1,000 Possible Victims of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Voyeur, Says Attorney
The recent sentencing of a former Royal Caribbean employee has raised serious concerns about passenger safety and privacy on cruise ships. Arvin Joseph Mirasol, a 34-year-old Philippine national, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for secretly filming passengers in their bathrooms. This disturbing case has prompted an attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, to suggest that there could be nearly 1,000 additional victims who remain unaware that they were filmed. As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about the cruise line’s responsibility to inform past passengers of potential privacy violations.
Details of the Crime and Sentencing
Arvin Joseph Mirasol was arrested in March 2024 after a guest on the Symphony of the Seas discovered a hidden camera in her bathroom. The camera was cleverly concealed and attached to the bathroom sink counter. Upon reporting the incident to the ship’s security staff, Mirasol was detained until the ship docked at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) quickly launched an investigation into his actions.
Court documents reveal that Mirasol placed hidden cameras in passenger cabin restrooms between December 2023 and February 2024. His actions were not only invasive but also targeted vulnerable individuals, including children. An examination of Mirasol’s electronics uncovered numerous videos, some featuring children in various stages of undress. The focus of these videos was particularly alarming, as they centered on the genital areas of minors aged between 2 and 17 years. This shocking revelation has left many questioning how such a breach of trust could occur on a family-oriented cruise line.
Mirasol’s guilty plea to charges related to voyeurism led to his lengthy prison sentence. However, the implications of his actions extend far beyond his punishment. Attorney Spencer Aronfeld, who represents 12 victims in a civil suit against Royal Caribbean, believes that the cruise line may have failed to adequately inform other passengers who could also be victims. He claims that Royal Caribbean has not done enough to screen employees or notify former passengers about the potential risks they faced during their cruises.
Royal Caribbean’s Response and Passenger Concerns
In light of the scandal, Spencer Aronfeld has publicly criticized Royal Caribbean for its lack of transparency. He asserts that the cruise line has a responsibility to inform all passengers who may have been affected by Mirasol’s actions. In a YouTube video, he stated, “It is now believed there are nearly a thousand passengers that may have been placed at risk for having their private activities videotaped.” This alarming estimate raises significant concerns about the safety protocols in place on cruise ships.
One victim involved in the civil suit shared her family’s distressing experience. She recounted how her daughter, who was only two years old during the cruise, now fears using public restrooms. This incident has not only violated their privacy but has also instilled a lasting fear in the family. The emotional and psychological impact of such violations can be profound, affecting victims long after the incident.
Aronfeld further emphasized the need for improved screening processes within the cruise industry. He stated, “Royal Caribbean has the largest cruise ships at sea, tens of thousands of passengers, and I don’t think they’re doing an adequate amount of screenings.” As the investigation continues, many are left wondering how the cruise line will address these serious concerns and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety and privacy of future passengers. The fallout from this scandal may lead to significant changes in how cruise lines operate and protect their guests.
