Cruise Passenger Awarded Rs 3 Crore After Being Served 14 Tequila Shots In A Day

A US cruise passenger has been awarded $300,000 (approximately ₹2.79 crore) after a jury found that she was overserved alcohol during a Carnival cruise, leading to a serious fall and a possible traumatic brain injury. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Diana Sanders, who accused Carnival Corp of negligence in alcohol service onboard its ship, according to People magazine. Sanders alleged that Carnival staff served her 14 shots of tequila in a single day, despite visible signs that she was intoxicated.

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Details Of The Overservice Allegation

According to People, court filings showed that Sanders consumed the tequila over several hours while onboard the cruise. The lawsuit alleged that bartenders continued serving alcohol without intervening or limiting service. The filings reviewed by the publication described Sanders as “visibly intoxicated” while drinks were still being served, forming a central argument in the negligence claim.

The Incident And Medical Concerns

Representational Photo: Pexels

The lawsuit stated that Sanders later fell and hit her head while on the ship. Medical evaluations raised concerns about a possible traumatic brain injury, which the filings described as serious and potentially long‑term. The injury led to ongoing physical and neurological symptoms that significantly impacted Sanders' daily life.

Jury Verdict And Compensation

After reviewing the evidence, a jury ruled in Sanders' favour and awarded $300,000 in damages, equivalent to ₹27,924,000. According to People, the award was meant to cover medical costs, pain and suffering, and long‑term consequences connected to the injury. The filings argued that cruise ship staff are trained to monitor guest consumption and intervene when necessary - obligations the lawsuit said were not met in this case.

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As reported by USA Today, Carnival acknowledged the jury's decision but did not admit liability. The company said it maintains onboard alcohol service policies and reviews incidents involving passenger safety.

The verdict has drawn renewed attention to alcohol service practices on cruise ships, particularly drink packages that allow multiple alcoholic servings within short periods.