MSC Cruises has begun notifying guests that the Mediterranean-based cruise ship MSC Seaside is suffering from engine problems that are affecting the ship’s cruising speed. As a result, the vessel will be decommissioned for repairs.
An MSC cruise ship is suffering from engine problems that are preventing the ship from reaching its maximum cruising speed. The cruise line is notifying guests that MSC Seaside will need to undergo a dry dock to resolve the issue.
The cruise line confirmed in a letter to guests that an electrical issue affected MSC Seaside’s engines prior to its arrival in Genoa, Italy on July 2, 2022.
MSC said: “Our technical team, with the help of additional external experts, worked effortlessly to resolve the issue immediately after the issue was discovered. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, this was not possible, so we had no choice but to send our ship into dry dock for the necessary repairs.”
MSC Seaside is still sailing its current itinerary, which includes multiple disembarkation ports with adjusted arrival and departure times due to cruise speed.
Still sailing, guests can still disembark at their requested port despite a slight change to the itinerary. The 4th of July sailing includes stops in Palermo, Ibiza, Valencia, Marseille, Genoa and Civitavecchia.
When the 4th of July cruise ends as planned on 11 July 2022, MSC Seaside will be decommissioned for an immediate drydock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo for repairs.
Impacted Guests
Along with adjusting current sailings and canceling future cruises, guests are offered some options while the ship is undergoing repairs.
For the current cruise, MSC Cruises said: “We understand and regret the impact this unexpected situation has had on the guest experience on board. All will be offered partial cruise refunds in varying amounts depending on port of embarkation and cabin type.”
Guests booking one of the following canceled sailings will have the option of rebooking free of charge on one of eleven other MSC cruise ships currently sailing the Mediterranean.
Another alternative cruise on MSC Seaside may also be an option. Guests who decide to rebook will receive a refundable onboard credit of up to €400 per person.
The news comes as Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas is also suffering from engine problems. A Quantum-class vessel has adapted navigation and cannot sail at its maximum cruising speed. The cruise line waits longer than expected for parts due to supply chain issues.