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Introduction
On April 2, 2024, MSC Armonia was detained at Port Barcelona after suspicions arose regarding the visa validity of 69 Bolivian passengers, leading to an investigation into potential documentation irregularities and the subsequent cancellation of a scheduled port call.
Details of the Incident
After the ship, with approximately 1500 tourists onboard, docked in Barcelona, it was held due to issues with the Schengen area entry visas of some passengers. Spanish National Police were called in to determine if there was any foreknowledge of these irregularities by the cruise operators. The situation led to a prolonged stay in Barcelona, affecting the itinerary and causing distress among the passengers and their families.
Operational Context
The detention and investigation not only affected the ship’s current voyage but also highlighted the importance of stringent checks on travel documentation by cruise lines. MSC Armonia’s prolonged docking resulted in the cancellation of the next port visit to Ajaccio, Corsica, disrupting the travel plans of hundreds of passengers and emphasizing the need for adherence to international travel regulations.