In a chilling violation of privacy, a Royal Caribbean cruise employee was arrested after setting up hidden cameras in passenger bathrooms targeting young girls. This unsettling incident unfolded on the Symphony of the Seas, one of the largest and popular cruise ships in the world.
The shocking discovery was made on February 25 by a guest, who found a camera secretly installed under the bathroom sink. The room was shared with her sister and mother, turning what was supposed to be a leisurely vacation into a disturbing nightmare of a cruise.
The guest’s quick action to report the camera to the ship’s customer services set off an immediate investigation by ship security. The cameras were secretly hidden in locations like under sinks and near showers to capture private moments without detection. This discovery shocked both Royal Caribbean and its passengers.
Arvin Joseph Mirasol, a 34-year-old Filipino national and crew member, was identified as the suspect. Upon the ship’s arrival at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Mirasol was detained. His capture was the result of collaborative efforts by Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
The subsequent investigation revealed a harrowing trail of digital evidence. Mirasol’s electronics, including phones, an SD card, and a USB stick, contained “numerous videos of naked females” and materials categorized as child pornography. Disturbingly, one video captured Mirasol himself installing a camera in a guest’s bathroom, whereas another depicted a young girl unknowingly being filmed as she entered the shower.
Mirasol confessed to the habitual placement of cameras in bathrooms since his employment began in December 2023. His admissions during the interrogation painted a portrait of a deeply troubled person, aware of the illegality of his actions yet compelled by his urges.
In a shocking twist, Mirasol also admitted that he would sneak into guests’ rooms while they were showering and hide himself under their beds. While hidden beneath the bed, he continued recording them naked with his phone.
Royal Caribbean responded quickly and decisively. The company expressed zero tolerance for such behaviors, immediately terminating Mirasol and fully cooperating with law enforcement. In a statement they reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and security measures, though the damage had already been done.
Lawsuit and Aftermath
Mirasol was arrested in March and later sentenced to 30 years in prison for federal child pornography charges. He was found to have started his disturbing practices in December 2023, after he had begun working for Royal Caribbean.
In addition to the federal charges, Mirasol also faces video voyeurism charges in Florida. Video voyeurism is a crime that involves secretly recording people without their consent, typically in private areas such as changing rooms or bathrooms, where individuals have an expectation of privacy.
Recently, a lawsuit has been filed against Royal Caribbean, alleging that the cruise line failed to take enough measures to stop the former employee from secretly installing the cameras in guest staterooms. This legal action, initiated by affected passengers, claims that more could have been done to safeguard their privacy. The attorney representing the plaintiffs, Michael Winkleman, has pointed out that Royal Caribbean shares blame for not doing enough to protect its guests. He said that there is no current law that obliges cruise lines to inform passengers if they have been potential victims of a video voyeur, a legislative gap he believes this lawsuit will help change.
As the case unfolds, the impact on the victims remains profound and far-reaching. One particular passenger from New Hampshire highlighted the disturbing personal aftermath of the incident. She detailed a specific encounter where Mirasol was overly eager to enter their cabin under the pretext of refilling a soap dispenser, an interaction that now taints her memories of the trip. This passenger, like many others, now suffers from overwhelming anxiety, which manifests as physical pain, dizziness, and insomnia.
How to Spot Hidden Cameras in Your Cruise Cabin
If something looks slightly off in your cruise cabin, especially near areas where privacy is expected like showers or beds, trust your instincts and investigate further. Keep an eye out for anything unusual in these areas, including objects that seem out of place or oriented towards these spaces. Uncommon placements or angles in items next to your bed or near the bathroom can be red flags, signaling a need for a closer look.
If you’re suspicious and want to ensure your privacy, use your smartphone’s flashlight to search for hidden camera lenses. Start by turning off the lights and shining your flashlight slowly across various surfaces, including less obvious spots like light fixtures, smoke detectors, and decorative items such as flower pots. Look for tiny, bright reflections that could indicate a camera lens. You can also gently feel around for any objects that emit heat, as electronic devices, especially those that are constantly running, tend to warm up.
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