Man Dies on Cruise After Drinking 33 Alcoholic Beverages

A Royal Caribbean passenger’s death has been ruled a homicide after he was allegedly served 33 drinks in a single day on the cruise ship Navigator of the Seas.

Michael Virgil, 35, was traveling in December 2024 with his fiancée and 7-year-old autistic son on a Mexico-bound cruise when the incident occurred. According to court documents obtained by The Post, Virgil had purchased the ship’s Deluxe Beverage Package, which promises “bottomless beverages onboard” including liquor, beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen drinks. Prices for the package range from $55 to $115 per person, per day depending on the ship and sailing date.

The family reportedly arrived to find their room wasn’t ready and were directed to a bar, where they stayed for a period of time. When their son became restless, Virgil’s fiancée took him to check on the cabin, leaving Virgil at the bar. It was during this time that Virgil allegedly consumed dozens of drinks, later becoming extremely intoxicated and frustrated when he couldn’t locate his room.

The lawsuit claims that Virgil then went on a violent outburst, allegedly attacking and threatening crew members and other passengers. In response, crew members restrained him, reportedly standing on him, using multiple cans of pepper spray, and administering a sedative injection of Haloperidol.

Virgil later died from “significant hypoxia and impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability, and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest,” according to the lawsuit. His fiancée alleges that the “excessive force and fatal actions” taken by crew members directly led to his death.

The wrongful death lawsuit seeks damages for loss of support, future earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Royal Caribbean has declined to comment while the case is ongoing.