29/10/2024
How MSC Will Get into the Alaska Cruise Game in 2026
MSC Cruises announced that it will begin cruises to Alaska in 2026 with itineraries now available for booking. MSC Poesia (pictured above) will homeport in Seattle and embark upon her inaugural sailing to Alaska on May 11, 2026.
Guests sailing to Alaska will be able to enjoy the region’s unrivalled beauty, breathtaking scenery, magnificent wildlife and rich Alaska Native cultural heritage while visiting a wide variety of the region’s most scenic destinations, including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau (Alaska), along with Victoria (British Columbia).
“Guests from all over the world tell us they want to see Alaska’s beauty firsthand, which makes these itineraries the perfect addition to MSC Cruises’ global portfolio of bucket-list destinations,” said Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for MSC Cruises USA. “Seattle will be our fifth U.S. homeport, bringing our signature mix of European style and American comforts to the West Coast as we continue to expand our offerings in the North American market. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard MSC Poesia, which will spend the summer cruising Alaska and move to Miami for the winter, offering opportunities for travelers to enjoy the coveted experience of transiting the Panama Canal when the ship moves between the East Coast and West Coast.”
Stephanie Jones Stebbins, managing director-maritime for the Port of Seattle, said the port looks forward to welcoming MSC Cruises and MSC Poesia to Seattle. “We know that MSC guests will enjoy exploring our region before and after their Alaska adventure,” she said. “We appreciate MSC’s commitment to sustainability and look forward to MSC Poesia connecting to shore power in Seattle.”
MSC Poesia is a mid-sized ship that is well designed to explore the narrow channels of the Inside Passage and stunning glaciers up close. Her seven-night itineraries will include calls at the following ports:
Icy Strait Point, Alaska: Alaska's first Indigenous-owned cruise destination is set amid more than 23,000 acres of private beach and temperate rainforest about a mile from Alaska’s largest Tlingit village of Hoonah. Icy Strait Point features the largest zip line in the world, the most accessible coastal brown bear viewing platforms in Southeast Alaska, whale watching, fishing, local cultural dances and oral histories, cooking classes, kayaking and more. The facilities include a museum and locally owned retail shops in a restored 1912 salmon cannery, along with several restaurants offering local seafood, craft beer and more.
Juneau, Alaska: The state capital of Juneau is only accessible by air or sea, which makes a cruise the perfect way to experience the town’s snow-capped mountains, historic landmarks and breathtaking views. The town was founded during a gold rush in 1880 and continues to invite visitors to try their hand at panning for gold. Right at the cruise port, the Goldbelt Tram rises 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, offering the perfect vantage point for taking in the Chilkat Mountains, Douglas Island and the Gastineau Channel.
Ketchikan, Alaska: The best fishing town in Alaska, Ketchikan offers prime opportunities for catching or eating wild salmon, as well as spotting the abundant population of bald eagles attracted by the fish. Historic Creek Street is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, with an abundance of local artists and craftspeople. Ketchikan also is known for its impressive displays of authentic totem poles dating back to the 19th century.
Tracy Arm, Alaska: The journey along Tracy Arm is every bit as amazing as the destination, with every hairpin turn along the way to the Sawyer Glaciers revealing something new. Entering the narrow fjord, guests will marvel at cliffs rising 3,000 feet along either side of the narrow and winding passage. Excitement builds as the ship passes waterfalls, roaming bears and a local seal colony. After 27 miles, a final turn reveals the intense blue color of the Sawyer Glaciers towering above the waterline.
Victoria, British Columbia: The calm waters of the Salish Sea and the towering rainforests of Vancouver Island surround a city known for its British heritage, colorful gardens, and magnificent architecture such as striking architectural marvels like the famed Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. Before entering the harbor, wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to spotting whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and birds. Foodies will find myriad choices with the highest concentration of restaurants anywhere in Canada. Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city—among the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest region.
A range of shore excursions will be available for every experience and every type of traveler, whether they are looking for adventure, culture or culinary delights. From exploring the remote wilderness on an ATV expedition to riding the world’s largest zipline or gliding through serene waters on a whale-watching vessel, Alaska shore excursions are designed to showcase the state’s breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage and exceptional wildlife encounters. For more information, click on MSC Poesia Alaska.
Of course, MSC Cruises needs to find a way to get to Alaska—and the obvious and only choice is the Panama Canal. MSC Poesia’s seasonal repositioning between Miami and Seattle will mean two unique itineraries will sail through the Panama Canal at the start and end of the season. These rare sailings offer adventure-seeking travelers an extraordinary opportunity to explore new horizons and embark on a bucket-list experience.
Guests will have the chance to see the “greatest engineering achievement of the century” from the comfort of the ship, while also being able to explore up to 10 destinations between Seattle and Miami, including West Coast highlights like San Diego and Los Angeles; historic Latin American treasures such as Cartagena and Cabo San Lucas; and the Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province. The two sailings—departing from Miami on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and from Seattle on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026—are available to book. For more information, click on MSC Poesia Panama Canal.
MSC Poesia will reposition from the Mediterranean in spring 2026, offering a trans-Atlantic itinerary under MSC Cruises’ Grand Voyages portfolio. The sailing departs Civitavecchia (Rome) on April 6, 2026. Stops include Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas; before the ship reaches Miami on April 22, 2026. For more information, visit
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