MSC Cancels Caribbean Cruise After Detention
Over 3,000 passengers are being refunded after the U.S. Coast Guard detained the MSC Poesia at Port Miami on Sunday.
By Elizabeth Turner ·
MSC Cruises canceled a 12-day Caribbean and Central America voyage on Tuesday morning after the U.S. Coast Guard detained the ship in Port Miami. The company confirmed the decision in a statement released to the Miami New Times, announcing that more than 3,000 travelers would receive full refunds. The MSC Poesia, a 964-foot vessel, had been scheduled to depart on Sunday.
Coast Guard personnel detained the ship on Sunday night for an expanded examination. An emailed statement from a Coast Guard spokesperson explained that officials were verifying the vessel's compliance with international standards and U.S. regulations. The spokesperson stated that the Captain of the Port prioritizes the safety of passengers, crew, the vessel, and the environment during such inspections.
Sidney Sterling, an MSC spokeswoman, apologized for the disruption to the holiday season. She noted that a regulatory matter arose prior to departure that required resolution. Sterling said the company made the difficult decision to cancel because they were unable to resolve the issue in time for the sailing to proceed. She assured guests that the company is providing support to assist with their journey home.
Passengers aboard the ship reported growing frustration during the detention. One passenger who complained to the news outlet cited a complete lack of transparency regarding the delay. The passenger warned that the official cancellation would leave more than 3,000 stranded travelers displaced and looking for emergency accommodations in Miami.
The Coast Guard spokesperson declined to answer questions about the specific nature of the inspection. Officials also did not clarify whether the detention would affect other MSC cruises. The spokesperson indicated that more information would be released when possible.
The MSC Poesia entered service in 2008. According to Trip.com, the ship offers various cruise-length options. The canceled 12-day itinerary started at $439 per person and included destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Colombia.
Source: Miami New Times · original report published
