Cruises, Cameras, and Class-Action Lawsuits: The Royal Caribbean Hidden Camera Scandal
In October of 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Royal Caribbean International after a disturbing incident involving the hidden surveillance of stateroom bathrooms by a stateroom attendant aboard the M/V Symphony of the Seas.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, alleges that former stateroom attendant Arvin Joseph Mirasol secretly spied on and recorded passengers, including children, during their cruises between December 1, 2023, and February 26, 2024. Mirasol hid under beds and placed hidden cameras in the passenger’s rooms, often posting the images online as well.
Mirasol was arrested March 5th, 2024 and, on August 28th, 2024, sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material.
The class-action suit, initiated by a passenger identified as Jane Doe, contends that Royal Caribbean failed to provide adequate security measures to prevent such incidents. It also alleges that the cruise line did not inform potentially affected passengers, estimated to be up to 960 individuals, about the breach of their privacy.
Royal Caribbean responded by emphasizing its commitment to guest safety and privacy, stating, “We immediately reported this case to law enforcement and terminated the crew member.” However, due to the ongoing litigation, the company has refrained from further comments.
The incident represents a broader issue concerning guest privacy and security within the cruise industry. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), reported incidents of sexual assaults on cruise ships increased from 87 in 2022 to 131 in 2023. On Royal Caribbean ships specifically, 26 sexual assaults were reported in 2023 and 22 in 2022.
The current lawsuit blames Royal Caribbean for not warning guests or training staff properly, despite knowing this trend. The complaint specifically notes the company knew about such issues at least since March 2023, but failed to take adequate steps.
Attorney Jason Margulies said, “Sexual assaults, including voyeurism, aboard cruise ships is at an all-time high and needs to be addressed.”
The outcome of this case could encourage the adoption of stricter regulations and enhanced security protocols across the industry, to further safeguard passengers’ privacy.
If you were a passenger aboard the M/V Symphony of the Seas and believe you may be eligible for this lawsuit, please contact us at 713-955-3699 or at charles.herd@herdlawfirm.com to discuss your options! It’s not too late to file a claim!
11/15/2024
