MSC Cruises has announced its new itineraries to the Far North, with Alaska cruises now available to book. MSC Poesia will be homeported in Seattle and will begin her inaugural cruise to Alaska on May 11, 2026.
Guests sailing to Alaska will enjoy the region's unparalleled beauty, breathtaking scenery, magnificent wildlife and rich cultural heritage of Alaska's Native peoples. Featured destinations include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm and Juneau, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Lynn Torrent, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of MSC Cruises USA, commented: “Our guests around the world tell us they want to experience the beauty of Alaska firsthand, making these itineraries the perfect addition to our global portfolio of must-see destinations. Seattle will be our fifth homeport in the United States, bringing our signature blend of European style and American comforts to the West Coast as we continue to expand our offerings in the North American market. We look forward to welcoming aboard MSC Poesia, which will spend the summer cruising through Alaska and relocate to Miami for the winter, offering travelers the opportunity to cruise the iconic Panama Canal as she relocates between the East and West Coasts.”
Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Maritime Director for the Port of Seattle, added: “We look forward to welcoming MSC Cruises and MSC Poesia to Seattle. We know MSC Cruises guests will enjoy exploring our region before and after their Alaskan adventure. We appreciate MSC Cruises’ commitment to sustainability and look forward to MSC Poesia connecting to shore power during her stay in Seattle.”
MSC Poesia is a mid-size ship ideal for exploring the narrow channels of the Inside Passage and glaciers. It will operate seven-night itineraries with calls at:
Icy Strait Point, Alaska: Alaska’s first indigenous-owned cruise destination, situated on over 23,000 acres of private beach and temperate rainforest near Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village. Activities include the world’s largest zipline, brown bear viewing platforms, whale watching excursions, fishing, cooking classes, and more. Also features a museum and local shops housed in a former 1912 salmon cannery, along with several restaurants featuring local seafood and craft brews.
Juneau, Alaska: Accessible only by air or sea, the state capital is ideal for exploring on a cruise. Visitors can enjoy snow-capped mountains, historic landmarks and stunning views. Founded during the 1880s Gold Rush, the city invites travelers to pan for gold themselves. From the harbor, the Goldbelt Tram takes visitors to the top of Mount Roberts for spectacular views.
Ketchikan, Alaska: Renowned for being the best salmon fishing spot in Alaska, Ketchikan is also home to bald eagles drawn to the fish. Creek Street, a historic thoroughfare, offers unique shops and galleries by local artists. The town is famous for its collection of authentic totem poles, some of which date back to the 19th century.
Tracy Arm, Alaska: Cruising Tracy Arm Fjord is as thrilling an experience as the destination itself. The boat passes 3,000-foot cliffs, waterfalls and seal colonies. After 27 miles, guests will come face to face with the Sawyer Glaciers, whose deep blue waters create a breathtaking sight.
Victoria, British Columbia: Surrounded by the waters of the Salish Sea and the forests of Vancouver Island, Victoria is known for its British heritage and magnificent architecture, including the famous Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings. The city is also known for its abundant wildlife and vibrant culinary scene.
MSC Cruises will offer a wide variety of shore excursions to suit all tastes, from off-road vehicle expeditions to whale watching or culinary experiences with local seafood.
Source: MSC Cruises.