A California man died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise after allegedly being served an excessive number of alcoholic drinks, according to a lawsuit filed by his family.
Michael Virgil, 35, from Moreno Valley, boarded the Navigator of the Seas in Los Angeles on December 13, 2024, with his fiancée, Connie Aguilar, and their son, M.V. Jr. The suit, filed in Miami, Florida, where Royal Caribbean is headquartered, alleges that crew members repeatedly served Virgil alcohol to the point of obvious intoxication while the ship was en route to Ensenada, Mexico.
The lawsuit describes Virgil becoming intoxicated, attempting to locate his cabin, getting lost, and growing agitated. It claims Royal Caribbean security personnel restrained him forcefully, pinning him to the ground with their body weight. The suit further alleges that Haloperidol, a medication used to treat psychotic disorders, was injected into Virgil at the captain’s request, and that multiple cans of pepper spray were used on him. The suit states that Virgil died while in the care of Royal Caribbean staff.
Plaintiffs argue that Royal Caribbean had the authority to refuse service to visibly intoxicated passengers but failed to do so to protect Virgil’s life. They also contend that the cruise line’s marketing of unlimited beverage packages and the ship’s numerous bar locations contributed to over-serving and potentially dangerous alcohol consumption.
Beyond negligence related to alcohol service, Aguilar’s attorneys allege faults in Royal Caribbean’s hiring and training of crew members, including medical and security personnel, suggesting these factors contributed to Virgil’s death.
Royal Caribbean responded with a statement to CBS News expressing sadness over the guest’s passing, noting cooperation with authorities, and declining further comment while the litigation is ongoing.
The case follows another recent Royal Caribbean-related death linked to alcohol. In October 2024, 66-year-old Dulcie White went overboard on a Taylor Swift–themed cruise after her family claimed she was repeatedly served alcohol despite signs of extreme intoxication. That incident is the subject of a separate lawsuit filed in Florida.
The lawsuits reference Royal Caribbean’s unlimited alcoholic beverage program as part of the broader discussion about alcohol policy on its ships.
Reported by CBS News with contributions from Larry Seward.
