Due to engine problems, the itinerary of MSC Cruises' new ship MSC Seascape has been altered less than two months after its debut.
The ship's original itinerary for is a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage from Miami with calls at Ocean Cay, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios. But now one of those ports-of-call has been canceled.
In a letter Thursday to guests on board, Captain Francesco Di Palma wrote “As you know, MSC Seascape had a technical problem with one of our engines, which resulted in a reduction in power and consequently affected our speed. Despite the continued efforts of our technical team combined with the expertise of the specialist technician who boarded Grand Cayman today, we regret to inform you that the issue has not been resolved and we will be forced to cancel our scheduled call to Ocho Rios, Jamaica tomorrow."
Instead, the ship is spending today at sea and using its "available speed" to return to Ocean Quay for an afternoon break tomorrow, January 21. He will return to Miami on Sunday as scheduled.
Due to the inconvenience, MSC Cruises is offering a refund of 50 percent of the cruise fare paid. Refunds will be processed automatically.
All pre-booked Ocho Rios shore excursions will be automatically credited to onboard accounts.
The letter concluded: “Please be assured that your safety has never been compromised. We appreciate your understanding and are confident that you will enjoy our beautiful ship.”
After a transatlantic voyage from Italy, MSC Seascape made her New York debut on December 5, 2022 and was christened at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on December 7. The ship arrived in Miami on December 11 to begin its winter Caribbean cruise season.
