The US Coast Guard detained the Panama-flagged cruise ship MSC Poesia at PortMiami on Sunday, November 1 during an expanded examination, and the ship remained docked with passengers aboard for two days while inspectors reviewed its compliance with international standards and US regulations. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Coast Guard said Sector Miami personnel were verifying the vessel’s compliance and that the Captain of the Port’s priority is protecting passengers, crew, the vessel and the environment, but it did not say what prompted the examination or identify any specific deficiency.
MSC Cruises confirmed on Tuesday that it was cancelling the 11-night Caribbean voyage, saying a regulatory matter arose before departure that it was unable to resolve in time for the sailing to proceed. Affected passengers will receive full refunds and help arranging travel home, and guests may remain aboard until noon on Thursday, November 5. The cancelled itinerary was to call in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize before returning to Miami on November 12, which is also the departure date of the ship’s next scheduled 10-night sailing; MSC has announced no change to that voyage.