The Mediterranean is a prime spot for sunny cruises that port in places like Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Videos by TravelAwaits
But the Mediterranean is also one of the world’s deadliest migration routes for refugees packed into boats, hoping to make it to shore in Europe. Since 2023, alone, the International Organization for Migration has tallied upwards of 1,800 deaths of migrants on poorly suited vessels—and those are only known incidents.
In other words, while the Mediterranean is the stuff of travel dreams for many, it can be a nightmare for others.
And it’s not uncommon for national authorities to call on available vessels to help rescue boats with migrants during rough weather or when vessels are at risk of capsizing. And it’s not uncommon for the vessel in question to be a massive cruise liner.
While the idea of a cruise picking up stranded refugees might sound like a Hollywood storyline, it’s hardly a one-off. Just this past week, two separate cruises were directed to rescue vessels with migrants.
MSC & Norwegian Cruises to the rescue
On October 22, Norwegian Epic was directed by Greek authorities to intercept a vessel with more than 60 individuals. According to a statement made by Norwegian Cruise Line to USA Today, a call came in from the Rescue Coordination Centre asking for the boat’s passengers to be rescued.
A total of 63 individuals were picked up in the Ionian Sea, then given medical care, food and water, and other ‘items of their comfort’ until the ship could dock. From there, the migrants disembarked with Greek authorities on the island of Kalamata.
On October 29, MSC Splendida received a similar call—this time, from Spanish authorities. The cruise liner picked up around 20 individuals as poor weather caused rough conditions. The boat was picked up only ten miles away from Mallorca when the MSC Splendida interfered.
As with the Norwegian Epic, those picked up were given medical attention, food and water, and were provided with clean clothes and ‘safe place of rest’, according to Captain Giuseppe Maresca. Migrants were then dropped off with Spanish authorities when the ship ported in Barcelona.
