MSC Cruises will sail into the "Far North," with Alaska itineraries now available for booking. MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle and embark on its inaugural voyage to Alaska on May 11, 2026. The mid-sized ship, designed to explore the narrow channels of the Inside Passage and glaciers up close, will offer seven-night itineraries.
Ports of call include:
- Icy Strait Point – 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, Hoonah. It is home to the largest zipline 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 – The state capital is only accessible by air or sea, which makes a cruise the perfect way to experience Juneau’s snow-capped mountains and historic landmarks. The city 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, the Gastineau Channel and more.
- Ketchikan – The best fishing town in Alaska offers prime opportunities for catching or eating wild salmon, as well as spotting the abundant population of bald eagles attracted by the fish. Creek Street is lined with shops, with an abundance of local artists and craftspeople. Ketchikan is also known for its impressive displays of totem poles dating to the 19th century.
- Tracy Arm – On the journey along Tracy Arm, every hairpin turn along the way to the Sawyer Glaciers reveals something new. Entering the narrow fjord, guests will view cliffs rising 3,000 feet along either side of the narrow and winding passage. The ship will pass waterfalls, 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 rainforests of Vancouver Island surround a city known for its British heritage, gardens and architectural marvels such as the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. Before entering the harbor, wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to spotting whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and birds.
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 the waters on a whale-watching vessel, shore excursions are designed to showcase the state’s landscapes, heritage and wildlife.
Panama Canal Cruises
MSC Poesia’s seasonal repositioning between Miami and Seattle allows for two itineraries sailing through the Panama Canal at the start and end of the season.
Guests will have the chance to see the “greatest engineering achievement of the century” from the ship, while also being able to explore up to 10 destinations between Seattle and Miami, including sunny West Coast highlights such as San Diego and Los Angeles; historic Latin American destinations such as Cartagena and Cabo San Lucas; and Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province.
The two sailings, departing from Miami on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and from Seattle on Monday, September 28, 2026, are available to book.
MSC Poesia will reposition from the Mediterranean in spring 2026, offering a transatlantic itinerary under the Grand Voyages portfolio. The sailing departs Civitavecchia (Rome) on April 6, 2026. Stops include Marseille, Barcelona, Funchal, Philipsburg and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, before reaching Miami on April 22, 2026.
For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
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