The C.E.O. of a California-based insurance company was arrested by the F.B.I. after attacking another passenger while onboard a Virgin Voyages cruise to the Caribbean.
According to a criminal complaint, Kenneth D. DeGiorgio allegedly tried to choke another guest on March 31 while sailing aboard Resilient Lady. The cruise ship was about 70 nautical miles west of Fort-de-France, Martinique.
The altercation began when DeGiorgio's wife requested that the other passenger put on shoes while dancing at On the Rocks, one of the cruise ship's bars. "Look, we are all grown-ups here. Can you put your shoes on?" she asked. In response, the man made a crude remark and gave her the middle finger.
Security footage corroborated the incident, showing DeGiorgio with his hands wrapped around the unidentified passenger's neck, as well as the victim flipping off his wife. The victim also claimed DeGiorgio threatened to kill him.
"While on the dancefloor, VICTIM stumbles under the physical control of DeGiorgio...VICTIM stated that the unknown male used a lot of force and felt as if his throat was going to be ripped out," the complaint reads.
Consequently, the ship's captain ordered DeGiorgio confined to his stateroom until the ship reached San Juan, Puerto Rico, the following day. Once in Puerto Rico, he refused to answer the F.B.I. agents' questions and requested a lawyer.
DeGiorgio is the CEO of First American Financial Corporation, a U.S. title insurance company that reported more than $6 billion in revenue in 2024. He's been with the company since 2010, serving as Executive Vice President for 11 years before becoming President in 2021 and C.E.O. in Feb. 2022.
He and his wife were traveling on a 10-night cruise to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, calling at Tortola, BVI; St Johns, Antigua; Basseterre, St Kitts; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Castries, St Lucia; Bridgetown, Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The complaint reveals the couple was staying in cabin 15339A, a Massive Suite part of the ship's exclusive Mega Rockstar Quarters. Measuring over 2,100 square feet, it's the largest stateroom onboard Resilient Lady and features a private hot tub, personal music room, and curated in-room bar. According to Virgin's website, a Massive Suite on a 7-night cruise in March 2026 costs over $20,000.
“Violent crimes committed aboard cruise ships fall under federal jurisdiction, and we take them very seriously...If you break the law at sea, expect to face consequences on land," Devin J. Kowalski said in a statement, reported The New York Times. Kowalski is the acting special agent of the F.B.I.’s field office in San Juan.
Mr. DeGiorgio’s legal team provided a brief statement to The New York Times on Thursday, pushing back on allegations that he had been the aggressor:
"Mr. DeGiorgio responded to the actions of an individual who harassed his wife, making her feel threatened and intimidated. Although charged with a simple misdemeanor, Mr. DeGiorgio looks forward to being absolved of any wrongdoing.”
He's been released by the authorities but faces up to one year in prison if convicted of Assault Within Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction of the United States.
Read more: 10 things I loved and hated about my first Virgin Voyages cruise
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
