Royal Caribbean passenger who died after he was served 33 drinks paid for ‘top shelf’ beverage package: court docs
A man who had opted for Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package—described on the company’s site as an “all‑in, top shelf drink package” that gives passengers “bottomless beverages onboard” of everything from cocktails to frozen drinks—died after reportedly being handed 33 beers, wines, and other spirits at one of the ship’s bars. The incident, which took place on the Navigator of the Seas in December 2024, has been classified as homicide by the court.
Virgil, 35, had boarded the Mexico‑bound cruise with his fiancée and their 7‑year‑old autistic son. When the crew told them the cabin wasn’t ready, they were steered to a bar where they stayed for a while. While the boy went to check on the room, Virgil stayed behind and accumulated a substantial quantity of alcohol. When he exited the bar, he was heavily intoxicated, unable to locate his cabin, and began a violent outburst.
During this episode, crew members tackled him, pinned him to the deck, sprayed him with several cans of pepper spray, and shot him with a sedative injection of Haloperidol. His fiancée claims the excessive force used by the crew and medical staff caused his collapse. The lawsuit reports that Virgil suffered “significant hypoxia and impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest,” leading to his death, which the court has ruled was a homicide.
The family’s claim seeks compensation for lost support, future earnings, medical costs, and pain and suffering. Royal Caribbean has refused to comment on the pending litigation, citing its policy against speaking on ongoing cases.
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