The US Port State Control program subjects foreign commercial vessels calling at American ports to inspections to ensure compliance with international and national safety, security, and environmental requirements.

The MSC Poesia's next scheduled departure from Miami is scheduled for November 12th, with a ten-night cruise in the Eastern Caribbean

Passengers on her cruise were already on board, and she was stranded in Miami. After waiting for more than two days, she saw that her scheduled cruise for this week was cancelled. Last Sunday, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) detained the MSC Poesia, a 92,627 gross ton ship belonging to the MSC Cruises fleet, as part of an inspection that resulted in the ship being detained.

The Panamanian-flagged passenger vessel was built in 2008

The Panamanian-flagged passenger vessel was built in 2008. It was scheduled to leave Miami for an 11-night cruise in the Western Caribbean. The vessel was to make scheduled stops in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Belize. It was then scheduled to return to Florida on November 12. According to CBS News, more than 2,000 passengers were already on board, out of a maximum capacity of 3,223, plus a crew of 1,039.

The initial communication from the Coast Guard

The initial communication from the Coast Guard was about an "expanded examination of the vessel" for the purpose of verifying compliance with international standards and US regulations. This wording initially left open the possibility that it was a routine, thorough check. However, a subsequent official statement clarified that deficiencies had been identified during the inspection. 'We have identified deficiencies in some onboard systems that we are addressing with MSC,' said Captain Frank Florio, commander of Sector Miami. The USCG added that it could not provide further details while the examination was ongoing. The ship will remain detained until the deficiencies are corrected and it is authorised to leave port

The US Port State Control program

The matter is distinguished from a simple operational delay by precisely this point. In fact, the US Port State Control programme subjects foreign commercial vessels calling at American ports to inspections to ensure compliance with international and national safety, security and environmental requirements. In the event of substantial breaches, the Coast Guard has the power to detain the vessel until the necessary corrective measures are taken.

An explanation of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises stated that a 'regulatory issue' had arisen prior to departure that required resolution. Despite efforts to resolve it, it was not possible to obtain the necessary conditions to proceed with the cruise in time. The company confirmed its full cooperation with the authorities and announced the cancellation of the voyage, apologising to passengers.

 Alternative arrangements. 

The company said they would get all their money back for the cruise and help to get home. The company also gave guests the option of remaining on board until noon on Thursday to allow them time to make alternative arrangements. While they waited, bus transfers were arranged to take passengers to certain areas of Miami, and the ship's dining and entertainment services remained available.

Related: The new MSC World Europa ship sets sail on its maiden voyage.

Critical issues in operational readiness 

The Maritime Executive reports that a USCG inspection of the vessel in April 2026 revealed critical issues with the operational readiness of lifesaving appliances. However, the vessel was not detained. However, no link was found between these findings and the deficiencies identified in the most recent inspection.

Related: MSC injects another €400 million into GNV, despite losses in 2025

MSC has not yet announced any changes to the programme.

It is not yet clear which systems were the cause of the measure, or how long it will take to get back to following the rules. The next scheduled departure of the MSC Poesia from Miami is on 12 November, for a ten-night cruise in the Eastern Caribbean. MSC has not yet announced any changes to the programme, which will inevitably depend on the outcome of the inspection and subsequent approval from the Coast Guard

Source: Media Italy .

#Maritime Executive #MSC Cruises # Panamanian-flagged passenger #United States Coast Guard (USCG)