MSC Cruises announced on Tuesday the cancellation of a voyage aboard the MSC Poesia after the vessel was detained by the US Coast Guard at the Port of Miami. The decision came after the company failed to resolve a regulatory issue in time for the ship's scheduled departure on November 1. According to reports from CBS News, more than 2,000 people were on board when the cancellation was confirmed.
In an official statement, MSC Cruises attributed the cancellation to a regulatory matter identified prior to the planned sailing. The company acknowledged the disappointment and frustration caused to passengers and offered sincere apologies for the disruption to their holidays. They assured that all passengers would receive full refunds for the cruise fare and assistance with organizing their return home.
Among those affected is Miguel Santos Costa, a 30-year-old from Lisbon, who expressed that the uncertainty regarding the next steps was his primary concern. The ship was originally set to depart Miami at 5:00 PM local time on Saturday, but the departure was delayed. While passengers initially did not attach great importance to the delay, confusion grew by the morning of November 2 when the vessel remained docked.
On November 2, two announcements were made to the passengers. The company requested calm and explained that the Coast Guard was continuing an inspection, promising further updates. Costa noted that no unusual activity had been observed on board prior to this, and no specific reasons for the authorities' intervention were provided at the time. He speculated that the issue could be related to labor, safety, or mechanical problems.
The US Coast Guard detained the ship on Sunday for an inspection. By Monday, the maritime authority stated it was verifying the vessel's compliance with international standards and US regulations. In a statement sent to CBS News, the Coast Guard emphasized its responsibility to ensure the safety of maritime commerce, prioritizing the security of passengers, crew, the vessel, and the environment.
Regarding the immediate situation on board, MSC Cruises stated that passengers would receive a document in their cabins detailing the cancellation. However, Costa reported that he had not yet received any written communication regarding the refund or the logistics of returning to Portugal. He remains unsure whether he will have to cover flight costs himself or if accommodation will be provided until flights are available, which were originally scheduled for November 12.
Passengers are expected to disembark by noon on Thursday. Until then, the company continues to provide meals and other necessities. Costa confirmed that there is no shortage of food or supplies and estimated that at least six or eight other Portuguese nationals are also on board. While crew members remain available to assist, they have not provided specific details about the inspection, leaving passengers uncertain if the exact reasons for the detention will ever be disclosed.
The MSC Poesia has a capacity for over 3,200 passengers and a crew of more than 1,000 people, according to information available on the company's official website.
Sources: Observador.