Cruise Ship Murder Suspect Released on Bail After Passenger Killed

A 60-year-old man died following an altercation aboard the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship shortly after it departed Southampton for a two-night trip to Bruges. The incident, believed to have involved stag and hen parties that were reportedly causing chaos on the vessel, occurred around 8:30pm on the first night at sea. An army medic attempted CPR but was unable to revive the man, whose body remained on board until the ship returned to Southampton. Police arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter, thought to be a friend of the deceased, on suspicion of murder; he has since been released on bail while the investigation continues. Authorities and MSC Cruises have emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident, and the victim's family is receiving support from specialist officers. Passengers described significant police presence at the dock and recounted the disruptive atmosphere caused by the large parties on board.