Authorities say an Ohio couple was arrested at Port Canaveral on Saturday evening after a late‑night cabin dispute on a cruise ship escalated into a brief physical confrontation — the kind of alcohol‑fueled dust‑up that cruise security teams deal with regularly during peak travel season.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Gannon Jacox, 29, and Brooklyn Hicks, 28, had reportedly been arguing loudly after “enjoying adult beverages,” prompting a nearby family to ask them to quiet down. Such noise complaints are common on crowded ships, especially on weekend sailings. In this case, the couple allegedly confronted the family outside their cabin and pushed their way inside, where a short scuffle followed.

Deputies say Jacox struck two adults and their 9‑year‑old child during the commotion, while Hicks “was swinging without much aim,” according to Sheriff Wayne Ivey. Jacox sustained a noticeable eye injury — described as possibly caused either by a victim defending themselves or by Hicks’ own stray “haymakers.” None of the family members suffered serious harm, and the situation was quickly contained once the ship returned to port.

Jacox was charged with burglary with battery and child abuse without great bodily harm, while Hicks faces burglary with battery and battery‑touch/strike. Both were booked into the Brevard County jail, with Jacox held on a $31,000 bond and Hicks on $6,000.

Cruise‑ship altercations, while unfortunate, are not unusual. With thousands of passengers, open bars, and tight quarters, security teams routinely respond to noise complaints, cabin disputes, and alcohol‑related misunderstandings. Sheriff Ivey noted that the weekend’s incident had far more to do with “poor judgment mixed with alcohol” than anything else, adding that such behavior is a familiar challenge for both cruise staff and local deputies.

Four major cruise ships were docked at Port Canaveral that day, though officials have not confirmed which vessel the couple was sailing on. After the arrests, Ivey offered a reminder that while cruise vacations are meant to be relaxing, passengers who “can’t handle their liquor” often find themselves creating problems that security must address.

He added that Brevard County has little patience for disruptive behavior: “Break the law here, and the lodge will have a reservation with your name on it.”

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