2 women accused in Carnival cruise fight over line now facing federal charges

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 (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

MOBILE, Ala. - Two women who were passengers on a Carnival cruise are facing federal charges after a dispute in a shipboard line escalated into a physical altercation.

Dig deeper:

According to court documents obtained by FOX Television Stations, the incident happened March 13 as passengers returning from the Bahamas waited in line to settle their onboard accounts. 

Lisa Horace told investigators she and her husband were standing in line when another passenger, identified as Tonya Nelson, informed them they were in the wrong line because it was designated for "Diamond/Platinum members."

What they're saying:

Investigators said Horace initially ignored Nelson, but tensions escalated after Nelson repeatedly touched Horace’s husband on the shoulder. When Nelson reached out again, Horace stepped in to stop the contact.

The confrontation quickly became verbal. According to the filing, Nelson insulted Horace’s husband and threatened to slap her. After Horace told her to go ahead, Nelson slapped Horace, who then slapped her back. The fight intensified when Horace allegedly jumped on Nelson.

Court records say Nelson then attempted to kick Horace as Carnival employees rushed in to separate the women. Witnesses, including passengers and crew members, observed the altercation. Staff later escorted the women to another room to provide statements, and Horace told investigators she wanted to press charges.

The other side:

Nelson gave investigators a different account, saying she was only trying to help the couple after previously being embarrassed by standing in the wrong cruise line herself. She said she touched Horace’s husband on the shoulder while apologizing, but Horace blocked her from making contact again. Nelson said she believed Horace was about to hit her, prompting her to slap Horace first.

Nelson also claimed Horace later jumped on her back and grabbed her leg as she walked toward the Carnival counter, leading Nelson to kick in an attempt to get free. According to the filing, Nelson told investigators she regrets the incident and believes both women were at fault.

What's next:

Both women were issued federal citations for simple assault.

FOX Television has reached out to Carnival Cruise for comment.