A Royal Caribbean cruise traveler who passed away following the consumption of 33 drinks reportedly had a ‘top shelf’ alcohol package, according to his fiancée. Michael Virgil, aged 35, met his demise after cruise ship security restrained him due to a violent outburst aboard the Navigator of the Seas cruise ship last year. Allegedly, the bar staff served him at least 33 drinks within a mere seven-hour period, disregarding apparent signs of intoxication.
The family is pursuing legal action against Royal Caribbean, holding them responsible for Michael’s demise post the crew’s forceful actions, including tackling and sedating him. Connie Aguilar, his fiancée, is seeking unspecified damages and a jury trial.
During a roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, in December 2024, Michael and Connie, accompanied by family members, encountered a distressing situation when Michael, having consumed numerous alcoholic beverages, became disoriented and agitated while attempting to locate his cabin.
He had reportedly purchased the “all in” Deluxe Beverage package, as advertised on the Royal Caribbean website, providing unlimited onboard drinks like spirits, beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen beverages. Witnesses mentioned that Michael engaged in a violent episode, assaulting crew members and using offensive language, including racial slurs.
Following the disturbance, crew members restrained Michael, exerting their full weight on him, leading to breathing difficulties. At the captain’s behest, a sedative and pepper spray were administered, resulting in respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and ultimately, Michael’s passing.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner classified the death as a homicide, citing mechanical asphyxia, obesity, an enlarged heart, and alcohol intoxication as contributing factors to Michael’s demise.
Passenger Christopher McHale shared accounts of Michael’s threatening behavior towards him and a crew member, culminating in a physical altercation. Despite the aggression displayed, McHale expressed that no one deserved the fate that befell Michael, emphasizing the need for assistance rather than fatal consequences.
The family’s legal representatives argue that crew members should have refrained from serving Michael alcohol due to his visibly intoxicated state, holding them accountable for negligence in their actions.
According to maritime common law, carriers like Royal Caribbean are obligated to monitor and assist passengers exhibiting potentially harmful behaviors. The lawsuit attests to the deliberate design of the company’s ships to maximize alcohol consumption opportunities, with alcohol-serving stations strategically placed throughout the vessels to promote and facilitate onboard drinking.
The lawsuit was lodged in federal court in Miami, where Royal Caribbean, the world’s second-largest cruise company, is headquartered. The Mirror reached out to the company for a response to the allegations.