A Royal Caribbean cruise passenger passed away after consuming 33 drinks from a ‘top shelf’ alcohol package, as per his fiancée’s statement. Michael Virgil, aged 35, died while under restraint by cruise ship security following an aggressive incident on the Navigator of the Seas vessel last year. His family is suing Royal Caribbean, alleging that bar staff served him 33 drinks within seven hours despite signs of intoxication.
The lawsuit states that crew members restrained Virgil forcefully, leading to his death after receiving a sedative injection. Connie Aguilar, his fiancée, is seeking damages and a jury trial over the incident. Virgil and Aguilar were on a cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, with family members when Virgil, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, became disoriented and agitated.
Virgil had purchased the “all in” Deluxe Beverage package, advertised by Royal Caribbean as offering unlimited alcoholic beverages on board. Witnesses reported Virgil engaging in a violent episode, physically assaulting crew members and using abusive language, including racial slurs.
The lawsuit alleges that crew members physically restrained Virgil, leading to his respiratory failure and subsequent death after being administered a sedative and pepper spray. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner classified Virgil’s death as a homicide due to mechanical asphyxia, obesity, an enlarged heart, and alcohol intoxication.
Christopher McHale, a fellow passenger, recounted Virgil’s threatening behavior towards him and crew members, emphasizing that Virgil needed help rather than the outcome that transpired. The family’s legal representatives argue that crew members were negligent in serving Virgil alcohol despite his visibly intoxicated state.
According to maritime common law, carriers like Royal Caribbean are responsible for supervising passengers displaying risky behavior. The lawsuit highlights that Royal Caribbean’s ships are designed to encourage alcohol consumption, with numerous serving stations available throughout the vessels.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami, where Royal Caribbean is headquartered. The Mirror has reached out to the company for a response.