MSC Cruises to Make Debut in Alaska

The MSC Poesia, fresh from a major refurbishment, will begin her inaugural Alaska season in May 2026, offering seven-night sailings from the port of Seattle

By Cindy Bertram

MSC Cruises’ 23 ships offer cruises across five continents, visiting more than 300 destinations in 100 countries. And now the line is launching its first Alaska sailings in May 2026 with the MSC Poesia.

After a major refurbishment at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta, the MSC Poesia’s enhancements will include new specialty dining venues, the addition of the MSC Yacht Club and a redesigned MSC Aurea Spa, along with additional premium spaces. The 3,223-passenger Musica-class ship made her debut in 2008.

Top Sail Lounge

MSC Poesia’s Refurbishments

In the MSC Yacht Club, which is MSC Cruises’ ship-within-a-ship luxury concept, guests will enjoy 23-hour butler and concierge service, along with gourmet cuisine, a private sundeck and more. Highlights include:

The exclusive Yacht Club Restaurant with refined menus and sommelier service
Top Sail Lounge, an elegant bar and lounge on the foredeck that has floor-to-ceiling windows
Private sundeck with Grill & Bar and relaxed outdoor dining area, two hot tubs and cabanas
69 elegantly appointed new suites

In addition, the MSC Poesia’s updates include two new specialty dining venues. The Butcher’s Cut is an authentic American-style steakhouse. At Kaito Sushi Bar, guests can enjoy expertly crafted sushi and authentic Asian dishes.

Other enhancements include the newly designed MSC Aurea Spa and MSC Gym, which is powered by Technogym®. There are various workout studios, a Top 15 Exclusive Solarium and an outdoor Aurea area, and Gentleman’s Barber.

The new All-Star Sports Bar will feature big-screen TVs, sports bar games and a selection of beers, with the option to order snacks (at additional cost). The All-Star Sports Bar, which debuted on the MSC World America in 2025, is located where I Grappolo d’Oro wine bar and the photo desk had been.

MSC Yacht Club Restaurant

Amenities on the MSC Poesia

The MSC Poesia has 13 restaurants, including three ample buffets each with their own ambiance. There are 20 bars, lounges and cafes. Other facilities include three swimming pools, a giant poolside cinema screen and Covent Garden Theatre, which offers diverse shows featuring a line-up of international artists.

MSC Poesia’s Alaska Cruises in 2026

Starting in May, the MSC Poesia will be sailing on 7-night Alaska cruises from Seattle. The itineraries will feature Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Juneau in Alaska, plus Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She’ll also be sailing through Tracy Arm Fjord, where guests can enjoy the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers and waterfalls from their balcony or on deck.

Historic Creek Street in Ketchikan

Here is a look at some of the shore excursions being offered:

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA: Full of rich maritime history and vibrant Alaska Native culture, Ketchikan is nestled among towering rainforests and fjords, serving as the gateway to Alaska’s Inside Passage. Guests will find unique activities from exploring Totem Bight Historical Park with its restored totem poles and traditional Tlingit clan house to cruising through Misty Fjords, one of Alaska’s natural wonders. Additional excursions include:

Misty Fjords Flightseeing: Discover the beauty of Misty Fjords National Monument on a seaplane flight and experience aerial views of this ice-rimmed wilderness.
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour: Come face-to-face with marine life like crabs, octopuses and prawns, and learn from the fishermen as they share their stories of survival.
Rainforest Sanctuary & Totem Park: Experience the beauty of Herring Cove with an eco-exploration tour in the forested mountains of the Tongrass National Forest. The reserve serves as a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears and seals.

ICY STRAIT POINT, ALASKA: The wild beauty of Alaska is on full display at Icy Strait Point. Guests can navigate wooden roads, drive through scenic valleys and enjoy stunning views of the mountains and ocean. Excursions include:

Whales, Wildlife and Bear Search: Explore the waters of Point Adolphus, home to marine mammals including whales, sea lions and porpoises. After sailing through the region, head up to the wilderness of Chichagof Island, known to have one of the largest populations of Coastal Brown Bear in the world.
Mountaintop Forest Excursion: Take in 360-degree views with the only mountaintop gondola and forest experience in Southeast Alaska. From the base of Icy Strait Point, guests will ascend over 1,500 feet to Sky Peak in a gondola with views from all sides. Once at the top, an open-air safari bus will take them through the old-growth forest.

Ice Caves at Mendenhall Glacier

JUNEAU, ALASKA: Alaska’s off-the-beaten-path capital city is rich in cultural heritage. While in Juneau, guests can discover hidden corners of the Mendenhall Valley, explore the scenic Whale Park and embark on thrilling wildlife cruises. Excursions include:

Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter: Encompassing a variety of bucket-list experiences, this tour begins with a helicopter ride to a dog sledding adventure at Mendenhall Glacier. Upon landing at the dog mushing camp, guests will be greeted by professional dog mushers and Alaskan huskies who will whisk them away through the snow.
Alaska Culinary Experience and Evening Whale Quest: Embark on an evening cruise with Alaska-themed appetizers while keeping an eye out for majestic whales and diverse wildlife. As the sun sets, an onboard naturalist guides guests through the region’s nature, geography and history.

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA: Guests can explore the iconic buildings of Inner Harbour, enjoy the unique blend of heritage and modernity in Market Square or discover the beauty of Butchart Gardens. Excursions include:

Evening Butchart Gardens Experience and Sightseeing Tour: As the day’s vibrant colors fade, a serene and mystical atmosphere takes over the gardens, making an evening stroll feel like stepping into a fairytale. Guests can continue to Victoria’s Inner Harbour to view the iconic Empress Hotel and BC Legislative Buildings.
Protectours: Discover Victoria by E-Bike: Guests will discover the different areas of Victoria on a 2-hour bike tour. From the Inner Harbour and vibrant Chinatown to blue Johnson Street Bridge and Songhees waterway, guests will soak in coastal views, Victorian architecture and downtown all in one trip.

MSC Cruises Promote Conservation

MSC Cruises has a special partnership with the marine conservation organization ORCA. This includes deploying the first dedicated ORCA-trained Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) aboard the MSC Poesia in Alaska. An ORCA MMO will be onboard during the peak whale season, from late July through late August 2026.

During each Alaska itinerary, ORCA’s MMO will host an onboard educational session, highlighting the research the organization is doing and the potential positive impact of the partnership. Guests will also be introduced to ORCA’s citizen science initiatives, which offer an opportunity to engage more deeply with Alaska’s maritime environment.

MSC Poesia’ s Schedule After Alaska Season

After she completes her season of Alaska cruises in September, the MSC Poesia will do a Panama Canal sailing and then relocate to Port Miami. She will offer Caribbean cruises from Miami, starting in October 2026 and through the winter of 2027. Ports of call will include Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Curacao and Belize. The ship will return to Alaska in summer 2027.