MSC Cruises announces new Alaskan itineraries starting May 2026

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MSC Cruises announces new Alaskan itineraries starting May 2026

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Caroline Tanner News reporter | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Oct 28, 2024

MSC Cruises is set to enter the Alaska cruise market, a move announced on Monday. The company, typically recognized for its European routes, plans to launch its first Alaska sailings in May 2026. MSC Poesia will be based in Seattle from May through September and will embark on weekly seven-night voyages to Alaska and Canada.

This initiative marks MSC Cruises' debut in Alaska and is also the first time the line has stationed a ship in Seattle. By adding Seattle as a home port, MSC aims to strengthen its presence among U.S.-based cruisers and expand within the American cruise market.

Seattle joins Miami, Port Canaveral, New York City, and Galveston as MSC's fifth U.S. home port. The 92,627-ton MSC Poesia will start its inaugural Alaska journey from Seattle on May 11, 2026. It will conclude the season with a Panama Canal voyage departing September 28, 2026. During this period, the ship will offer round-trip cruises visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Victoria.

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A significant feature of these itineraries is a scenic cruising day at Tracy Arm in Alaska. "Guests from all over the world tell us they want to see Alaska's beauty firsthand," said Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of MSC Cruises USA. "Seattle will be our fifth U.S. home port."

In spring 2026, MSC Poesia will transition from the Mediterranean to Seattle for the Alaska cruise season before heading to Miami for winter (Miami itineraries are yet to be announced). This opens opportunities for repositioning sailings across the Atlantic and through the Panama Canal.

The transatlantic voyage begins April 6, 2026, departing from Civitavecchia with stops in Marseille; Barcelona; Funchal; Philipsburg; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve before arriving in Miami.

Additionally, two Panama Canal cruises are planned between Miami and Seattle on April 23 and September 28 of that year. Ports include San Diego; Los Angeles; Cartagena; Cabo San Lucas; and Puntarenas.

Launched in 2008, MSC Poesia currently operates in various regions including Europe and South America. Notable features of the ship include three pools, a large movie screen by the poolside, Aurea Spa facilities, a play area for children themed around dinosaurs as well as spaces designed for teenagers.

Bookings for these new itineraries are now open.