Florida Man Arrested for Alleged Exposure in Celebrity Eclipse Sauna
It is a reminder that misconduct at sea can swiftly turn into a court case on land, sharpening attention on cruise security and protections for young passengers.
A Florida cruise passenger was arrested after Broward County authorities said he exposed himself and masturbated in a sauna aboard Celebrity Eclipse in the presence of teenagers. Michael Henry Mullis, 39, of Lutz, Florida, was taken into custody after the ship returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on March 22, 2026.
What investigators allege happened onboard
According to an arrest affidavit from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, two teens told investigators they were in a sauna onboard Celebrity Eclipse when Mullis allegedly exposed himself and began masturbating. The teens were identified in the affidavit as a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old.
The affidavit describes the incident as occurring while Mullis was seated on the top bench in the sauna. The case was referred to local law enforcement once the ship returned to South Florida.
Crew member account documented later the same day
Investigators also documented a separate account from a 19-year-old employee who said he encountered Mullis in the sauna later that day. The employee told authorities Mullis removed his clothing and then used a towel to cover himself, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit states Mullis then asked the employee, “Do you mind if I stroke my \*\*\*\*?” Ship security detained Mullis onboard before he was turned over to law enforcement after the ship arrived back in Port Everglades.
Charges filed and booking details in Broward County
Mullis faces two counts related to indecent exposure. The Broward Sheriff’s Office identified the charges as two counts of exposure of sexual organs, tied to the alleged incidents aboard the ship.
After the ship returned to Fort Lauderdale, Mullis was transported to the Broward County Main Jail. Jail records listed his bail as $0 and described the matter as a first offense.
Potential penalties described in available case information
Florida law treats exposure of sexual organs as a criminal offense when a person intentionally exposes themselves in an indecent manner in public or in the presence of others. Authorities have continued to investigate the allegations as the case moves through the court process.
If convicted, the charge can be handled as a first-degree misdemeanor. The potential consequences described in available case information include up to one year in jail, up to 12 months of probation, a fine of up to $1,000, and other court-ordered conditions that may include counseling.
Voyage details and itinerary
The alleged conduct occurred during an eight-night Caribbean sailing on Celebrity Eclipse that departed Fort Lauderdale on March 14, 2026, and returned March 22, 2026. Celebrity Eclipse is a 121,878-gross-ton ship with a passenger capacity of about 2,852.
Ports of call on the voyage included:
- Basseterre, St. Kitts
- St. John’s, Antigua
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Following the ship’s return to Port Everglades and Mullis’s arrest, Celebrity Eclipse sailed again on a six-night itinerary to Grand Cayman and Mexico.
Ship background and U.S. crime-reporting requirements
Celebrity Eclipse entered service in 2010 and is part of Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice-class fleet. Celebrity Cruises is owned by Royal Caribbean Group.
Because the voyage began and ended in the United States, the cruise line is subject to the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, which sets crime-reporting requirements for certain incidents on cruises that call on U.S. ports.
Statements and next steps
No official statement from Celebrity Cruises was included in available reports. The Broward Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case.
The next steps will be handled through the Broward County criminal process, including initial court appearances and any future hearings related to the two exposure-related counts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where was the arrest made if the incident happened at sea?
The allegations involve conduct onboard the ship, but the arrest occurred after Celebrity Eclipse returned to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, where local authorities took custody of the suspect.
What charges is the passenger facing?
Broward County authorities booked Michael Henry Mullis on two counts of exposure of sexual organs, based on allegations involving a sauna aboard Celebrity Eclipse.
What should passengers do if they witness inappropriate behavior onboard?
Passengers can contact ship security immediately and, if they feel unsafe, move to a staffed public area. Reporting promptly can help preserve witness accounts and any relevant onboard documentation.
