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In a bizarre legal twist, a cruise passenger has been awarded €9,000 after being ejected from a sailing over an incident involving a glass of urine – a case that has sparked debate about cruise ship conduct, crew welfare, and contract law.

According to court proceedings in Düsseldorf, Germany, the unnamed man had been enjoying drinks at an onboard bar with two travel companions when the alleged misbehaviour occurred.

Witnesses claimed the man urinated into a glass and left it on the table.

Later, a crew member reported discovering the glass and noted a strong smell of urine. But the ship took no immediate action.

It wasn’t until three days later, at a port of call, that the man and his two fellow travellers were prevented from reboarding the vessel. The cruise line told them to arrange their own transport home.

Guests Removed Without Warning

Crucially, only one member of the group was alleged to have misbehaved, yet all three were expelled. There was no formal notice, hearing, or opportunity to respond to the accusation prior to their removal.

The man denied the incident entirely and decided to take the cruise line to court, claiming that his contractual rights as a paying guest had been violated.

The Düsseldorf court ultimately sided with the passenger, finding that:

• The cruise line’s guest conduct policy only permitted removal for violent, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour
• The urination incident, while undeniably unpleasant and inappropriate, did not meet the contractual threshold for removal
• No official warning or due process was given before the guests were barred from returning

The cruise line was ordered to:

• Refund the cost of the cruise for the missed days
• Reimburse travel costs incurred for flights and taxis
• Compensate the man’s companions, as he had booked on their behalf

In total, the court awarded €9,000 (approximately £7,500/$10,000).

Was the Cruise Line Wrong? Public Opinion Is Divided

While the man won the legal case, cruise enthusiasts and hospitality workers have expressed frustration over the outcome.

Many commenters argued that forcing a crew member to handle bodily fluids should be considered abusive behaviour, even if it doesn’t involve physical violence.

“Expecting the crew to clean up your bodily fluids is abusive. That’s a health risk and completely unacceptable.”

“He might have escaped legal punishment, but this is absolutely grounds for being banned for life from the cruise line.”

Cruisers react on social media

Lessons for Cruise Travellers and Cruise Lines

This ruling highlights how important precise wording in guest contracts can be – and how delays in enforcement or procedural missteps can lead to unintended legal consequences.

For cruise lines:

• Clear, consistent protocols are essential when addressing guest misconduct
• Immediate action and documentation help to avoid future disputes

For guests:

• Behaving respectfully and within social norms is not optional
• Even if consequences aren’t immediate, cruise lines are watching

In this case, it appears the accused passenger may have avoided consequences not because he was innocent – but because the letter of the contract didn’t support the cruise line’s enforcement actions.

Whether or not justice was truly served remains a topic of debate.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

More changes are afoot for Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, as Carnival Conquest becomes the latest ship to have its dry dock rescheduled, resulting in multiple cruise cancellations. Guests booked on…

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More changes are afoot for Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, as Carnival Conquest becomes the latest ship to have its dry dock rescheduled, resulting in multiple cruise cancellations.

Guests booked on sailings between 5th January and 26th January 2026 have now been notified that their voyages will no longer go ahead.

The impacted cruises, which were 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries from Miami, included calls to Princess Cays, Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key – the line’s soon-to-open private destination.

“We have had to reschedule Carnival Conquest’s dry dock to January 2026, and we are sorry to inform you that the above cruises, including yours, have been cancelled.”

Carnival email to guests

Options for Affected Guests

Guests whose sailings have been cancelled are being offered the following:

• Rebooking on a comparable sailing of equal or shorter duration (not limited to Carnival Conquest)
• Price protection in a similar stateroom category
• $50 onboard credit per person (up to $100 per stateroom)
• Reimbursement for up to $200 per person in non-refundable flight change fees (with documentation)
• Full refund of cruise fare and pre-purchased items if choosing not to rebook (processed after 10th June 2025)

This mirrors the compensation offered to guests affected by recent rescheduling of Carnival Magic and Carnival Horizon dry docks.

