Msc-Orchestra

The 'MSC Orchestra' arriving from Barcelona, ​​has been blocked since the morning of Feb 2, 2026, in the port of Marseille, where it was scheduled to dock, by striking sailors protesting to defend the French flag in the Mediterranean. CGT union for Marseille sailors were blocking all entry through the northern channel of the port, and consequently, no ships could dock on that side. The CGT maritime union filed a 48-hour strike notice last week, beginning on he morning, to secure jobs, particularly at Corsica Linea and La Méridionale. The union was pointing to the arrival of companies operating under foreign flags on routes serving mainland France, North Africa, and certain Corsican destinations. Employing sailors under less favourable working conditions, the union accused them of unfair competition: The sailors on these ships don't have French contracts and are paid between $650 and $1,200 a month. It was demanded that the French state compel companies to comply with French law when they come and set up operations in France. The CGT union has put forward several demands, including "the cessation of Corsica Ferries' port call authorizations under the Italian international flag between Sète and Corsican ports, the prohibition of the Italian international flag on French territorial passenger routes, and "a written commitment from the state guaranteeing the funding of the Corsica-mainland maritime public service delegations until their expiration in 2030.

The "MSC Orchestra" was detained in Genova on June 4 with nine deficiencies, which were found in the frame of the investigations of the smoke development in the engine room, two of which were regarded as serious and grounds for a detention: 1) Pollution Prevention - Diesel engine relating to air pollution control Not as required 2) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on June 9 and left the port on June 10 en route to Barcelona, where it arrived on June 12. before calling at Ibiza, Cagliari and Civitavecchia. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591

On the early morning of June 3, 2025, a technical defect in the switchboard in the engine room of the 'MSC Orchestra' caused smoke development and a power outage for approximately one to two hours. The safety systems in the immediate vicinity were able to contain the disruption. Other areas of the ship, including guest areas, were not affected. No injuries were reported. The ship's passengers were immediately informed of the situation, and it was communicated via loudspeaker that the ship was in a safe position. There was, however, no oppen fire. After the situation was brought under control, the 'MSC Orchestra' was able to continue its voyage, but arrived in Genoa ten hours late. Although the technical problem has been resolved, boarding in Genoa and Marseille was canceled to allow further inspections for possible defects and repairs. The current cruise has been canceled. Guests have been contacted, support was being provided, and appropriate refunds were to be issued to affected passengers.

In the afternoon of Aug 22, 2023, the 'MSC Orchestra', en route from Marseille to Malaga, requested the medical evacuation of an 89-year-old passenger with emphysema. The CCS Cartagena of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the SAR boat 'Salvamar Draco', which rendezvoused with the cruise ship one nautilcal mile south of Escombreras and transferred her to the port, from where she was taken to the hospital for further medical care.