A week‑long celebration turned into a port‑side wait when the U.S. Coast Guard halted the MSC Poesia before it could leave Miami.
Key points
- The MSC Poesia was detained by the U.S. Coast Guard due to an unresolved regulatory issue discovered during a pre‑departure inspection.
- Passengers on the canceled cruise were reimbursed in full and offered a future cruise credit of equal value.
- MSC Cruises indicated the incident was isolated and not indicative of broader operational problems.
Fran and Teresa Trascritti, a 42‑year‑married couple from Ross, Ohio, boarded the MSC Poesia in Miami on Saturday with an 11‑day itinerary that included Jamaica, Colombia and a transit of the Panama Canal. Their trip was meant to mark their anniversary, but the ship never left the Port of Miami.
According to the couple’s own video footage, the cruise was delayed shortly after boarding for an “inspection” that stretched into the afternoon. They reported seeing waste and sewage being pumped from the vessel, though they could not confirm the source of the discharge.
Couple’s plans derailed by unexpected inspection
Later that day, the ship’s captain announced that the cruise was being canceled. MSC Cruises later told CBS News that the cancellation stemmed from a “regulatory matter” that arose before departure and could not be resolved in time, prompting the United States Coast Guard to detain the vessel for further review.
The Trascrittis said they were fully refunded for the canceled voyage and received a future cruise credit equal to the original purchase price. Their return travel to Ohio was also covered by the cruise line.
Coast Guard action and MSC’s response
Undeterred, the couple has already booked another MSC cruise for the end of the month, hoping to finally celebrate their milestone as originally planned.
Reader questions
Why was the MSC Poesia detained by the Coast Guard?
MSC Cruises said a regulatory matter surfaced during a pre‑departure inspection, and the Coast Guard held the ship until the issue could be addressed.
What compensation did the Trascritti couple receive?
They were refunded the full cost of the cruise, given a future cruise credit for the same amount, and had their return travel expenses covered.
Will the couple cruise again after this incident?
Yes, they have booked another MSC cruise for later this month to celebrate their anniversary.
Source: local12.com
