A dispute over a cruise line’s inclusive drink package policy has led to a violent assault of a crew member. A waiter was reportedly struck in the face with a glass, resulting in “permanent facial injuries” during an eastern Mediterranean cruise voyage.
Violent incident over drinks package misuse
An altercation quickly escalated after the dining room waiter spoke to the cruise guest about suspected misuse of the drinks package. The unnamed 57-year-old guest from Palermo was ordering drinks for several other guests. The crew member had noticed the passenger taking drinks to other people sitting at a nearby table.
| A local media outlet reported that the incident in the main dining room shocked other guests and crew members. The waiter had previously reminded the passenger of the all-inclusive drinks package rules, but this was repeatedly ignored. Then, after a delay in another drink order, the guest became agitated. |
The passenger confronted the waiter and poured a drink over him before repeatedly striking him with the glass. The crew member was taken to the medical center for treatment, which included several stitches.
A complaint was later filed by the victim, stating facial disfigurement and permanent damage, according to the Border Police Scalo Marittimo di Catania in Sicily.
The incident occurred a few hours after the unnamed cruise ship left the port of Taranto, southern Italy. According to Cruisemapper, the Costa Fascinosa cruise ship departed from the port on Sunday evening.
Cruise guest forcibly disembarked from the ship
Due to the level of violence in the attack, the ship’s captain ordered the passenger to be kicked off the boat at the next port of call in Greece. It is still unclear whether the cruise guest will face any criminal charges.
