One or two vessels doing that is not the issue. Thousands doing so is the problem, with no one — not even Carnival and its billionaire owner — entitled to disregard the law. And I note that Carnival pleaded guilty both times, on facts that showed aggravated and fully intentional violations.
No they plead guilty at the time so that it wouldnt be dragged out in court and cost more and so they could get back to what they do best...providing cruising fun for people like me...