Coast Guard detains cruise ship at PortMiami for 'expanded examination'

Milena Malaver, Miami Herald on Nov 3, 2026

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MIAMI — A cruise ship scheduled to depart from PortMiami on Sunday was detained by the U.S. Coast Guard for an “expanded examination,” officials said, causing the cruise line to cancel the voyage, a spokesperson told the Miami Herald on Tuesday.

“We recognize how disappointing and frustrating this news is for our guests, and we sincerely apologize for the disruption to their holiday,” an MSC spokesperson wrote in an email to the Herald.

The Coast Guard’s Sector Miami detained the MSC Poesia while conducting the examination at the port, according to a statement. Coast Guard teams are verifying the ship’s compliance with international standards and U.S. regulations, officials said.

“The Coast Guard is tasked with verifying safe and secure commerce,” the statement said. “It is the Captain of the Port’s priority to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, the vessel, and the environment.”

The agency and the cruise company didn’t say what triggered the examination.

“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,” the MSC spokesperson said.

This comes after the ship’s departure was delayed while the Coast Guard conducted an inspection, MSC Cruises said in a statement to Miami Herald news partner CBS Miami.

The ship was scheduled to depart Miami on Sunday for an 11-day cruise through the Caribbean and Central America, with planned stops in Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras and Belize, according to Cruise Mapper. The MSC Poesia was scheduled to return to Miami on Nov. 12.

Passengers who were set to sail on the cruise will receive a full refund and will be assisted in getting back home, according to MSC.

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