Passenger Arrested After Shocking Alleged Assault Onboard Norwegian Encore in Miami

A routine embarkation day for thousands of guests boarding Norwegian Encore in Miami took an alarming turn, leaving cruisers shaken and questioning what happened in one of the ship’s hallways.

What began as a simple exchange between two passengers quickly escalated into a serious incident that drew in witnesses, law enforcement, and the cruise line itself.

What Reportedly Happened During Embarkation

According to a police report, the confrontation began at around 2 pm as guests were boarding Norwegian Encore for a 7 night Western Caribbean sailing. A 67 year old passenger reportedly told 38 year old Phillip Andrew Ortiz not to enter a hallway that had not yet been opened to boarding guests.

Investigators say the situation escalated almost immediately. Ortiz allegedly shouted at the older passenger and questioned his authority to stop him from entering the restricted area. Witness statements included in the report describe the exchange as heated and fast moving.

The encounter quickly went from verbal to physical when Ortiz is said to have shoved the man. The older passenger reportedly pushed back as the two struggled near the doorway, setting the stage for a much more serious altercation.

How the Situation Turned Violent

Police allege that after the initial struggle, Ortiz charged toward the 67 year old passenger and caused him to fall to the floor. According to the report, the victim hit his head as he went down, which immediately worsened the situation.

Investigators say Ortiz then placed his full body weight on the man while he lay on the ground. The victim reportedly lost consciousness during this part of the encounter, and witnesses told police that Ortiz left the area without attempting to help.

The report also claims that Ortiz’s wife pushed the victim during the confrontation. Police have not confirmed whether she will face charges, but her involvement was documented in the early statements taken at the scene.

Cruisers Step In to Save the Victim

Passengers nearby immediately rushed to help once they realised the older guest was unresponsive. According to the police report, witnesses began performing CPR after they could not find a pulse. Their quick actions were critical in the first moments after the man collapsed.

Shortly after, the ship’s medical team arrived and continued treatment. The victim was successfully revived and later transported to the University of Miami Hospital for further care. Cruise guests described the scene as tense and chaotic while medical staff worked to stabilise him.

Although shaken, bystanders told investigators they acted instinctively when they realised the seriousness of the situation. Their intervention became a pivotal part of the response before authorities arrived.

Legal Actions and Current Custody Status

Ortiz was arrested shortly after the incident by Miami Dade deputies. According to the police report, officers noted that he had the opportunity to walk away from the confrontation, but instead went back toward the victim and continued the aggression.

He was initially charged with aggravated battery on a person aged 65 or older. That charge has since been downgraded to battery on a person 65 or older, although it remains a serious offence under Florida law. As of the latest information, Ortiz is still in custody with no bond listed in the local inmate database.

During a preliminary hearing on November 24, 2025, his attorney, Stephan Lopez, suggested that the defence may argue self defence. Investigators, however, say both surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that Ortiz was the primary aggressor.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Response

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the arrest and reiterated that it maintains a strict zero tolerance policy toward violence on its ships. In a statement, the line said Ortiz was taken into custody by the Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office after allegedly assaulting a 67 year old male guest. The victim was then transported to a shoreside hospital for additional treatment.

NCL emphasised that the safety of guests and crew is its highest priority. The line stated that it is committed to providing a secure environment for everyone on board and will not tolerate behaviour that jeopardises that standard.

Industry observers note that individuals involved in serious onboard violence often face permanent bans from the cruise line. While NCL has not yet confirmed this outcome, it is widely expected given the severity of the allegations.

A Troubling Pattern for Norwegian Encore

This incident is not the first time Norwegian Encore has been linked to a serious onboard disturbance. In May 2024, a crew member was arrested in Alaska after reportedly assaulting multiple individuals following erratic behaviour. That case also prompted a law enforcement response and drew attention to safety procedures on the ship.

Although unrelated, the two events have raised concerns among some cruisers about how quickly situations can escalate at sea or during embarkation. Cruise lines regularly review security practices after such incidents, and observers say it is likely Norwegian will assess this event closely.

The investigation into the most recent altercation remains active. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether additional charges or policy updates will follow.

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