A luxury cruise holiday turned into a nightmare over the weekend after a man was killed when an alleged fight broke out onboard the MSC Virtuosa, prompting a murder investigation and arrest upon the ship’s return to Southampton.
Passengers aboard the two-night voyage from the UK described a chaotic atmosphere, with multiple hen and stag parties on board creating what one traveller called “absolute havoc.” The alleged incident, which resulted in the death of a 60-year-old man, occurred around 8:30pm on Saturday night while the vessel was still sailing in British waters.
Police arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter on suspicion of murder after the cruise liner returned to Southampton on Monday morning. Officers confirmed that the victim’s next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.
Lynda Hardiman-Pearce, a fellow passenger, said the atmosphere on board was far from the calm, sophisticated experience many associate with cruising.
She told MailOnline: “The cruise was full of hen and stag parties causing chaos. “On Saturday night we were in a bar onboard, and I was chatting to someone whilst waiting to be served. Apparently, the man who died was on a stag do.”
She added: “Since getting home, we talked to our family, and they all said it didn’t sound like any cruise they had been on.”
Initial reports suggest that the men involved in the altercation were part of a larger group of around 20 people. The MSC Virtuosa had departed Southampton on Saturday afternoon and was scheduled to return on Monday after a short leisure cruise.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, who is leading the investigation, reassured the public that the incident appears to be isolated.
He said: “We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident onboard, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries.”
MSC Cruises has issued a statement confirming the incident and their collaboration with the investigation. “Following an incident onboard our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are cooperating fully with their investigations,” a spokesperson said.
“We are providing full support to those impacted.”
The MSC Virtuosa is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, measuring 332 metres in length and capable of carrying more than 6,300 passengers along with 1,700 crew. Built in 2020, the 18-deck vessel is equipped with high-end features including a 4D cinema, Formula 1 simulator, bowling alley, theatre, and multiple restaurants and bars.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation, and no formal charges have yet been announced.