Cruise Guest Confronts Teens — And Pays a Terrifying Price

A Royal Caribbean cruise took a disturbing turn last week when an elevator dispute escalated into a violent assault, leaving one guest hospitalized and another facing criminal charges.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), the incident occurred aboard Liberty of the Seas during a four-night Bahamas itinerary departing from Port Everglades.

Michael White, 18, a passenger from Siler City, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery causing bodily harm after the altercation.

Police reports reveal that the conflict began when a guest and his female companion confronted a group of juveniles who were aggressively jumping inside an elevator.

The couple reportedly expressed concern that the behavior could make the elevator unsafe. In response, the group allegedly became hostile, shouting profanities at the couple.

When the elevator doors opened on Deck 8, the couple tried to exit, but the group blocked their way. After the victim pushed past them, he was struck multiple times, knocked to the ground, and kicked until he lost consciousness, according to BSO Deputy Demetrius Williams.

The victim later regained consciousness in a pool of blood.

Upon returning to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, April 18, White and another unnamed suspect were taken into custody.

White was released the following day after posting a $5,000 bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim. Details about the second individual’s status have not been disclosed.

While Royal Caribbean has not issued an official statement about the incident, the cruise line has a strong history of enforcing strict consequences for passenger misconduct, often resulting in lifetime bans.

In recent months, other cases of unruly behavior aboard Royal Caribbean ships have also made headlines, including a separate assault on Navigator of the Seas that required ship security to intervene with pepper spray.

Security experts remind travelers that while incidents like this are rare, cruise ships are essentially floating cities and have well-trained security teams prepared to respond quickly to any situation.

Despite the mid-cruise incident, Liberty of the Seas continued its voyage as scheduled, and the majority of guests were reportedly unaffected.

White’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.