By Salma El-Sakka
The MSC Poesia's 11-night Caribbean sailing from the Port of Miami was cancelled on Tuesday after the US Coast Guard detained the vessel due to deficiencies identified during a pre-departure inspection. The ship, carrying guests, had been scheduled to depart on Sunday 1 November for an itinerary including Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize.
Coast Guard cites system deficiencies
Captain Frank Florio, commander of US Coast Guard Sector Miami, said the service identified deficiencies with systems on board the vessel that are being addressed with MSC Cruises. The Poesia will remain detained at the Miami port until cleared for departure. The Coast Guard declined to comment on specifics of the ongoing Port State Control Examination.
Cruise line apologises and offers refunds
MSC Cruises said it made the difficult decision to cancel the current sailing after a regulatory matter arose that could not be resolved in time. The company apologised for the disruption and confirmed that affected guests are receiving assistance to return home and a full refund of their cruise fare. The vessel is still slated to depart on 12 November for a 10-night Eastern Caribbean round-trip.
