Miami Cruise Passenger Accused of Knocking 67-Year-Old Man Unconscious During Heated Fight on Norwegian Encore

MIAMI, FL — A 38-year-old Florida attorney was arrested after allegedly attacking a 67-year-old man aboard the Norwegian Encore cruise ship, knocking him unconscious during a heated confrontation in a restricted hallway, according to an arrest affidavit released by Miami-Dade authorities.

Verbal Dispute Turns Violent on Docked Cruise Ship

The incident happened around 2 p.m. Saturday while the ship was docked in Miami. According to investigators, Phillip Andrew Ortiz, a partner at a Miami-area law firm, attempted to enter a hallway that was not yet open to passengers when the older man told him to stop.

Ortiz allegedly snapped back, asking, “Who the f— are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”

Moments later, Ortiz shoved the 67-year-old victim. When the victim pushed back, the dispute escalated. According to the affidavit, Ortiz’s female companion also pushed the older man during the confrontation.

Suspect Allegedly Forced Way In, Charged Back Out, and Tackled Victim

Despite being told the hallway was secured, Ortiz allegedly entered anyway. The victim tried to close the door to prevent Ortiz from returning, but Ortiz forced it open and charged at him, officials say.

During the ensuing struggle, Ortiz allegedly tripped the man, sending both of them crashing to the floor with Ortiz’s full body weight landing on the victim’s head. The older man was knocked unconscious.

Authorities say Ortiz fled without providing aid.

Passengers performed CPR until the victim regained consciousness, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Security Footage Supported Victim’s Account

According to Miami-Dade detectives, cruise ship security video confirmed the victim’s version of events. Ortiz was later located and taken into custody at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He reportedly refused to sign Miranda forms and declined to speak with investigators.

Defense Claims Victim Was Drunk and Violent

Ortiz’s attorney, Stephan Lopez, disputes the allegations, claiming the victim instigated the altercation.

Lopez described the older man as “bigger and stronger” than Ortiz and said he was heavily intoxicated before leaving port. The attorney also alleges the victim assaulted Ortiz’s wife and tried to prevent the couple’s children — ages 6 and 14 — from accessing the hallway.

During a Monday hearing, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer said she did not believe the incident met the standard for a felony aggravated battery charge because there was no evidence of permanent injuries.

Cruise Line Responds: ‘Zero Tolerance for Violence’

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the victim’s age and condemned the incident.

“We have zero tolerance for violence of any kind on our ships and are committed to providing a safe cruising experience for all aboard,” the company said in a statement.

Ortiz, licensed to practice law in Florida since 2012, remains under investigation as the case proceeds.

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