MSC CRUISES MARKS ONE-MONTH COUNTDOWN TO INAUGURAL ALASKA SEASON AS NEWLY-ENHANCED MSC POESIA BEGINS ATLANTIC CROSSING

• MSC Poesia departs dry dock following upgrades spanning dining and wellness venues, as well as the addition of the MSC Yacht Club for an enhanced guest experience
• 7-night itineraries from Seattle will visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau, along with sailing through Endicott Arm in Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

MIAMI – April 9, 2026 – With one month to go until MSC Cruises’ inaugural Alaska sailing, MSC Poesia departed dry dock over the weekend, beginning the ship’s journey to Seattle for its first sailing season in the region. The summer 2026 season marks MSC Cruises’ first time sailing in Alaska, further expanding the brand’s presence in North America and bringing its signature blend of European style and American comfort to one of the world’s most sought-after cruise destinations.

Ahead of its Alaska debut in May, MSC Poesia will arrive in Miami on April 22 before departing on a special Panama Canal sailing to Seattle on April 23, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the ship while journeying to her summer homeport. MSC Poesia will then arrive in Seattle on May 11 for her first seven-night Alaska sailing, visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Endicott Arm, and Juneau in Alaska; and Victoria, Canada.

On board, guests will find a refreshed experience shaped by the ship’s recent enhancements. MSC Poesia now features MSC Yacht Club, the brand’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, along with new specialty dining venues including Butcher’s Cut, an American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, offering freshly prepared sushi and Asian dishes.

The ship’s wellness offerings have also been reimagined, with a redesigned MSC Aurea Spa featuring updated treatment rooms with cold weather treatments and a refreshed thermal area, as well as an enhanced MSC Gym powered by Technogym® with new equipment, dedicated studio spaces and personalized wellness consultations.

Lynn Torrent, President of MSC Cruises North America, said: “In one month, we will begin a new chapter that reflects our continued investment in North America and our commitment to offering guests enriching experiences in some of the world’s most iconic destinations. The enhancements on board MSC Poesia come at a great time for these new sailings and will give guests additional comfort, choice and flexibility, allowing for more ways to relax, recharge and make the most of their time at sea.”

From May through September 2026, MSC Poesia will offer seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle, calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau.

Itinerary highlights include:

• Ketchikan, Alaska: Known as the gateway to Alaska’s Inside Passage, Ketchikan offers a blend of rich Alaska Native heritage, waterfront charm and access to natural wonders such as Misty Fjords.
• Icy Strait Point, Alaska: A destination defined by wildlife and unspoiled scenery, where guests can spot whales, bears and other native species while experiencing coastal Alaska’s rugged beauty. 
• Juneau, Alaska: The state’s capital, accessible only by air or sea, offering glacier views, outdoor adventure and opportunities to explore Alaska’s history and culture.
• Victoria, British Columbia: A coastal city known for its gardens, historic architecture and vibrant harbor, blending heritage with a lively, walkable downtown.
• Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier (Scenic Cruising): A highlight of the journey, featuring towering fjords, waterfalls and close-up views of one of Alaska’s most striking glaciers.

Itineraries to Alaska in 2027 are also now open for sale. For more information about MSC Cruises’ Alaska sailings, visit MSC Cruises.

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About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.

A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.

For more information visit MSC Cruises.