MSC Bellissima Strands 4,000 Passengers in Japan After Engine Failure
Imagine waking up on a cruise ship, excited for the adventure ahead, only to discover you’re still docked at port—without even a hint of departure. This was the reality for passengers aboard the MSC Bellissima, who were scheduled to depart from Naha, Japan, on December 6, 2023, but instead found themselves stranded for days due to unforeseen engine and navigation issues. While passengers initially hoped for a quick resolution, what was meant to be a four-night getaway turned into a Cruise to Nowhere, as severe weather conditions further complicated the situation.
With around 4,000 guests aboard, MSC Cruises scrambled to arrange return travel and compensate the affected cruisers. Despite the challenges, the cruise line offered a full refund, onboard amenities, and extra compensation for the delays.
How MSC Bellissima Got Stuck in Port
The trouble began when MSC Bellissima, one of the largest ships in the world and a major player in Asia’s cruise market, faced mechanical issues that delayed its departure from Naha. After passengers boarded and anticipated a smooth sailing to Ishigaki, Japan, the engine failure led to the ship remaining at port overnight.
By December 7, MSC confirmed that the ship would not leave the port that day. With no immediate resolution in sight, the cruise was effectively canceled, and the passengers’ planned four-night adventure evaporated. To make matters worse, a high wave advisory further delayed the ship’s departure, pushing the situation from a technical inconvenience to a full-blown disruption.
A Cruise to Nowhere: Passengers Left With Limited Options
With the MSC Bellissima firmly docked in Naha, and no sign of departing soon, MSC Cruises informed guests that their voyage would essentially become a floating hotel for several days.While local passengers in Japan were able to disembark, 880 Taiwanese guests had to remain on the ship. MSC worked with Japanese authorities to help passengers leave the ship by December 9, but for many, it was a long wait aboard a ship that was essentially stuck in limbo. In the meantime, guests were permitted access to the ship’s amenities, such as bars, restaurants, and entertainment, providing some semblance of enjoyment during the prolonged delay.
MSC Cruises Offers Full Refunds and Extra Compensation
As the delays continued, MSC Cruises quickly moved to address the inconvenience. The cruise line announced that full refunds would be issued to all affected passengers, providing some relief for those who had already paid for the canceled sailing. On top of this, MSC offered additional compensation in the form of future cruise credits and vouchers for passengers.
- Guests were given a 50% voucher for use on future sailings.
- $75 vouchers were issued for third and fourth passengers in each cabin.
- Excursion bookings were also refunded.
Additionally, MSC Cruises covered travel costs for passengers stranded due to the delay, including up to $400 per person for international travelers. The cruise line coordinated with EVA Air to provide flights from Okinawa to Taipei, using larger aircraft to accommodate the increased demand.
The Aftermath: A Major Setback for MSC Cruises
While MSC Cruises worked tirelessly to get the MSC Bellissima back on track, the company’s reputation was undoubtedly impacted by this high-profile incident. The engine failure and subsequent cancellations led to a canceled itinerary and delays that affected thousands of travelers. Yet, MSC’s swift actions to provide compensation, including refunds and travel assistance, helped soften the blow for many passengers.