Carnival has not disclosed the exact reason for moving the dry dock, though such adjustments are typically due to factors like:

• Shipyard availability
• Material or labour delays
• Changes in fleet deployment plans

Originally, a dry dock for Carnival Conquest appeared to be scheduled for mid-August to late September 2025, based on gaps in the booking calendar. That has now likely shifted to January 2026.

Will New Cruises Replace the Cancelled Ones?

While no replacement sailings have been announced yet, it’s entirely possible Carnival could take a similar approach as it did with Carnival Magic, which saw:

• New cruises added after dry dock changes
• A high-profile sailing with brand ambassador John Heald added to the November schedule
• Casino offer cruises introduced – which are adults-only by default, but not a broader trend toward adult-only cruising

If Carnival opens up new voyages for Carnival Conquest during the now-free January dates, they may also fall into one of these categories – or simply be affordable short getaways offered at attractive prices.

If you were booked on one of the cancelled cruises, check your email for Carnival’s notification and carefully review your options. Whether you choose to:

• Rebook with added perks
• Accept a full refund
• Explore other Carnival ships and itineraries

The cruise line is encouraging prompt action to secure the best availability for alternative sailings.

As Carnival continues to fine-tune its deployment schedules and dry dock plans, guests are reminded to keep an eye on their booking emails and apps for updates – especially if sailing during transitional periods in the fleet’s calendar.

Related Posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

In a bizarre legal twist, a cruise passenger has been awarded €9,000 after being ejected from a sailing over an incident involving a glass of urine – a case that…

According to guests on social media, a violent altercation broke out at Coco Cay’s Chill Island, disrupting the serene atmosphere for many cruisers. The incident, which involved a confrontation in…

A young British couple’s attempt to dodge their cruise bill ended with handcuffs at the Ibiza airport, after they allegedly forced their way off a ship with more than €3,196…

A guest sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has fallen victim to a costly scam that saw nearly $20,000 stolen, after being duped by a caller posing as an NCL…

According to guests on social media, a violent altercation broke out at Coco Cay’s Chill Island, disrupting the serene atmosphere for many cruisers.

The incident, which involved a confrontation in the water, was quickly addressed by island security after several punches were thrown and tensions escalated among guests.

The altercation – shared on Reddit – reportedly began when a group in the over-the-water cabanas on the island became increasingly vocal about other guests floating too close to their designated “cabana zone.”

According to witnesses, guests in the area were urged by lifeguards to stay clear of the section marked off for cabana use, as the tide was pushing them into the restricted area.

Most people complied, but a confrontation arose when a man allegedly floated into the area, leading to an aggressive exchange.

One of the men in the cabanas reportedly shouted at the man to leave the area. Tensions flared when a woman in the cabana yelled at the lifeguard to “do his job” after the man was not immediately removed.

Things took a violent turn when the two men from the cabana zone entered the water and began pushing the bald man, allegedly attempting to drag him under.

Victim Supported By Onlookers

In response, the man started throwing punches to protect himself.

As the altercation continued, the situation escalated further when one of the cabana group members threw the bald man’s hat at him, prompting more verbal insults and taunts.

The bickering and mockery from the group in the cabanas added fuel to the fire.

Witnesses claim that the crowd at the cabanas taunted the men involved in the fight, shouting derogatory comments and attempting to incite more violence.

Island security, along with jet-ski lifeguards, intervened quickly to break up the fight. They proceeded to question everyone involved in the altercation on the beach.

Despite the disturbance, many witnesses voiced their support for the man who had been attacked, with one person describing how a large number of onlookers spoke to security, condemning the behaviour of the group in the cabanas.

The situation did not end there, as there were reports that the men involved in the fight were allowed to remain on the island, much to the dismay of some onlookers.

“I hope you see this and know EVERYONE on that beach had you back,” one Reddit user wrote in support of the man.

Another visitor noted that the group from the cabanas was allowed to stay, despite their aggressive behaviour. There were rumours that they would be escorted off the ship at the next port, although this has yet to be confirmed.

