TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The MSC Bellissima (地中海榮耀號) cruise ship is expected to arrive in Keelung by Thursday (Dec. 12) noon to resume its journey to Japan, after facing engine trouble while docked in Okinawa, Japan, stranding more than 1,800 Taiwanese passengers over the past days.
The MSC Bellissima, which departed Keelung on Dec. 4 with 4,341 passengers for a five-day, four-night cruise, had planned stops at Miyakojima, Naha, and Ishigaki Island. However, an engine malfunction forced the ship to remain in Naha, canceling the remainder of its itinerary. An initial return was scheduled for last Sunday.
A statement released by the cruise company Wednesday afternoon confirmed that a European technical team completed the necessary repairs. The ship passed its final inspection and is now heading back to Keelung. The company plans to embark on another five-day, four-night cruise departing from Keelung on Thursday, with stops at Miyakojima, Naha, and Ishigaki Island, returning to Keelung next Monday.
Through collaboration with Taiwanese and Japanese authorities, travel partners, and airlines, the cruise line successfully arranged charter flights and reserved seats on commercial flights to ensure all passengers safely returned home. The company stated that passengers affected by the canceled cruise will receive full refunds and vouchers for future voyages.