Milling Jr. in Mobile, Alabama, on May 13, 2026, regarding the fight that took place on March 13. According to an FBI report cited by Fox 10, the confrontation began while Horace and her husband, Alfred, were queuing to settle their onboard expenses as the ship returned from Nassau, Bahamas, to Mobile.
Nelson allegedly told the couple they were in the wrong line. The Horaces attempted to ignore her, but Nelson placed her hand on Alfred's shoulder three times. In response, Lisa Horace extended her arm to prevent further contact. A heated argument ensued, during which Nelson expressed sympathy for Horace's husband. The FBI report states that Nelson then slapped Horace on the left side of her face, and Horace retaliated with a slap.
Horace later told authorities that she jumped on Nelson at one point, but described the event as a blur. Crew members intervened as Nelson attempted to kick Horace.
Legal Proceedings
Both women expressed regret. Nelson told authorities she felt like trash and believed both parties were in the wrong. Horace, however, sought to press charges. Following a review of surveillance footage and witness interviews, authorities issued simple assault tickets to both women.
During the court hearing, Nelson apologized, saying, “I’m sorry that we’re here.” Judge Milling informed them that the case would be dismissed if neither woman is arrested or contacts the other for three months. A final decision is scheduled for August 12.
Consequences
Both women have been banned from all Carnival Cruise Line trips and have lost their Diamond-member status. Nelson explained that she intervened because she had previously been embarrassed by standing in the wrong line and wanted to be helpful. The case underscores the cruise line's zero-tolerance policy toward physical altercations.
