MSC Cancels Miami Cruise After Coast Guard Detention

The MSC Poesia had been scheduled to depart Port Miami on Sunday for a 12-day trip through the Caribbean and Central America. Coast Guard personnel held the ship at the port for an expanded examination to check its observance of global rules and American regulations. More than 3,000 travelers were affected by the cancellation, announced on November 3.

MSC said a regulatory issue arose before departure and could not be resolved in time for the voyage. The cruise line apologized for the disruption, said passengers would receive full refunds of their cruise fares and offered assistance with their journeys home.

The Coast Guard said its teams were checking the vessel’s compliance and that the Captain of the Port prioritizes the safety of passengers, crew, the ship and the environment. It did not provide details about the issue or say whether other MSC sailings would be affected, but said further information would be released when possible. A passenger had complained about a lack of transparency during the delay.