An Easter weekend shore excursion turned into a dramatic scene in Nassau, Bahamas, when a Carnival cruise guest had to be physically removed from a ferry after allegedly refusing to disembark when it was discovered she had no wristband.
The incident occurred during a port call from Carnival Glory, which is currently operating 3- and 4-night itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Among the most popular excursions from Nassau is a trip to Blue Lagoon Island – a private beach and marine encounter destination just three miles offshore, accessible only by pre-booked ferry.
To access the island, guests must book through Carnival Cruise Line and wear a designated wristband as proof of purchase.
However, one woman reportedly boarded the ferry without the required wristband and refused to leave when caught – causing a delay that lasted over 90 minutes.
TikTok Captures the Mayhem
Footage of the encounter, posted to TikTok by user @heyitscrystaltoo, quickly gained traction. “We’re stuck on the boat for 1.5 HOURS because one lady snuck on without a wristband and REFUSED to get off,” the poster captioned her video. “Carnival excursion turned hostage situation?? You can’t make this up.”
The delay, which took place under the heat of the Bahamian sun, added frustration for dozens of paying guests who had already endured a long queue just to board.
@heyitscrystaltoo This lady REFUSED to get off the ferry without a wristband… security had to carry her off. Her poor son was crying. I’ve never seen anything like this on a cruise. #CarnivalCruise #CruiseDrama #Storytime #VacationGoneWrong #BlueLagoon #CruiseLife #TravelStorytime #FYP #TikTokStory #CruiseTips ♬ Powerful songs like action movie music – Tansa
Reports indicate at least one passenger experienced an asthma attack during the hold-up.
Eventually, the uncooperative passenger was carried off the ferry by two security officers, ending the standoff.
Unclear Circumstances, Clear Consequences
Whether the woman genuinely forgot her wristband or had not purchased the excursion at all remains unclear.
However, eyewitnesses say she repeatedly insisted she had paid and would pursue legal action if removed – but failed to provide any proof of payment via email, the Carnival HUB app, or otherwise.
Her son, who was travelling with her, reportedly wore a green wristband – though it’s unknown if it was valid for the excursion in question.
@heyitscrystaltoo We’re stuck on the boat for 1.5 HOURS because one lady snuck on without a wristband and REFUSED to get off. Carnival excursion turned hostage situation?? You can’t make this up. #CarnivalCruise #BlueLagoon #ExcursionGoneWrong #CruiseLife #VacationDrama #Storytime #TravelFails #BoatDrama #WristbandWars #CruiseProblems ♬ original sound – heyitscrystaltoo
“She just kept saying, ‘I’m not getting off the boat.’ Her son was begging her to get off. He eventually walked away in tears,” said the TikToker who filmed the event.
Carnival’s shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island start at $94.99 for adults and $84.99 for children. Bypassing the system, whether intentional or not, is a serious offence under the cruise line’s guest conduct policy.
Carnival’s Code of Conduct allows the cruise line to fine disruptive guests up to $500 and permanently ban them from sailing in future. The woman’s refusal to comply with ferry staff and security may have crossed that line.
It’s not known whether Carnival will compensate the delayed passengers for the disrupted excursion or extended time in the heat.
Blue Lagoon excursions often include limited-time activities such as dolphin swims, sea lion interactions, and beach relaxation – all of which could be impacted by such delays.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Carnival cruise offers…
Related Posts
- Terrifying Ordeal As Cruise Excursion Boat Capsizes With 38 Passengers Onboard
- Carnival Cruise Passenger Arrested For Manslaughter After Shore Excursion Crash
- Cruise Passenger Left Out Of Pocket As Tour Company Refuses Excursion Refund
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.
Lucky Cruise Guests Get Private Escort After Missing Last Tender Back To Ship
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…
Tragedy Strikes As Young Child Passes Away Mid-Cruise
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…
Beloved Cruise Captain Dies Overnight On Asia Cruise
In a heart-breaking turn of events during an overnight call in Keelung, Taiwan, passengers aboard Diamond Princess awoke in the early hours of May 19, 2025, to the sound of…
Carnival “Spider-Man” Climber Charged After Dangerous Stunt in Sydney
A 29-year-old man scaled the mooring ropes of Carnival Adventure and now faces three criminal charges and a court date in June. After turning heads and sparking viral videos with…
