MSC Cruises to offer Alaska sailings from 2026 – 2027 itineraries now on sale

MSC Cruises has revealed even more exciting news – after announcing its first-ever Alaska sailings for summer 2026, the line has now opened bookings for its second Alaska season in summer 2027 aboard MSC Poesia.

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: Astronaut Tim Peake to join Cunard for Alaska cruise in 2026 –

MSC Cruises confirms second Alaska season for 2027

Following strong demand for its debut 2026 season, MSC Cruises has opened sales for its summer 2027 Alaska itineraries, again sailing aboard MSC Poesia from Seattle.

The ship will depart every Monday from 26 April to September 2027, visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria (British Columbia).

MSC Poesia upgrade details

Ahead of both the 2026 and 2027 seasons, MSC Poesia will undergo a major revamp. As part of one of the largest upgrades in MSC Cruises’ history, MSC Poesia will debut a newly added MSC Yacht Club – the ship’s first – featuring 69 elegant suites across four categories, including family-friendly connecting suites and a luxurious Royal Suite with private whirlpool, 78-square-metre terrace and outdoor shower. The Yacht Club will also include a private sundeck with two whirlpools, a grill and bar, a dedicated restaurant, and the Top Sail Lounge [below, right] with floor-to-ceiling views and live music.

Elsewhere onboard, new dining options include Butcher’s Cut, an American-style steakhouse serving premium cuts from Meat by Linz, and a reimagined Kaito Sushi Bar inspired by the Far East with expertly crafted sushi and Asian dishes. Guests can also unwind in the lively new All-Stars Sports Bar offering screens, snacks and games.

The refreshed MSC Aurea Spa [below, left] will feature two steam rooms, a salt room, Kneipp path, emotional showers and a tranquil relaxation area serving fresh teas. Fitness fans will find an enhanced MSC Gym Powered by Technogym with ocean-facing workout zones, yoga room, jogging track and basketball and tennis courts.

– READ MORE: MSC launches new speciality dining experiences across fleet –

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “We are delighted to offer a second season in Alaska following the high demand and enthusiasm we have seen since the launch of our first Alaska in 2026. Expanding in this region allows us to offer our guests even more opportunities to explore this remarkable destination while enjoying the world-class experiences that MSC Cruises is known for.”

He previously commented: “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: Where to see the best glaciers in Alaska –

What else is new for MSC Cruises?

The new itineraries also include two unique Panama Canal “Grand Voyage” cruises at the beginning and end of the Alaska season, allowing guests to experience this engineering marvel while exploring destinations like San Diego, Cartagena and Costa Rica’s Puntarenas. The first of these cruises departs Miami on April 23, 2026.

Travellers can also book MSC Poesia’s transatlantic Grand Voyage from Europe to North America, with stops in iconic locations like Funchal, Philipsburg, and Ocean Cay before arriving in Miami on April 22, 2026.

Before beginning its Alaska season, MSC Poesia will reposition from Miami to Seattle on an 18-night Panama Canal sailing departing 8 April 2027, offering guests a chance to experience one of the world’s most iconic maritime routes.

– READ MORE: We sailed onboard MSC’s newest ship – what happened? –