The belligerent Royal Caribbean passenger who died after being served 33 drinks at one of the ship’s bars had paid for the excursion’s unlimited alcoholic beverages package, according to court docs obtained by The Post.
Michael Virgil’s December 2024 death aboard Navigator of the Seas has been ruled a homicide, after crew members allegedly served the Deluxe Beverage Package-holder nearly three dozen drinks before he died.
Royal Caribbean’s website touts the Deluxe Beverage Package as an “all-in, top shelf drink package” that provides passengers with “bottomless beverages onboard” including liquor, beer, wine, cocktails, frozen drinks and more.
Royal Caribbean cruise ship Navigator of the Seas, shown here docked at the cruise pier at Akershush Pier, in Oslo, Norway. Trygve – stock.adobe.com
Michael Virgil, 35, was served 33 drinks at one of the ship’s bars in December 2024, the day he died in custody, according to a wrongful death lawsuit. FOX 11 Los AngelesPricing for the package typically ranges from $55 to $115 per person, per day, with dynamic pricing depending on the ship, sailing date and demand.
Virgil had boarded the Mexico-bound cruise with his fiancée and 7-year-old autistic son when they were told their room wasn’t ready, and crew members directed them to a bar, where they remained for a period of time.
When their son grew restless, Virgil’s fiancée took him to check on their room while he remained at the bar. It was during that time he was allegedly served the booze — and he broke into a rage when he left the bar extremely inebriated and couldn’t find his room.
The GoFundMe page for Michael Virgil, who passed away on December 13, 2024, shows a photo of him with his son, who was also aboard the ship. Gofundme.comAccording to the lawsuit, Virgil was detained during the drunken rage, in which he allegedly attacked and threatened to kill crew members and passengers.
The outburst prompted crew members to tackle Virgil, stand on his body with their full weight, administer an injection of the sedative Haloperidol, and spray Virgil with multiple cans of pepper spray.
Michael Virgil and his young son together before Virgil’s December 2024 death. dignitymemorial.comWhen he was eventually detained, his fiancée alleged “the excessive force and fatal actions taken by crew members including security and medical personnel” who “administered an injection of a sedative medication, Haloperidol, and used multiple cans of pepper spray” led to his death, according to the lawsuit.
Michael Virgil before he was taken into custody. FOX 11 Los Angeles
Virgil was detained during a drunken rage. FOX 11 Los AngelesHis family’s lawsuit is seeking damages for loss of support, future earnings, medical expenses, along with pain and suffering.
Royal Caribbean declined to comment on the ongoing case.
“We don’t comment on pending litigation,” the cruise line told TMZ, who was first to report the lawsuit.






