Cruise Ship Video Voyeurism Laws

The Nation’s Leading Maritime Lawyers Are Here to Help Passengers Understand Cruise Ship Video Voyeurism Laws

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. stands as a beacon of legal expertise for those who have encountered the misfortune of cruise ship accidents. As a leading law firm specializing in maritime law, we extend our award-winning legal services to residents and visitors alike, ensuring justice for victims of cruise ship video voyeurism.

For over fifty years, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has been at the forefront of maritime legal advocacy. With a dedicated team of attorneys bringing over 250 years of combined experience, our firm has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of cruise ship law. Our attorneys, stationed across the United States, have successfully recovered over $450 million for our clients, a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice and compensation.

Our unwavering commitment to our clients has earned us consistent recognition as one of the “Best Law Firms” by US News & World Report. Additionally, several of our attorneys have been honored as “Best Lawyers,” reflecting our firm’s reputation for excellence in the legal community. Our attorneys are not just lawyers; they are thought leaders who frequently contribute to national discussions on maritime law and safety.

Recently, there have been a number of headlines made regarding illegal recordings of passengers made aboard cruise ships. We are intimately familiar with the details of these and equally familiar with the laws that apply.  Read on to learn more about these criminal cases and how we can put our experience to work for you and your family.

Understanding Unauthorized Recordings on a Cruise Line

Privacy is a fundamental right, and its importance is magnified in the confined and communal environment of a cruise ship. Unauthorized recordings can be a significant invasion of privacy, leading to emotional distress and potential harm.

Recently, in March 2024, a crew member on a Royal Caribbean cruise was accused of placing hidden cameras in guest rooms. The employee, identified as Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 34, is facing criminal charges. Investigators revealed that Mirasol, a stateroom attendant on the Symphony of the Seas admitted to hiding under a bed while a guest was showering. According to the arrest report, a guest discovered a hidden camera underneath the sink while reaching for a roll of toilet paper. This unacceptable, criminal behavior was immediately reported; Mirasol was arrested when the Royal Caribbean cruise ship docked in Port Everglades (South Florida).

Know Your Rights as a Cruise Ship Passenger

As a passenger on a cruise ship, you have certain rights that protect your privacy. Cruise lines are governed by a combination of international maritime law, the laws of the country where the ship is registered, and the laws of the countries visited during the cruise. These laws collectively aim to protect passengers from video voyeurism.

Legal Framework Governing Unauthorized Recordings

The legality of unauthorized recordings on cruise lines largely depends on the jurisdiction. In many places, recording someone without their consent is illegal and can be grounds for a lawsuit. On a cruise ship, the legal framework can be complex, involving maritime law and the specific laws of the ship’s flag state. Generally, if the recording violates privacy laws, you have a case, and we can help.

Possible Legal Actions for Video Voyeurism on Cruise Ships

If you discover that you have been the victim of video voyeurism in a public bathroom, or in a private area on a cruise, you likely have grounds to sue the crew member, passenger and cruise line responsible. Legal actions can be based on invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and other related claims. The potential outcomes of such lawsuits can include financial compensation for damages, injunctions to prevent further distribution of the recordings, and punitive damages in some cases.

If a minor has been recorded without consent, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect their privacy and rights. Sexually explicit videos of young girls and young boys are considered child pornography and the perpetrator can also face child pornography charges.

As a first step, ensure the safety and well-being of the minor by removing them from the situation. Gather any evidence of the recording, such as the device used or witness statements. Report the incident to the cruise ship’s security team, law enforcement including the FBI, and request a formal investigation. Additionally, contact local law enforcement to file a report and seek legal advice from a qualified attorney specializing in privacy and maritime law. Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. can provide expert guidance and representation to ensure that the rights of the minor are upheld and that appropriate legal action is taken against the responsible party.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Recorded

• Gather Evidence: Document the incident as thoroughly as possible. This includes saving any recordings, taking screenshots, and noting the time and place of the recording.
• Report the Incident: Inform the cruise ship’s security and management about the incident. They may have protocols in place to handle such situations.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a maritime lawyer to understand your rights and the viability of your case. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation.

How Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. Can Assist

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we specialize in maritime law and have extensive experience handling cases involving cruise ship incidents. Our services include:

Legal Consultation: We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide initial legal advice, ensuring you understand your rights and the potential legal avenues available to you.

Critical case Evaluation: Our attorneys will evaluate the details of your case to determine the best course of action, considering all relevant laws and precedents.

Passionate Representation: We provide comprehensive legal representation, from filing the lawsuit to negotiating settlements or going to trial, ensuring that your interests are vigorously defended at every stage.  Our primary goal is to obtain for you and your family the maximum compensation available under the law.

Contact Us Today if You’ve Been the Victim of Video Voyeurism on a Cruise Ship

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is more than a law firm; we are a team of passionate advocates dedicated to upholding the rights of cruise ship voyeurism victims. With our extensive experience, national recognition, and fearless approach to litigation, we are the firm you can trust to navigate such an emotionally distressing incident. Contact us immediately through our secured contact form or call our office at 877–233–1238 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and connect with an experienced and knowledgeable cruise ship video voyeurism lawyer.