The altercation has sparked discussions online about the entitlement displayed by some guests who pay for premium experiences like cabanas.

Some users expressed disbelief that people would behave as though they “owned” parts of the beach due to their purchase. One commenter shared, “Apparently that group at the cabanas didn’t understand that money can’t buy you class… or make you less of an a**hole.”

Despite the disruption, many expressed that the rest of their time on the island was enjoyable, with one user stating, “We had an amazing vacation and loved every moment of it – but this was truly a dagger in the side after a long day.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and consideration for fellow guests, especially on a shared vacation experience.

While premium experiences like cabanas can enhance the holiday, it’s clear that everyone, regardless of their spending, should share the island space peacefully.

Related Posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

A young British couple’s attempt to dodge their cruise bill ended with handcuffs at the Ibiza airport, after they allegedly forced their way off a ship with more than €3,196…

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A young British couple’s attempt to dodge their cruise bill ended with handcuffs at the Ibiza airport, after they allegedly forced their way off a ship with more than €3,196 (£2,730 / $3,630 USD) in unpaid charges.

The pair – an 18-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man – were arrested by the Spanish National Police on Wednesday 21st May 2025, following an island-wide search after their hasty disembarkation.

While their identities and the cruise line involved have not been publicly confirmed, only MSC Grandiosa and Costa Toscana were docked in Ibiza at the time, both operating week-long Western Mediterranean itineraries.

The couple reportedly pushed and shoved crew members in their attempt to get off the ship quickly without paying their bill – likely consisting of a bar tab and other onboard expenses.

“Police called to the scene interviewed crew members who told them the alleged offenders had tried to push their way off the ship in their attempts to abandon the vessel,” said a police spokesperson.

While no damage or injuries were reported, the pair were quickly tracked down and arrested at the Ibiza airport.

Charges are now pending, including fraud and unauthorised departure, and it is likely they will face prosecution in Spain.

How Do Cruise Bills Work – And What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Every cruise guest has an onboard account linked to their cabin, which tracks all purchases made during the voyage. This can include:

• Alcohol and drinks
• Shore excursions
• Speciality dining
• Spa treatments
• Gratuities
• Shop purchases
• WiFi and premium services

Most travellers link their accounts to a credit or debit card, allowing for automatic settlement at the end of the cruise. Some guests, however, choose to use cash, which requires a deposit in advance and top-ups if they exceed the original limit.

Cruise lines closely monitor spending. If a guest approaches or exceeds their credit limit or cash deposit, they are usually contacted mid-cruise and asked to update their payment method.

If they don’t, their account may be frozen, preventing further charges until resolved.

In theory, guests cannot disembark without settling their accounts. However, in busy ports or during high-volume disembarkation, it may be possible to slip through unnoticed – but cruise lines do track down those who try.

Guests who leave an unpaid bill may face:

• Fines and legal action
• Arrest, particularly in ports with strict financial fraud laws
• Being banned from future sailings
• Referral to debt collectors or legal claims in their home country

If the balance goes unpaid due to genuine financial hardship or misunderstanding, cruise lines may offer payment plans or other support. But wilful attempts to flee – like this couple’s – leave little room for sympathy.

How to Avoid Bill Shock at Sea

Keeping tabs on your onboard spending is simple on most cruises:

• Use the cruise line’s app or stateroom TV to monitor charges
• Ask guest services for a printed statement
• Set a personal daily spending limit to avoid surprises
• Assign a dedicated credit card for cruise travel

It’s also worth noting that if there’s an error – such as being charged for someone else’s drinks – most guest services teams are happy to correct it, provided it’s flagged before disembarkation.

Trying to sneak off a cruise ship without paying may sound like a plot from a heist movie – but in the real world, the consequences are steep, and security is tight.

This couple’s costly decision is a stark reminder: cruise tabs are best settled before setting foot ashore.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Carnival Splendor became a floating lifeline this week after diverting course to rescue four sailors and three dogs from a disabled catamaran adrift south of New Caledonia.

