MSC Cruises is finally coming to Alaska in 2026 but before they do, they are making a substantial investment by doing one of the largest ship upgrades in company history for the 17-year-old MSC Poesian. The comprehensive renovation demonstrates MSC's commitment to delivering premium experiences rather than simply deploying an older vessel without enhancement and we really love that they are so committed to doing things right.
Honestly, either way, I was excited to see MSC finally puting a ship on the west coast and in particular sending Poesia to Alaska but I didn't expect them to go "all in". The sad reality of the Alaska cruise market is that it is so hot right now that they could have put any old ship there and it would sell well. That wasn't good enough and this goes to show how committed MSC is to the North American cruise market.
MSC Poesia, built in 2008 by Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, is a 92,627-gross-ton vessel that accommodates 2,550 to 3,060 passengers with 1,275 staterooms and 1,039 crew members. The ship is the third of four Musica-class vessels, with sister ships MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Magnifica.
Next summer is going to be pretty interesting since we have Virgin Voyages, Azamara (returning after seven years!), and now MSC adding Alaska sailings to their deployment plans in 2026. This gives cruisers some great options for different styles of cruising.
Truly Enhanced Ship Upgrades Not Just Updated Rooms
The upgrade will add the award-winning MSC Yacht Club luxury concept with 63 elegant suites across five categories. The refit will include the addition of two specialty restaurants: the American-style Butcher's Cut Steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar.
The MSC Yacht Club addition includes a private sundeck with hot tubs, the exclusive Top Sail Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a dedicated restaurant. The ultra-luxurious Royal Suite accommodates up to six guests and features a private whirlpool, an expansive 840 square-foot terrace, and a private outdoor shower with endless panoramic ocean views.
Additional enhancements include a revamped MSC Aurea Spa with Ocean View Sauna and steam rooms, plus an enhanced MSC Gym Powered by Technogym with ocean-facing workout areas. The new All-Stars Sports Bar will replace the current wine bar, featuring screens for watching games and signature sports bar games.
Alaska Itinerary Highlights
The seven-night Alaska cruises from Seattle will include visits to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Juneau, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Icy Strait Point is Alaska's first Indigenous-owned cruise destination, set amid more than 23,000 acres of private beach and temperate rainforest.
MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said the program introduces a fifth US homeport for the company with "excellent international flight connections, making it easily accessible to guests from around the world."
Panama Canal Cruises
The ship's deployment includes strategically positioned Panama Canal transits. MSC Poesia will offer a 16-night trans-Atlantic crossing from Genoa to Miami starting April 7, 2026, followed by an 18-night Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Seattle departing April 23, 2026. The Panama Canal itinerary includes Cartagena, Colombia; Panama Canal transit; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and California ports San Diego and Los Angeles.
Following the Alaska season, MSC Poesia repositions to Miami for longer cruises to the Caribbean and Central America during the 2026-27 winter season.
Poesia Is "Right-Sized" for Alaska
MSC Poesia's passenger capacity of 2,550 to 3,060 guests positions it perfectly alongside other successful mid-size Alaska ships like Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas (2,122-2,546 passengers) and Norwegian Jewel (2,376 passengers). This size category has proven ideal for Alaska cruising, offering an intimate experience that mega ships simply cannot match.
We've sailed on Norwegian Jewel and loved how the ship's size creates a more personal Alaska experience. By the end of a seven-night cruise, you tend to get to know fellow passengers, and the whole experience feels much more intimate than the massive 4,000+ passenger ships that can feel overwhelming in Alaska's pristine wilderness settings. The mid-size format allows for easier navigation in Alaska's narrow passages and creates a more authentic connection to the stunning landscapes.
Are You Ready To Sail Alaska With MSC?
MSC Poesia's transformation positions the line competitively in Alaska cruises while maintaining their European hospitality approach. The addition of MSC Yacht Club creates an all-inclusive luxury option comparable to premium Alaska cruise offerings, while the enhanced amenities support discovery-focused experiences that Alaska travelers expect.
The comprehensive investment in a 17-year-old vessel demonstrates how cruise lines can successfully elevate existing ships for premium markets through strategic upgrades. For travelers seeking MSC's enhanced Alaska experience, Heather Hills from Flow Voyages can provide assistance in selecting the optimal sailing and suite category for your dream Alaska cruise.
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