The U.S. Coast Guard has stopped the cruise ship MSC Poesia at PortMiami, leading to the cancellation of an 11-night Caribbean trip after the ship was held in port for two days.
The Panama-flagged cruise ship was detained on Sunday, November 1, during what the Coast Guard called a detailed inspection of the vessel. The ship was set to leave Miami that afternoon but stayed docked with passengers on board while inspectors checked its adherence to maritime regulations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Coast Guard mentioned that their personnel were confirming the ship's compliance with international standards and U.S. regulations.
“The Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring safe and secure commerce,” the agency stated, explaining that the Captain of the Port focuses on protecting passengers, crew, the ship, and the environment.
The Coast Guard has not revealed the reasons behind the extended examination or pointed out any specific issues. They also have not announced when the ship might be allowed to leave.
MSC Cruises confirmed on Tuesday that they are canceling the voyage as attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful.
“Before departure, a regulatory matter came up that needed to be resolved,” MSC Cruises said in a statement reported by NBC News. The company noted that they were unable to fix the matter in time for the sailing.
The cruise line stated that passengers affected would receive full refunds and help with arranging their travel back home. Guests have also been allowed to stay on board until noon on Thursday, November 5, while they make other travel plans.
The canceled itinerary was supposed to stop in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Belize before returning to Miami on November 12.
This detention raises concerns about what regulatory issue kept the ship from sailing.
Under the Coast Guard's port state control program, foreign-flagged ships visiting U.S. ports are subject to inspections to ensure they comply with international conventions and U.S. requirements. Significant deficiencies can lead to a ship being held until necessary repairs or changes are made.
However, neither the Coast Guard nor MSC Cruises has clarified what inspectors found on the MSC Poesia, leaving the reason for the detention uncertain.
Built in 2008, the 92,627-gross-ton MSC Poesia is part of MSC Cruises' Musica class. This 294-meter vessel can carry 3,223 passengers and about 1,039 crew members.
The ship had a major refurbishment earlier this year, which included adding MSC's Yacht Club luxury accommodations and upgrades to its dining and wellness facilities. There is no indication that the refurbishment is linked to the detention.
The ship's next scheduled trip is a 10-night Caribbean cruise departing Miami on November 12, and MSC Cruises has not announced any changes to this sailing.
As of Tuesday, the vessel was still in Miami, with no announced timetable for its release.