The Sydney-based cruise ship was midway through an 8-night sailing to Vanuatu and New Caledonia when it received a distress call on 23rd May 2025.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Noumea relayed the message, and the ship quickly changed course to assist the stranded vessel.

After a five-hour journey, the 113,600-gross-ton cruise ship reached the catamaran and welcomed the four human passengers – including two Australian bloggers and two friends who had recently joined their voyage – along with their canine companions: two French bulldogs and a miniature husky.

Despite the dogs not fitting the cruise line’s usual pet policy, Carnival made no hesitation in bringing all lives aboard.

“All four people and the three dogs were safely welcomed onto Carnival Splendor and are receiving food, water and medical assistance,” said Carnival Cruise Line Australia in a statement.

The catamaran reportedly suffered engine failure and a broken mast due to bad weather while en route to Fiji, forcing the group to call for emergency help.

Cruise Itinerary Unaffected

Carnival Splendor’s good deed has not disrupted its itinerary. The ship is still expected to call at Mystery Island on Friday, 23 May, and Noumea on Saturday, 24th May, as originally scheduled.

The rescued group will disembark in Noumea, and the ship will return to Sydney on Tuesday, 27th May.

Based year-round in Sydney, Carnival Splendor offers itineraries ranging from short getaways to extended adventures across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the South Pacific.

While maritime rescues are part of standard emergency protocol for cruise ships, rescues involving pets are much rarer – but not unprecedented.

In January 2024, Harmony of the Seas rescued six fishermen and their dog off the coast of Mexico.

Later that year, in November 2024, Voyager of the Seas picked up a stranded family and their dog near Marrakesh, Morocco.

And in January 2025, harbour pilots in Tampa Bay rescued two sailors and their dog whose boat capsized in a cruise ship’s wake.

It’s important to note that pets are not allowed on standard Carnival sailings. The only exception is for fully trained service dogs, which are permitted with prior approval and documentation.

When service animals do travel onboard, special potty areas and access to public spaces are provided to ensure the dog’s safety and comfort.

However, rescues at sea are a different matter. Cruise ships will always prioritise the protection of life – human or animal – during emergencies.

And for those who dream of cruising with their four-legged friends, there’s good news on the horizon: Margaritaville at Sea is planning a dog-friendly cruise in partnership with Cruise Tails, offering regulated and pet-focused experiences at sea.

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A celebratory cruise turned into a devastating ordeal for 22-year-old Hannah Smith, who is now fighting for her life after a horrific ferry accident near Nassau, Bahamas.

Smith, a recent graduate from Miles College in Alabama, had set sail aboard Carnival Sunrise in May 2025 to mark her academic success – but the trip ended in tragedy.

Smith and her long-time friend Brooklyn Pitre had spent the day enjoying Pearl Island, a popular private destination just off the coast of Nassau.

As they were returning to the cruise port aboard a ferry with other passengers, Hannah somehow fell overboard – and into the vessel’s propellers.

“She just made the face like somebody fell… like, I’m in the water. But she didn’t look distraught. And then she disappeared,” Pitre recalled in an interview with WREG.

What followed was a desperate effort by Pitre and another woman onboard to pull her friend from the water – only to find it filled with blood from severe lower body injuries.

Tragic Circumstances and Swift Response

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the young woman sustained critical injuries after coming into contact with the ferry’s propellers while it was docking.

The captain reportedly placed the engines into neutral immediately, but the damage had already been done.

“The victim is alleged to have entered the water from a vessel she was a passenger on while it was attempting to dock,” police said in a statement. “She sustained serious injuries to her lower body, caused by the vessel’s propeller.”

Smith was rushed to hospital in Nassau, where she underwent two emergency surgeries. On 14th May, she was airlifted back to the United States for further treatment.

According to her family, she has now undergone at least six surgeries and remains in critical condition, facing what will likely be a long and difficult recovery.

While early police reports raised questions about whether Smith may have jumped and whether alcohol played a role, her family insists otherwise.

“Hannah was not intoxicated. She fell from the boat. It’s hurtful to say she jumped because she did not,” her mother, Tracy Smith, said in a public statement. “Were they drunk? No. Did she jump? No. Are we completely aware of what happened? No.”

