MSC Cruises will embark on its inaugural Alaska season from May through September 2026.
MSC Poesia ship will operate 7-night itineraries from homeport Seattle WA, stopping in Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau, and Victoria BC Canada.
These sailings will offer a variety of shore excursions, including ATV expeditions, ziplining, whale-watching, and tours emphasizing local cuisine and indigenous culture. Fares begin at GBP 679, or GBP 939 with an inclusive drinks package.
In addition to the Alaska voyages, MSC Poesia will feature two Panama Canal relocation itineraries (RepositionCruises.com) between Seattle and Miami (Florida USA). The first "Grand Voyage Panama Canal" sailing, departing Miami on April 23rd, 2026, is now open for booking.
Before the Alaskan season, MSC Poesia will complete a Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the USA, departing Civitavecchia-Rome on April 6th, 2026. The itinerary visits Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Funchal/Madeira, Philipsburg/St Maarten and Ocean Cay Bahamas, ending in PortMiami.
Gianni Onorato (MSC's CEO) said that by introducing sailings to Alaska they are further extending their global offering and giving their guests "the opportunity to experience this must-see region."
"These new itineraries also see the introduction of a new homeport in the US, our fifth to date. Seattle is the perfect location to depart for Alaska, with excellent international flight connections making it easily accessible to guests from around the world, in particular we know our European guests have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sail to Alaska with MSC Cruises.
"MSC Poesia will be dedicated to sailing itineraries from the US, spending summer ‘26 cruising to Alaska and then moving to Miami for the winter, meaning we’ll also be offering travellers the chance to experience two transiting cruises through the Panama Canal when the ship moves between the east and west coast."