A 38-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly attacking an elderly passenger aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore during embarkation in Miami.
The incident reportedly took place at around 2 pm on Saturday 22nd November 2025, as guests were boarding the ship for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise sailing round-trip from Florida.
What Allegedly Happened Onboard
According to a police report, the confrontation began when a 67-year-old passenger told Phillip Andrew Ortiz not to enter a hallway that was not yet open to new guests.
Investigators allege the exchange quickly escalated. Ortiz is said to have shouted:
“Who the f— are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”
The older passenger reportedly pushed back after being shoved, leading to a physical struggle over the door.
Police allege that Ortiz then charged at the victim, tripped him and caused him to hit his head on the floor.
The report further claims Ortiz placed his full body weight on the man, who then lost consciousness. Ortiz is also accused of leaving the area without attempting to help.
Other Guests Performed CPR
Passengers nearby reportedly stepped in to help.
“Passengers (administered) CPR on the victim, because they did not find a (pulse),” the police report states.
The victim was later revived by medical staff and taken to University of Miami Hospital for further treatment.
Ortiz’s wife is also alleged to have pushed the victim during the incident, although it is unclear whether she will face charges.
Legal Proceedings and Custody Status
Ortiz was arrested by Miami-Dade deputies shortly after the incident.
Police said he “had the (opportunity) to end this confrontation, but chose to force his way back into the area and continue his aggression towards the victim.”
He was originally charged with aggravated battery on a person aged 65 or older, though this has reportedly since been downgraded to battery on a person 65 or older.
As of the latest available information, Ortiz remained in custody, with no bond yet listed in Miami-Dade County’s inmate system.
His attorney, Stephan Lopez, indicated during an initial court hearing on 24th November 2025 that the defence may pursue a claim of self-defence, despite surveillance footage and witness statements reportedly suggesting Ortiz was the aggressor.
Norwegian Cruise Line Response
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the arrest and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards violence.
In a statement, the cruise line said:
“On Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 while the ship was docked in Miami, Mr. Ortiz was arrested by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office after assaulting a 67-year old male guest who was later transported to a shoreside hospital for further treatment.
“We have zero-tolerance for violence of any kind on our ships and are committed to providing a safe cruising experience for all aboard.”
It is widely expected that Ortiz and those involved may face a lifetime ban from sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line.
Not the First Incident on Norwegian Encore
This is not the first serious incident linked to the ship. In May 2024, a crew member was arrested in Alaska after reportedly assaulting multiple individuals following erratic behaviour.
The investigation into this latest incident remains ongoing.
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Invariably reports of fights and aggressive behaviour on cruise ship tend to involve US passengers. Go figure.