An engine issue has caused an itinerary change on MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC Seascape, less than two months after it was launched.
The ship is scheduled to sail to Ocean Cay, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios on a seven-night western Caribbean voyage out of Miami this week. There was a cancellation on one of those calls.
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.