Royal Caribbean Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Hidden Camera Scandal

The appeal of a cruise ship voyage has been damaged for passengers of the Royal Caribbean M/V Symphony of the Seas, following a troubling scandal that has upset the industry. A former passenger has filed a class-action lawsuit, alleging the cruise line failed to adequately protect its guests from an employee who installed hidden cameras in passenger’s stateroom bathrooms.

The story began earlier this year on February 26th, 2024, when a passenger on the M/V Symphony of the Seas discovered a hidden camera in her stateroom bathroom. According to the Florida Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the device was found attached to the counter while the passenger was retrieving a roll of toilet paper. This discovery led to the arrest of stateroom attendant Arvin Mirasol, who later confessed to law enforcement that he had been installing cameras on the ship since December 2023, when he started working there.

Investigations revealed a dark pattern of voyeurism and exploitation. Authorities recovered videos of women undressing, and even explicit photos of minors from Mirasol’s electronic devices. He also admitted to hiding under stateroom beds to record guests while they showered, some of which were uploaded online on platforms such as the dark web.

Mirasol was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. He still faces additional charges of video voyeurism in Florida.

A Known Problem

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of “Jane Doe” and other affected passengers, accuses Royal Caribbean of negligence and failing to notify potentially-impacted passengers in a timely manner. Attorney Michael Winkleman, representing the plaintiffs, stated that this case highlights broader issues within the cruise industry.

“This is already a known industry problem,” Winkleman said, referencing not only hidden camera incidents but also reports of rape and sexual assaults at sea. He contends that Royal Caribbean should have taken stronger measures to prevent such acts, and should have promptly informed all passengers who may have been recorded.

Winkleman estimates that nearly a thousand passengers might have been unknowingly filmed during the three-month period Mirasol was employed on the M/V Symphony of the Seas.

Emotional and Physical Toll

The lawsuit details the severe emotional and physical distress experienced by the plaintiffs. “Jane Doe” and her legal counsel allege that the violation of her privacy caused profound mental anguish, manifesting in physical symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and pain. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and a jury trial.

Royal Caribbean Responds

In their responding statement, Royal Caribbean has maintained that they reacted swiftly and appropriately. The company referenced its zero-tolerance policy toward such behavior, highlighting that they immediately reported the incident to law enforcement and terminated Mirasol’s employment.

“The safety and privacy of our guests is our highest priority,” the statement read. “As this is pending litigation, we are unable to comment further at this time.”

This case has brought about larger conversations regarding security and accountability in the cruise industry. Critics argue that more stringent measures are necessary to protect passengers, including better vetting of employees, enhanced surveillance to monitor employee behavior, and more transparent communication when issues arise.

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!

Image Credit: Royal Caribbean, Pixabay

Let’s Discuss Your Case

If you or someone that you know has contracted COVID-19 while on board a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. If so, call the law offices of the Herd Law Firm, PLLC for a risk-free evaluation of your potential case.

Call 713-955-3699 now!