The MSC World Europa docked safely in Naples on Monday evening after a 10-hour engine failure left the massive cruise ship drifting near Ponza with more than 8,500 passengers and crew onboard.
The vessel lost propulsion early Monday about eight nautical miles (9.2 miles) off the Lazio coast. Initial findings point to an electrical fault as the cause. Despite the failure, onboard generators continued powering essential services, minimizing disruptions. However, some passengers reported water shortages and criticized the lack of communication via social media.
The 333-meter-long (1,093 feet) cruise ship had departed from Genoa on Sunday and was headed to Naples as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. The Italian Coast Guard was notified around 7:25 a.m., several hours after the breakdown occurred. Two tugboats, one from Gioia Tauro and another from Naples, were deployed. A helicopter from the Coast Guard also monitored the scene from above.
Restart and arrival in Naples
Technicians aboard the MSC World Europa managed to restart the engines by 3:30 p.m. The ship then continued its journey at reduced speed and reached Naples around 8 p.m. under its own power. Calm sea conditions helped prevent further complications during the delay.
MSC Cruises confirmed that part of the propulsion system had been restored and said a full technical inspection would be carried out in Naples. The company assured that safety systems performed as expected during the incident.
The MSC World Europa, built in France and launched in late 2022, features five dual-fuel engines that can operate on liquefied natural gas or low-sulfur marine diesel. The ship previously served as a floating hotel during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It spans 47 meters (154 feet) in width and 68 meters (223 feet) in height, with a gross tonnage of 215,863.
Passenger delays and ongoing itinerary
At the port in Naples, hundreds of new passengers awaiting to board for the next cruise leg experienced delays and uncertainty. The ship was scheduled to depart at 2:30 p.m. for a seven-day Mediterranean tour, with stops in Sicily, Malta, Barcelona and Marseille. Departure will depend on the outcome of the technical review.
Passenger advocacy groups Codici and Codacons have voiced concern over the incident. Both organizations are evaluating potential actions, including compensation claims, for travelers affected by the disruption.
Weekly sailings for the MSC World Europa are set to continue through November, with prices varying by itinerary. The cost for the next cruise, departing August 31 from Genoa, starts at €1,429 (about $1,550 USD) per person for a balcony cabin.
