Disturbing Incident on the Symphony of the Seas
In a shocking turn of events, a passenger aboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has filed a lawsuit alleging that nearly 960 people were recorded by a hidden camera placed in a cabin bathroom. The discovery of the camera has not only raised alarms about passenger safety but also sparked a significant legal battle.
Hidden Camera Discovered
The incident came to light on February 25, when a female passenger found a hidden camera affixed under the sink in her bathroom. After reporting the camera to ship security, the stateroom attendant, Arvin Joseph Mirasol, was detained until the ship returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Upon docking, federal authorities seized Mirasol’s electronic devices, which reportedly contained videos of minors and other guests in compromising situations.
Mirasol, a 34-year-old employee from the Philippines, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography. His actions included hiding under beds and filming guests without their consent, a horrific violation of trust for those on board.
Legal Action Against Royal Caribbean
The lawsuit, filed by a plaintiff identified as ‘Jane Doe’ and “all other similarly situated passengers,” claims severe emotional distress and physical sickness resulting from the incident. Jason Margulies, the attorney representing the plaintiff, highlighted the alarming frequency of sexual assaults, including voyeurism, aboard cruise ships. According to Margulies, such incidents are “at an all-time high” and need urgent attention.
The lawsuit contends that Royal Caribbean was aware of the risks associated with voyeurism on their vessels but failed to take appropriate measures to protect passengers. Margulies expressed concerns about the cruise line’s apparent inaction following similar incidents. “Royal Caribbean became aware of this problem in March 2023 when a hidden camera was found in a public bathroom… yet it has seemingly done nothing since then to protect its passengers,” he stated.
Royal Caribbean’s Response
In response to the incident and the ongoing lawsuit, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson emphasized that the safety and privacy of guests is their highest priority. They assert a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior, stating that they reported the case to law enforcement and terminated Mirasol’s employment immediately.
A Call for Action
This legal battle raises important questions about the cruise industry’s accountability and the measures in place to ensure passenger safety. Previous reports indicate that nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults on U.S. cruises since 2010 occurred on Royal Caribbean or Carnival ships. Many passengers now demand stronger protections and transparency from cruise lines to prevent such egregious violations in the future. As the case unfolds, passengers and advocates alike will be watching closely to see how Royal Caribbean and the broader cruise industry address these critical issues moving forward.
