The U.S. Coast Guard detained the MSC Poesia at PortMiami on November 1, 2026 after finding deficiencies with systems on board the vessel during a pre-departure inspection.
MSC Poesia Voyage and Passenger Details
MSC Poesia was scheduled for an 11-night Caribbean cruise departing from PortMiami on November 1 and returning on November 12, 2026. The itinerary included port calls at Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Belize. Over 2,550 passengers had already boarded the ship at the time of detainment.
Cancellation and Passenger Compensation
MSC Cruises canceled the sailing on November 3, 2026 after failing to resolve the regulatory issues before departure. The cruise line offered affected passengers a
full refund, a 100% future cruise credit, and reimbursement for certain travel expenses. Passengers were given until noon on November 5, 2026, to make alternate travel arrangements home.
Official Statements and Ongoing Inspection
Captain Frank Florio, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami, said, “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.” MSC Cruises called the issue a “regulatory matter” that arose before departure and was unresolved in time for the cruise to proceed. The U.S. Coast Guard stressed its
priority to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, the vessel, and the environment while verifying compliance with international and U.S. regulations.
Passengers were forced to disembark from MSC Poesia at PortMiami following the detention. The vessel remains detained pending clearance by the Coast Guard.
The U.S. Coast Guard conducts Port State Control Inspections of foreign-flagged commercial vessels calling at U.S. ports to enforce compliance with applicable safety, security, and environmental requirements. If deficiencies are found, vessels can be detained until corrective actions are completed. MSC Cruises previously experienced vessel detention with MSC Opera in 2011 in Southampton due to safety
deficiencies.
