Royal Caribbean Settles After Man Served 33 Drinks Dies in Security Restraint

Royal Caribbean has agreed to pay the family of Michael Virgil, 35, who died after being served 33 drinks and restrained by ship security. A Florida court approved the settlement.

Royal Caribbean Reaches Settlement After Passenger Dies Following Security Confrontation on Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to the family of Michael Virgil, a 35-year-old California man who died aboard one of the cruise line's ships in December 2024 after allegedly being served more than 30 alcoholic drinks in a matter of hours, Law & Crime reports. A federal court in Florida approved the settlement, finding it "in the best interest of the minor child" — Virgil's son, who is the primary beneficiary.

Virgil, from Moreno Valley, was aboard the Navigator of the Seas on Dec. 13, 2024, when the events unfolded. According to the civil complaint filed by his fiancée, staff served him 33 alcoholic beverages within a short window of time, despite visible signs of intoxication.

Diverted to the Bar Upon Arrival

Virgil boarded the vessel with his family around 11 a.m. that day. Because their cabin was not yet ready, crew members allegedly directed him toward one of the ship's bars. He had purchased Royal Caribbean's "Deluxe Beverage Package," which entitles passengers to unlimited alcoholic drinks served one at a time.

The complaint alleged that Virgil "exhibited obvious visual signs of intoxication, while in plain view of the crew members serving him these alcoholic beverages." His family's lawsuit argued that the cruise line was negligent in continuing to serve alcohol as his condition deteriorated.

"[Virgil's] death was directly caused by his intoxicated state and by Royal Caribbean's crewmembers' over-serving alcohol when they knew or should have known that [Virgil] was in an intoxicated state," the complaint stated.

Confrontation With Security

Later that evening, Virgil was struggling to locate his cabin when a confrontation with ship security occurred. His coroner's report, obtained by The Press-Enterprise, cited statements from an FBI investigator who described Virgil as "belligerent" and said he was "making violent threats to staff and guests." The investigator reported that Virgil was banging and kicking doors, removing ceiling panels, and using them as weapons.

Security personnel handcuffed Virgil and zip-tied his feet. Guards also deployed pepper spray, and a ship's doctor administered a sedative injection.

According to the civil complaint, crew members then "tackled [Virgil] to the ground, stood on [Virgil's] body with their full body weight, and compressed [Virgil's] body, causing [Virgil] to stop moving." He was held face-down with guards on top of him for approximately three minutes.

Cause of Death Listed as Homicide

The prolonged prone restraint and compression impaired Virgil's breathing, leading to hypoxia, respiratory failure, and cardiovascular instability, ultimately resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest, according to the complaint. His official cause of death was recorded as "combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly, and ethanol intoxication," with the manner of death listed as homicide.

Virgil's autopsy identified several factors that heightened the danger of the physical restraint. His heart weighed 560 grams — well above the reported normal range of 230 to 383 grams for men — increasing his risk of sudden cardiac failure under physical stress. His blood-alcohol concentration measured 0.182 three days after his death, more than twice the legal driving limit, a level the coroner's report said could have impaired his ability to breathe while pinned down.

Settlement Approved in Florida Court

The case was filed in federal court in Florida, where Royal Caribbean is headquartered. Court records confirm that a settlement was reached, with an order approving payment to Virgil's minor son. The amount was not disclosed. The family had originally sought an unspecified sum in damages.

Royal Caribbean did not respond to requests for comment from Law & Crime.

Source: Law & Crime