MOBILE, Ala. (WALA/Gray News) – Two women are reportedly banned from Carnival cruises after getting into a slapping fight on a Carnival Spirit cruise ship.

Lisa Horace, 51, and Tonya Nelson, 58, are facing federal citations for simple assault. They appeared in federal court Wednesday.

Nelson confronted Horace and her husband about standing in the wrong line to settle their cruise accounts, according to court documents.

In a statement to federal agents, Horace said she ignored Nelson at first, but that changed when Nelson touched her husband’s shoulder multiple times.

The argument quickly spiraled and both women slapped each other in front of several bystanders. Carnival staff had to step in to break up the fight, court documents said.

During court Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bert Milling Jr. had both women sit next to each other.

“I’m just sorry that we’re here,” Nelson said.

Horace said the consequences of the fight go far beyond the case.

Both women have been banned from all Carnival cruises and lost their Diamond member status.

According to Carnival’s website, passengers must sail 200 days and earn 200 VIFP points to reach that status. Getting Diamond member status can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Horace told the court her husband is a retired Navy veteran and that cruising together often gives them peace of mind.

“Things happen sometimes on a crowded ship. You know, we’ve got big crowds involved, so that’s how I think this happened,” Buzz Jordan, Nelson’s attorney, said.

Jordan said he is hopeful Carnival will reinstate both women.

“I’m hoping that Carnival will reinstate both of them so they can continue traveling with Carnival,” Jordan said.

Horace’s attorney declined an interview but said, “We’re just glad it’s over,” as they left the courthouse.

“My client and the other lady are both great citizens and you know, I don’t expect they’ll ever have any more issues,” Jordan said.

A final decision on the case is set for Aug. 12.