A major security alert was triggered in Ermoupolis on the island of Syros after the Israeli-operated 'Crown Iris' received a bomb threat, prompting an extensive search operation by Greek authorities, whole the ship was preparing to depart for Haifa on Nov 3, 2026. An unidentified individual reportedly contacted the captain through a maritime radio channel, claiming that an explosive device had been attached to the vessel's hull. There were 940 passengers and 597 crew members on board, bringing the total number of people aboard to 1,537. Greek Coast Guard personnel immediately launched an emergency response, deploying explosives-detection dogs, specialist security teams and divers to inspect the ship. The Underwater Missions Unit (MYA) also participated in the operation. Initial inspections found no explosives. However, additional checks were scheduled before the vessel could resume its journey with an ETAat Haifa as of Nov 5.
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MSC POESIA
The U.S. Coast Guard has detained the 'MSC Poesia' in Miami on November 1, 2026, for an extended inspection, verifying compliance with international standards and U.S. regulations. Two days after the vessel was detained, MSC Cruises has cancelled the scheduled cruise on Nov 3. The 'MSC Poesia' had to remain in Miami until the deficiencies identified by the Coast Guard were addressed. The passengers may remain on board until Nov 5 at noon. The cruise fare would be fully refunded; in addition, passengers received compensation in the form of a travel voucher equal to the amount paid for the cruise, as well as reimbursement for any additional costs incurred from an early return home. The deficiencies were discovered in certain shipboard systems. Despite intensive efforts, it could not be resolved in time, making it impossible to proceed with the cruise. In April 2026, the ship passed a hygiene inspection conducted by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) with a score of 97 out of 100 points. Following its Alaska season, the 'MSC Poesia' transited the Panama Canal and arrived in Miami in mid-October—marking its third time docking there since Oct 17. The ship was scheduled to depart Miami on the evening of Nov 1 for an 11-night Caribbean cruise, with its first port call in Jamaica set for the morning of Nov 2.
CROWN IRIS
The Greek Police has arrested a Palestinian man, suspected of being a part of Hamas, and planning to attack the 'Crown Iris' on June 8, 2026. The 37-year-old man was working in a hotel on the island of Crete, from where the police nabbed him. The man had arrived in Greece from Gaza a year ago and was given asylum. He has two children in Gaza and was recruited by Hamas while he was living there. The man is also being investigated for travelling to Malaysia to receive training for making explosives. Searches conducted in his home in Crete and Athens revealed several mobile phones, laptops, hard drives and bank cards. Police also seized lab equipment and chemicals that could be used for making a bomb. He was also said to have connections with a cell of four other Palestinians recently arrested in Cyprus for illicit activities.
MSC POESIA
The lifeboat ' Bernhard Gruben' of the Hooksiel station of the DGzRS was called out on the night of February 7, 2026, to assist a woman with a medical emergency aboard the 'MSC Poesia'. On the way from Southampton to Hamburg, a passenger suddenly lost sight in one eye. Rapid transport to a specialized clinic was essential. Helicopters could not fly due to the risk of icing in the cold. The MRCC Bremen deployed the lifeboat. The "MSC Poesia" was located north of the East Frisian Islands at the time. As the lifeboat set sail at full speed, the cruise ship headed towards it. The two vessels rendezvoused north of the island of Langeoog at approximately 10:30 p.m. Relatively calm sea conditions for the area, with waves of about one meter, allowed for the safe transfer of the patient from the cruise ship to the lifeboat, which then returned to Hooksiel at a speed of 24 knots. Around midnight, the requested ambulance arrived at the port almost simultaneously. It took the patient to a specialized clinic in Hooksiel. Report with photos: https://www.seenotretter.de/aktuelles/seenotfaelle/naechtlicher-medizinischer-notfall
MSC PREZIOSA
Due to a planned nationwide strike and protest action, the 'MSC Preziosa' has cancelled an upcoming port call in Le Havre on Nov 5, 2026. Instead, the ship extended its visit to Zeebrugge. where it arrived on Nov 4. With the strike expected to disrupt port operations and transport across France, the ship stayed overnight in Zeebrugge, departing at 6:00 p.m. on Nov 5 instead of 6:00 p.m. on Nov 4 as planned. Guests were alerted to the change in a notice signed by Captain Francesco Iacono on Nov 3, 2026.

