What Crew Members Say About Msc-Orchestra

On the morning of February 2, 2026, the MSC Orchestra, hailing from Barcelona, found itself unable to dock at the port of Marseille due to a blockade by striking sailors. The protest, organized by the CGT union, aimed to defend the integrity of the French maritime industry, specifically within the Mediterranean region. Sailors were stationed at the northern channel of the port, effectively halting all incoming traffic. The CGT maritime union had announced a 48-hour strike last week, advocating for job security particularly concerning French operators Corsica Linea and La Méridionale. The strike was prompted by concerns over foreign-flagged companies entering routes that serve mainland France, North Africa, and select locations in Corsica. The union raised alarms over these companies employing sailors under subpar working conditions, which it argues leads to unfair competition. The affected sailors, lacking French contracts, earn between $650 and $1,200 monthly. Among the union's demands are a cessation of Corsica Ferries' port call privileges under the Italian flag for routes between Sète and Corsican ports, a prohibition on the Italian flag from operating on French territorial passenger routes, and a written commitment from the French government to ensure the financing of the Corsica-mainland maritime public service delegations until their agreements expire in 2030.

On June 4, 2023, the MSC Orchestra was detained in the bustling port of Genova following a thorough investigation into smoke emissions from its engine room. During the inspection, authorities identified a total of nine deficiencies, of which two were categorized as serious enough to warrant immediate detention. The critical issues included non-compliance with pollution prevention measures related to diesel engine air pollution control and deficiencies concerning the International Safety Management (ISM) certificate. After addressing these deficiencies, the vessel was cleared for departure on June 9 and set sail the following day towards Barcelona. The MSC Orchestra successfully reached Barcelona on June 12, before continuing its journey with stops in Ibiza, Cagliari, and Civitavecchia.

In a notable incident on June 3, 2025, the MSC Orchestra encountered a technical issue in its engine room switchboard, leading to smoke generation and a temporary power outage lasting approximately one to two hours. Fortunately, the ship's safety systems functioned effectively, containing the situation without any risk of open flames. The disruption did not extend to passenger areas, ensuring the comfort and safety of those onboard. Passengers were promptly informed of the situation through on-board announcements, reassuring them that the vessel remained safely positioned. Following the resolution of the problem, the MSC Orchestra continued its journey but arrived in Genoa a significant ten hours behind schedule. To ensure the utmost safety, however, further inspections and repairs were deemed necessary, resulting in the cancellation of boarding in both Genoa and Marseille. Affected passengers have been communicated with directly, receiving support and assurances of refunds for the canceled cruise. This incident emphasizes the commitment to safety and passenger satisfaction amid unforeseen technical challenges.

On the afternoon of August 22, 2023, a critical medical situation unfolded aboard the 'MSC Orchestra', a cruise ship traveling from Marseille to Malaga. The vessel's crew urgently called for a medical evacuation for an 89-year-old passenger suffering from emphysema. Responding swiftly, the CCS Cartagena of Salvamento Marítimo dispatched the Search and Rescue (SAR) boat 'Salvamar Draco'. This skilled team met the cruise ship approximately one nautical mile south of Escombreras, successfully transferring the ailing passenger to the rescue vessel. She was then transported to the port for immediate medical attention, where she was taken to a nearby hospital for further care. This incident highlights the importance of maritime safety protocols and the efficiency of rescue operations at sea.