Her father, Marvin Smith, also said medical staff in Nassau found Hannah to be “coherent” and “not inebriated” when she arrived at the hospital, further casting doubt on speculation surrounding the incident.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Hannah’s medical care, with a fundraising goal of $250,000. The family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support as they remain focused on her recovery.

As for the accident itself, the Royal Bahamas Police Force is continuing its investigation to determine how the fall occurred and whether any safety protocols were breached. It remains unclear whether any legal action will follow.

Carnival Sunrise, a Sunshine-class ship with capacity for over 2,900 guests, has not issued a public statement about the incident at this time.

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A simple miscommunication turned into a frustrating – and expensive – surprise for one couple on a Holland America Line cruise, after they were charged $800 for a whale watching shore excursion they never agreed to pay for.

The incident occurred during a January 2025 sailing to Baja California, Mexico.

Gabriele, one of the affected guests, told The New York Times that she and her partner were initially placed on the waitlist for the popular $400-per-person activity, with the understanding they’d be notified by email and given 72 hours to confirm their spot if space became available.

But with no communication received before the cruise, the couple assumed they hadn’t made the cut – and instead booked a similar tour through a private vendor.

That assumption came to a screeching halt shortly after the cruise began, when the couple discovered a note on their cabin door informing them that they had been added to the excursion.

The problem? Their card had already been charged – and it was too late to cancel their private booking.

To make matters worse, the shore excursion desk was closed at the time, and by the next morning, staff told them they had missed a 48-hour cancellation window – despite never confirming their participation in the first place.

“We had never agreed to the purchase,” Gabriele explained. “Appealing to the manager did not help, nor did a 53-minute call to guest relations after the cruise.”

Refund Denied – Until The Media Stepped In

Initially, Holland America Line declined to reverse the charge. But after The New York Times reached out to the cruise line on the couple’s behalf, the situation was reviewed again – and resolved in the guests’ favour.

“This was our error, and we apologise for the mistake,” said spokesperson Jeanine Takala, confirming the couple had been issued a full refund.

Takala explained that once onboard, communication regarding waitlisted excursions is handled through the Navigator App and paper letters in cabins – not via email.

However, only Gabriele’s partner had downloaded the app, and it appears they either missed the notification or misunderstood it.

In response to the confusion, Holland America Line announced an important update to its excursion waitlist policy as of 17th May 2025.

Guests who are waitlisted for shore excursions will now receive onboard notifications when space becomes available and will have only 24 hours (or less, depending on the timing of the tour) to accept or decline the offer.

If they don’t respond, the spot will go to the next person on the waitlist – and no charge will be applied unless the guest explicitly accepts.

This ensures that guests are not unknowingly charged and also gives others on the waitlist a fair chance to participate.

Although the couple’s experience ended with a refund, their story serves as a reminder for all cruise guests: download and use the ship’s app, check cabin notices daily, and always double-check the terms of waitlist policies once onboard.

While Holland America Line corrected the situation in this case and improved its process, it’s a good idea for passengers across all cruise lines to stay alert to avoid similar costly surprises.

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Two very lucky cruise guests managed to avoid being stranded in port after being rescued by the local port authorities.

TikToker Claire Stoddard (@clairestoddard0) shared the ordeal in a now-viral video that has garnered over 321,000 views since it was posted on 15 May 2025.

The short clip shows Stoddard and her friend on a small port authority boat approaching a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, with overlaid text reading: “POV: You miss your cruise by 30 minutes and start planning your new life at the port. Just as all hope is lost… Port Authority pulls up like: Get in. We’re saving your vacation.”

In a follow-up video posted the next day, Stoddard explained what went wrong.

She and her friend had misread the ship’s printed itinerary, mistaking the departure time for the final boarding time.

“We saw 8:30 pm on the little printed schedule handout. So we were like: Cool! Be there by 8:30 pm,” she said.

