Several times in 1912, amidst an outbreak of bubonic plague in the Caribbean, "Havana" operated in violation of Cuban and U.S. quarantine rules. In July 1912, the liner prepared to depart Cuba without an inspection and fumigation, but faced the prospect of seven days quarantine in Havana before the ship would be allowed to depart. However, a compromise was worked out by the United States Marine Hospital Service which allowed "Havana" to depart after a one-day delay. In September of the same year, another inspection gaffe resulted in government prosecution of the Ward Line.