Royal Caribbean is being sued by the family of a Southern California man who died during a cruise after allegedly being served more than 30 alcoholic drinks in a matter of hours, according to newly filed court documents.
Per CBS News, the lawsuit centers on the death of Michael Virgil, a 35-year-old father from Moreno Valley, who was sailing aboard Navigator of the Seas in December 2024 with his fiancée, Connie Aguilar, and their young son. The ship had departed Los Angeles and was en route to Ensenada, Mexico.
Court filings allege that shortly after boarding, the family was told their cabin was not ready and directed to wait in a bar area. At some point, Aguilar left the bar with their son—who has autism—to check on the room’s status.
While she was gone, the suit claims Virgil was continuously served alcohol at the ship’s bar, totaling at least 33 drinks.
According to the lawsuit, Virgil later attempted to find the family’s cabin on his own. Disoriented and intoxicated, he became increasingly distressed, eventually wandering the ship’s corridors and trying to force open doors.
Video from the incident shows him shirtless and visibly agitated moments before he was confronted by ship security.
The complaint alleges that Royal Caribbean crew members restrained Virgil, used multiple bursts of pepper spray, and administered an injection of haloperidol, a sedative typically used to treat psychiatric conditions. Attorneys for the family claim those actions resulted in respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
TMZ reported that Virgil’s death has since been officially ruled a homicide, a determination now cited in the civil complaint.
“The father ultimately died in the care of Royal Caribbean staff and crew members,” the filing states, alleging that both security and medical personnel contributed to the outcome through excessive force and inappropriate medical intervention.
In response to the lawsuit, a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson issued a statement to TMZ and CBS News, saying, “We were saddened by the passing of one of our guests, worked with authorities on their investigation, and will refrain from commenting any further on pending litigation.”
The lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of negligence, arguing that crew members failed to stop serving Virgil alcohol despite visible signs of intoxication. It also alleges that the company failed to train staff to respond properly to medical and behavioral emergencies.
Attorneys further argue that Royal Caribbean aggressively promotes unlimited drink packages and places bars throughout the ship, while retaining the authority to refuse alcohol service—a safeguard they say was not exercised in this case.
The family is seeking damages for loss of financial support, future earnings, funeral and medical expenses, and mental pain and suffering.