The MSC Poesia cruise ship was detained by the US Coast Guard at PortMiami on November 1, 2026, leading to the cancellation of its scheduled 11-night Caribbean cruise. Over 2,000 passengers were onboard at the time the vessel was held at the Miami port.
US Coast Guard Identifies Deficiencies During Expanded Inspection
An extended examination by the US Coast Guard revealed deficiencies with systems aboard MSC Poesia. Captain Frank Florio, commander of US Coast Guard Sector Miami, stated: “The Coast Guard cannot currently comment on the specifics of an ongoing Port State Control Examination, but we have identified deficiencies with systems on board the vessel that we are
addressing with MSC.” The ship will remain detained until these issues are resolved and it is cleared for departure.
Impact on Passengers and MSC Cruises Response
The vessel’s 11-night Caribbean itinerary was canceled after a two-day delay, leaving more than 2,000 guests stranded. MSC Cruises announced the cancellation on November 3, 2026, offering full refunds and assistance for customers’ return home. The cruise line said, “Prior to departure, a regulatory matter arose that required resolution. Despite our efforts to address the matter, we were unable to resolve it in time for the sailing to proceed.”
Details of Itinerary and Vessel Capacity
The canceled cruise included planned stops in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica,
Honduras, and Belize. MSC Poesia has a passenger capacity exceeding 2,550, according to The Independent. After the canceled voyage, MSC Cruises announced a 10-night Eastern Caribbean cruise scheduled to depart PortMiami on November 12, 2026.
MSC Cruises issued an apology regarding the disruption: “We have made the difficult decision to cancel the current sailing. We recognize how disappointing and frustrating this news is for our guests, and we sincerely apologize for the disruption to their holiday.” The US Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating, “The Coast Guard is tasked with verifying safe and secure commerce. It is the
Captain of the Port’s priority to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, the vessel, and the environment.”
