MSC Cruises to offer cruises to Alaska from 2026 in major reveal

MSC Cruises has announced its first-ever Alaska sailings, with new itineraries now available for booking.

Starting May 11, 2026, MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle, USA, and embark on weekly seven-night cruises to Alaska and Canada.

Guests with MSC Cruises will experience Alaska’s stunning landscapes, wildlife and Native cultural heritage while visiting picturesque destinations such as Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Tracy Arm, Juneau (Alaska, USA), and Victoria (British Columbia, Canada).

– READ MORE: We cruised to Alaska – and this is what happened –

Where will MSC Cruises go in Alaska?

MSC Poesia, a mid-sized ship suited for Alaska’s narrow passages, will sail seven-night itineraries including:

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

An Indigenous-owned destination near Hoonah, offering whale-watching, fishing, the world’s largest zip line, and more, set amidst 23,000 acres of beach and rainforest.

Juneau, Alaska

Accessible only by air or sea, the state capital offers historic landmarks, impressive mountain views and the Goldbelt Tram, rising 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Known for its fishing and historic Creek Street, with shops featuring local artists and authentic totem poles.

Tracy Arm, Alaska

A scenic fjord leading to the Sawyer Glaciers, with cliffs, waterfalls, bears and seals along the way.

Victoria, British Columbia

Surrounded by the Salish Sea, with British heritage, gardens, and diverse dining options. Wildlife sightings may include whales and sea lions.

MSC Alaska shore excursions

A variety of shore excursions will be offered to match each traveller’s interests, from ATV adventures and ziplining to whale-watching and cultural experiences.

– READ MORE: Where to see the best glaciers in Alaska –

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented on the news: “MSC Cruises offers an unparalleled choice of destinations and embarkation ports in every corner of the world and by introducing sailings to Alaska we’re further extending our global offering and giving our 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 U.S., 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.”

– READ MORE: Find out what really goes down onboard MSC’s newest ship –