MSC Cruises has cancelled an 11-night Caribbean voyage after the US Coast Guard detained MSC Poesia at PortMiami, gCaptain reported. The Panama-flagged vessel was due to leave Miami on Sunday, November 1, but remained alongside with passengers aboard for two days while inspectors examined its compliance with maritime rules.
The detention took place on Sunday during an expanded examination. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Coast Guard said its Sector Miami personnel were checking the ship against international standards and US regulations. The agency emphasised its responsibility for safe maritime commerce and the protection of passengers, crew, the ship and the environment. It did not identify any deficiencies, explain what triggered the additional scrutiny or provide a timetable for departure clearance.
MSC Cruises confirmed the cancellation on Tuesday after failing to settle the matter in time for the sailing. In a company statement reported by NBC News and cited by gCaptain, the operator described an unresolved regulatory issue that had arisen before departure. Affected passengers were offered full refunds and help organising travel home. They were also allowed to stay aboard until noon on Thursday, November 5, while arranging alternatives.
The abandoned itinerary included calls in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize, with a return to Miami planned for November 12. Under the Coast Guard’s port state control programme, foreign-flagged ships visiting US ports can be examined for compliance with international conventions and domestic requirements. Serious deficiencies can lead to detention pending corrective work, although neither the agency nor MSC Cruises has disclosed the specific reason for this detention.
Built in 2008, the Musica-class vessel measures 294 metres and has capacity for 3,223 passengers and about 1,039 crew. gCaptain reported that it underwent a major refurbishment earlier this year, but no connection to the detention has been indicated. Its next scheduled departure is a 10-night Caribbean cruise from Miami on November 12; MSC Cruises had announced no changes to that sailing as of Tuesday.