MSC Cruises has cancelled the next planned sailing on MSC Seaside because of an engine problem.

Cruise Hive reports the engine issue means it is unable to reach its maximum cruising speed and is going into dry dock for repairs.

MSC said the issue started ahead of the ship’s arrival in Genoa last weekend.

In a letter to guests, it said: “Our technical team, assisted by additional external experts, worked flat out to fix the problem immediately after the problem was discovered.

“Unfortunately, despite all efforts, this was not possible, so we had no choice but to send our ship to dry dock for the necessary repair work.”

The current cruise is still operating, with adjusted arrival and departure times, until the cruise’s scheduled finish on 11 July.

After that the ship will go to the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo for repair.

It’s expected the 19 July sailing will go ahead as planned.

Guests are being offered a partial refund as well as the option of rebooking for free on another cruise.