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Security officers eventually tried to intervene, but instead of immediately breaking it up, one guard was caught on video retreating and reaching for his radio. The hesitation only added to the sense of disorder as the fight raged on.
The footage, which continues to rack up views online, was first shared by passenger Mike Terra. His shocked reaction could be heard in the video: “Over chicken tenders is crazy.”
Speaking with the Daily Mail afterward, Terra suggested there might have been more behind the scuffle but admitted the argument “basically started over chicken tenders.” His Facebook post about the incident drew even more attention, where he wrote, “I always hear Carnival is ghetto/ratchet. I have been cruising for years, but this is my first time seeing some action on a ship I was on.”
WATCH:
Unfortunately for Carnival, this isn’t the first time its name has been tied to ugly onboard fights. Over the past year, several high-profile incidents have painted a troubling picture of life aboard the company’s ships.
Back in June, passengers witnessed another massive altercation — this time with chairs being hurled across the room as guests traded blows. That incident led to several passengers receiving lifetime bans.
In April, Carnival again made headlines after a separate brawl broke out during disembarkation from the Carnival Jubilee. According to USA Today, 24 passengers involved in that altercation were permanently banned from future cruises.
The company has since attempted to crack down on unruly behavior. In response to repeated episodes of violence, Carnival rolled out stricter rules — including a 1 a.m. curfew for passengers under 17 who are not accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.
Carnival also insists on maintaining a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding illegal substances, violence, and disruptive actions on board. The company stresses that it takes such matters seriously, but critics argue the repeated brawls suggest more needs to be done to keep passengers safe.
While many travelers continue to enjoy their time at sea without issue, the viral nature of these fights raises uncomfortable questions about whether Carnival has lost control of the party culture that often surrounds its brand. For some, the “fun ship” label is beginning to look more like a warning than a promise.
One thing is certain: no vacationer expects their trip to end in fists flying over a plate of chicken tenders. Yet as more of these incidents surface, Carnival may find itself fighting to salvage its reputation just as much as its passengers are fighting on board.
