Those attending a comedy show are typically in the mood to laugh. Unfortunately, one passenger onboard MSC Seashore didn't take too kindly to a comedian's jokes during a late-night comedy show, disrupting the entire performance before being escorted out of the theater.
During a comedy show on a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas, Robert L. Hines, the comedian behind the infamous "Jones BBQ & Foot Massage" YouTube video, offended the wrong passenger.
Rather than keep her thoughts to herself, the unnamed guest stormed the stage, throwing a drink at Hines, and went as far as trying to throw her shoe at him.
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According to TikTok user K.D (@k.daniellelifestyle), she was disruptive earlier in the show. "It [was] like a whole ruckus in her section where she was sitting," K.D recalled, "so the comedian...said something to her...she got up; she threw something in his face."
K.D. shared a video of the confrontation that has since garnered over 800k views, 27k likes, and 3k comments. "Do not tell me about Carnival and how it’s the Walmart of the seas," reads the video's caption, "It is never the brand of ship. It is always its clientele. Every brand has something unique and distinctive to offer their customers but you will always have one who shows up and [behaves] like this."
Though the passenger wasn't on stage for long, she continued to provoke Hines and other guests while attempting to be escorted out of the theater, which is when Hines made a few questionable jokes and attempted to incorporate the drama into his stand-up routine.
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MSC Cruises has yet to release a statement regarding the fate of the passenger and Hines. According to one TikTok user, Hines was fired for escalating the situation. However, that has not been confirmed.
The cruise was a short weekend getaway to Nassau and MSC's private island in The Bahamas: MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. It departed on August 15 and returned to Port Canaveral on August 18.
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Little support for the unidentified passenger
Guests were frustrated with the commotion the passenger was causing. In fact, as she made her way out of the theater, they can be heard cheering. Social media users aren't flocking to her defense, either.
"She just wanted to be seen 💯💯," remarked KingSilver218.
Big B said, "If I’m a comedian and you get outta pocket, at that moment YOU ARE THE SHOW."
"They needed to arrest her.😡 And ban her from traveling on cruises for life🤨," added user9810927728022.
It isn't uncommon for adult-only comedy shows to rustle some feathers; however, you're never obligated to stay at any event on a cruise ship. Instead, the unruly guest could have seen herself out and found another activity to occupy her time, whether gambling in the casino, enjoying a drink at the bar, or listening to live music.
If you aren't sure whether you'll enjoy the comedy show, sit near an exit. That way, you have an easy way out that doesn't involve disturbing those enjoying the comedian.
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Many comments seem to think the incident happened onboard a Carnival ship
"Remind me...never to travel on Carnival...🤣🤣," wrote mrluckyone888.
"Carnival Cruises are NEVER an option for me! She was starving for some attention. Good attention or bad attention, she wanted it. All because she had that outfit on," added Mr. Dbldblu.
"Carnival Cruises are just family reunions and they don't always get along 😆," commented 🌸🌼KarMarDes🌼🌸.
Carnival doesn't have the best reputation within the cruise industry. While there's plenty to do onboard their "fun ships," the party atmosphere has been known to lead to disagreements between passengers.
In early July, a fight broke out onboard Carnival Paradise, a Fantasy Class ship sailing from Tampa, Florida, and videos of the brawl began circulating on social media. Passengers are seen screaming, slapping, hitting, and tackling one another. At one point, chairs are even thrown!
Carnival provided a statement to USA Today confirming the flight and the guests' permanent ban: "Carnival Paradise’s security team intervened in an incident that took place on June 6. As is our policy, we will not tolerate such behavior and the guests involved were fined and will not sail on Carnival Cruise Line again."
Of course, fights can break out on any cruise line, which is why it's important to be mindful of who you're spending your time with and know your own limits when it comes to alcohol. You never want to make the evening news because of a drunken fight, running the vacation for the rest of your travel party.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