The pair arrived at the port at 8:15 pm, only to discover they had missed the last tender back to the ship – and that the area was completely deserted.

Stoddard and her friend were sailing on a 7-night Greek itinerary, and while they didn’t confirm the exact ship, it’s likely they were on board Norwegian Pearl, which operates similar sailings each spring.

Dubrovnik is a tender port, meaning ships must anchor offshore and ferry passengers to and from the town via smaller boats. Once the final tender departs, there’s usually no way back without a major logistical effort – or divine intervention.

A Rescue Against the Odds

In what can only be described as a stroke of luck, port authority officials noticed the stranded pair.

One officer attempted to help by contacting someone on board to retrieve their passports, which had been locked in their cabin safe.

Surprisingly, crew members were able to deliver the passports, and a second official soon arrived with a boat to ferry the guests back to the cruise ship.

The pair boarded via a crew gangway and were escorted directly to the captain.

While many would expect disciplinary action or even denial of re-entry, the guests were let off with a warning – and a story they’ll never forget.

A Lesson in Tender Port Timing

This story stands out because it breaks the usual narrative. Most guests who miss the final boarding time are left behind and must make costly arrangements to catch up or return home.

Cruise lines typically stress the importance of returning well before the posted final boarding time.

It’s generally recommended that guests return at least 30–60 minutes early to allow for unexpected delays – especially in tender ports where weather or logistics can affect transport.

Had this been a port with no sympathetic officials or if the ship had already weighed anchor, the outcome could have been very different.

“We’ll Never Make That Mistake Again”

Commenters on TikTok were stunned by the pair’s luck. “As a travel agent, I’m disappointed you missed it but impressed that you made it on,” wrote one viewer. “This is so rare, we need to know more,” added another.

Stoddard acknowledged her gratitude to the Croatian port authority and Norwegian Cruise Line for the unexpected second chance, saying they’ll never cut it that close again.

While this ended in relief rather than regret, it’s a cautionary tale for cruise travellers everywhere: don’t just check your itinerary – double check the tender schedule.

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A Western Mediterranean cruise aboard Costa Toscana ended in heartbreak for one family, as a two-year-old boy tragically died mid-voyage between Civitavecchia and Savona.

The young child, travelling with his parents, collapsed unexpectedly on board the 6,554-guest cruise ship on the evening of 17th May or early morning of 18th May 2025.

Despite the best efforts of the ship’s medical team, the toddler could not be revived, even after hours of emergency care.

Italian news outlet Notizie reported that the boy appeared to be in good health and had been playing when he suddenly collapsed.

His parents, Chinese nationals residing in France, later shared that he had undergone heart surgery in the past.

While they believed he was recovering well, early indications suggest he may have suffered a fatal cardiac event linked to a pre-existing condition.

While it is not confirmed whether a medical evacuation was requested, there was no interception by a rescue aircraft during the voyage.

The ship’s medical centre would have been well-equipped with advanced emergency equipment, including defibrillators, oxygen, and cardiac monitors.

Sadly, even with swift and professional intervention, the child could not be saved.

The parents were given a private space to remain with their son until the ship arrived in Savona at approximately 8:30 am on 18th May.

Authorities Board in Savona

Upon arrival, local authorities boarded Costa Toscana to conduct standard investigations, which occur any time there is a death at sea.

Interviews were held with the family, medical personnel, and any witnesses to the event. The child’s body was removed from the vessel and will be repatriated to France.

While the family’s holiday ended in unimaginable sorrow, the itinerary for the ship and her other guests remained unchanged.

The cruise line has not released an official statement, and out of respect for their privacy, the family has not been publicly identified.

Another Loss at Sea on the Same Weekend

This tragic news comes just as Princess Cruises confirmed the sudden death of one of its most experienced captains.

Captain Michele Bartolomei passed away from a medical emergency aboard Diamond Princess on 19 May, while the ship was docked overnight in Keelung, Taiwan.

Captain Bartolomei was nearing 30 years of service with Princess Cruises and was widely respected by his colleagues and guests alike.

His passing was announced to passengers the next morning.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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