MSC Cruises is setting sail to Alaska for the first-time ever in 2026, marking a significant milestone.
- The MSC Poesia will embark on seven-night voyages from Seattle, exploring key locations such as Ketchikan and Juneau.
- Travel enthusiasts can indulge in diverse shore excursions, including whale-watching and ATV adventures.
- The itinerary introduces two Panama Canal crossings, with one originating in Miami in April 2026.
- A transatlantic journey precedes these adventures, beginning in Rome and stopping at numerous European cities.
MSC Cruises is venturing into new territories with plans to sail to Alaska for the first time ever. The cruises are slated to take place between May and September 2026, marking a significant expansion in their itinerary offerings. The MSC Poesia will be the cruise line’s vessel of choice for these voyages, departing from Seattle, which has been identified as an ideal embarkation point due to its international accessibility, particularly for European tourists eager to experience the Alaskan landscape.
Passengers aboard the MSC Poesia can look forward to exploring renowned Alaskan destinations such as Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, and Juneau. The cruises will also venture to Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Each port of call offers an array of shore excursions designed to captivate diverse interests. Guests may choose to partake in activities like ATV expeditions and ziplining for adventure seekers, whale-watching for nature enthusiasts, and culinary tours or indigenous cultural experiences for those eager to delve deeper into the local way of life.
Additionally, MSC is enhancing its offerings with two Grand Voyage Panama Canal crossings. The first of these exciting itineraries is already available for booking, scheduled to depart Miami on 23 April 2026. Before these Alaskan sailings, the MSC Poesia will embark on a transatlantic crossing, which promises a diverse range of experiences. This journey begins on 6 April 2026 in Civitavecchia, Rome, and includes stops in prominent locations such as Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Funchal, Philipsburg, and Ocean Cay. This route provides passengers with not only the chance to experience Alaskan wonders but also to indulge in the vibrant cultures and stunning sights of Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond.
The decision to expand into Alaskan waters is a strategic move by MSC Cruises, as highlighted by Chief Executive Gianni Onorato, who emphasises the company’s commitment to extending their global reach and offering unparalleled travel experiences. The inclusion of Seattle as a new homeport reflects their ambition to seamlessly integrate into the North American cruise market, providing easier connectivity for international travellers excited to join these exclusive voyages. The summer of 2026 is set to see MSC Poesia dedicated entirely to Alaskan itineraries, before shifting to Miami for winter sailings, allowing passengers to partake in unique transit experiences through the Panama Canal as the ship traverses venues on the east and west coasts.
MSC Cruises’ venture into Alaskan itineraries represents a bold expansion of their travel offerings, promising unforgettable experiences.
