Family Sues Royal Caribbean Over Cruise Passenger's Death

The family of a 35-year-old man who died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship shortly after boarding has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company, alleging that crew members overserved him alcohol and used excessive force during his detention. Michael Virgil's death on December 13, 2024, aboard the Navigator of the Seas, which departed from the Port of San Pedro near Los Angeles bound for Ensenada, Mexico, was ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

According to the lawsuit filed by Virgil's fiancée, Connie Aguilar, the incident unfolded within hours of the family boarding the ship. Virgil, Aguilar, their 7-year-old autistic son, and other relatives were directed to a bar area while waiting for their cabin to be ready. The complaint states that starting around 10:30 a.m., Virgil, who had an all-inclusive drink package, was served at least 33 alcoholic beverages despite showing clear signs of intoxication. While Aguilar took their son to check on the cabin, Virgil attempted to find the room on his own but became disoriented and agitated in his impaired state.

Passengers and crew reported Virgil's behavior escalating as he wandered the hallways....