Kelli Lyn Ryan, 49, reportedly hit the unnamed victim “with an open hand” around 9:30 p.m. after a verbal disagreement in the theater, as per an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Police Department. The altercation was captured on CCTV.

Her son was also seen striking the victim several times. The victim “sustained multiple injuries to the face and head,” according to the affidavit.

Ryan’s son was taken off the ship in Jamaica due to his “excessive behavior,” while she was arrested on Saturday upon returning to Miami, Florida. She faces charges of battery against an individual aged 65 or older.

MSC stated in an email to YSL News, “We are aware of the incident that occurred on October 6 aboard MSC Seascape. The situation was immediately reported to local authorities, who are currently conducting their own investigation.”

Ryan did not reply quickly to a request for comment sent to her listed phone number.

This incident follows another where a guest on a Carnival Cruise Line ship pleaded guilty in February to assaulting another traveler, including smashing a glass in their face.

Are there jails on cruise ships?

Yes. Cruise ships do have onboard jails, known as brigs, where guests or crew members may be detained.

“Typically, it’s unruly behavior that results in passengers being put in jail onboard, such as assaults, but it can also involve situations where a person poses a threat to themselves, like threatening to jump overboard,” explained Michael Winkleman, a maritime attorney from Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. via email. He noted that guests could be held for the duration of the cruise, which could be several days.

Winkleman characterized these holding areas as “essentially just holding rooms.” Passengers might also be confined to their cabins under the supervision of onboard security, as reported by The Points Guy.

MSC did not provide information about whether Ryan or her son were placed in the brig.