Caught on Camera: Royal Caribbean Faces Legal Storm Over Stateroom Intrusion
A Royal Caribbean passenger has filed a class action lawsuit against the cruise line and a former crew member, Arvin Joseph Mirasol, after discovering a hidden camera in her cabin bathroom during a February cruise. Mirasol, a former stateroom attendant, allegedly recorded the guest while she was undressed and engaging in private activities. The lawsuit represents Doe and “similarly situated passengers,” seeking justice for the invasion of privacy and emotional distress caused.
Mirasol was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in August after being convicted of using hidden cameras to film passengers, including children. He still faces additional charges in Florida. The lawsuit claims that Mirasol may have uploaded these images to the internet, including the dark web, without the knowledge or consent of the victims. As a result, Doe has suffered severe emotional trauma, leading to physical symptoms like insomnia and pain.
The lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of failing to provide adequate security, training, or supervision to prevent such incidents. It points out another case involving a hidden camera on a different Royal Caribbean ship, where a passenger was arrested for similar crimes in a public bathroom. The lawsuit also suggests that the cruise line did not notify other potential victims, with up to 960 passengers possibly affected.
Royal Caribbean responded by emphasizing that the safety and privacy of guests are their top priority, and the crew member was immediately reported to law enforcement and fired. However, as the case is ongoing, they have refrained from further comment. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, including punitive measures, and requests a jury trial.
We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys (and sailors ourselves!) located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.
10/28/2024
Image Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
