Royal Caribbean Faces Lawsuit Over Cruise-related Death

Royal Caribbean Cruises is being sued following the death of a man reportedly served 33 alcoholic drinks while aboard one of its ships.

An autopsy revealed that 35-year-old Michael Virgil’s death was classified as a homicide, prompting his family to take legal action against the cruise line. A wrongful death complaint was filed on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Virgil, along with his fiancée and their young son, who has autism, boarded a cruise in Los Angeles on December 13, 2024, for a trip to Mexico when the tragic events unfolded.

According to the lawsuit, their cabin wasn’t available at first, leading them to a bar with live music. While waiting, Virgil’s then 7-year-old son grew restless and went with his mother to check their room, leaving Virgil by himself.

The complaint claims that just hours after departure, crew members inadvertently served him at least 33 drinks. This led to him becoming heavily intoxicated and increasingly agitated as he searched for his cabin.

Video footage appears to show Virgil in a hallway, attempting to force open a cabin door with onlookers nearby.

In addition, the video captures security personnel detaining him. A fellow passenger who recorded the incident mentioned to local news, “The intoxicated man started chasing us down the hallway, threatening us.”

Ship security is alleged to have tackled him, restraining him until he could no longer move, using haloperidol and pepper spray in the process.

Haloperidol, a sedative, is typically used for patients with schizophrenia and helps regulate dopamine levels in the brain, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Kevin Haynes, representing Virgil’s family, stated, “The video shows Michael acting out in a way that is completely out of character for him. We can’t condone his behavior, but that’s not who he really is.” He emphasized, “He was a loving father. They described him as a ‘gentle giant.’ Alcohol changes people, especially in such vast amounts. While his family isn’t pleased with his actions, they believe he didn’t deserve such a severe consequence.”