Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Passenger Served 33 Drinks Before Death
A family has filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, claiming that their son was overserved alcohol before his untimely death aboard a cruise. The complaint centers around Michael Virgil, a 35-year-old man from Moreno Valley, California, who died on December 13, 2024, while on the Navigator of the Seas.
Lawsuit Claims Overserving of Alcohol
According to court documents submitted in Miami, Virgil was served at least 33 drinks in a short span. This occurred while he was traveling with his fiancée, Connie Aguilar, and their child.
Details of the Incident
- Date: December 13, 2024
- Location: Navigator of the Seas
- Departure City: Los Angeles
- Destination: Ensenada, Mexico
The lawsuit asserts that crew members acted “negligently” by continuing to serve Virgil alcohol, even when he displayed clear signs of intoxication. After becoming disoriented and agitated, he reportedly had an encounter with security staff, who subdued him with excessive force.
Allegations Against Royal Caribbean
The family’s legal representation claims that Royal Caribbean’s policies contribute to such incidents. They argue that the cruise line actively promotes its “all you can drink” package, leading to irresponsible drinking among guests.
Besides the allegations of overserving alcohol, the lawsuit also highlights failures in employee training and hiring practices. The claim suggests that inadequate medical and security staff contributed to the tragic outcome.
Previous Incidents
This lawsuit is not an isolated incident. Another case involved a 66-year-old woman, Dulcie White, who also died after being served excessive alcohol. Her family alleges that the crew continued to serve her drinks, ignoring her evident state of drunkenness.
Royal Caribbean has stated they are saddened by the incidents and have cooperated with investigations but declined to comment further due to ongoing litigation.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Virgil allegedly served 33 alcoholic drinks before his death.
- Incidents underscore concerns over alcohol consumption policies at cruise lines.
- The lawsuits raise questions about staff training and passenger safety on board.
This situation highlights the critical balance between guest enjoyment and responsible service on cruise ships. As the legal battles continue, the effectiveness of the current policies will likely come under further scrutiny.
