An Alabama mom’s dream vacation turned into a challenging situation when she allegedly had a physical altercation with a fellow passenger aboard an MSC cruise ship. Kelli Lyn Ryan, 44, from Pelham, now faces federal charges for her actions during the incident on October 11.
The trouble began when Ryan and her family were enjoying themselves in a hot tub on the MSC Meraviglia. An older passenger, described as a “senior citizen,” reportedly asked Ryan’s children to stop splashing water. This request didn’t sit well with Ryan, who confronted the passenger and things quickly escalated.
According to court documents, Ryan allegedly made physical contact with the older passenger’s face. The situation spiraled out of control, with Ryan allegedly yelling at the victim. She’s also accused of following the passenger around the ship, continuing her verbal tirade.
The ship’s security team had to intervene, separating Ryan from the victim. They confined her to her cabin for the remainder of the cruise, which was making its way back to port in Brooklyn, New York.
Upon docking, Ryan was arrested by FBI agents. She’s now facing charges of assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, she could be looking at up to a year behind bars.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that what happens on a cruise ship doesn’t always stay on the cruise ship. Federal laws apply to these vessels, and passengers can face serious consequences for their actions, even in international waters.
It’s unfortunate that what should’ve been a relaxing family vacation ended up with Ryan in a difficult situation – and not the kind she was hoping for. Let’s hope this serves as a cautionary tale for other cruise-goers to maintain composure, even when things get heated on the high seas.