MSC CRUISES UNVEILS REGIONALLY INSPIRED MENUS AND NEW DINING VENUES FOR MSC POESIA’S INAUGURAL ALASKA SEASON

• Alaska-focused menus bring hearty regional flavors, expanded seafood selections and an enhanced beverage program to MSC Poesia’s inaugural Alaska season
• New scenic cruising comforts include complimentary hot chocolate during glacier viewing
• New Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse and Kaito Sushi Bar provide additional specialty dining options for guests

MIAMI – March 19, 2026 – New food and beverage options are in store for MSC Cruises’ inaugural season of Alaska cruises. Starting in May, MSC Poesia will set sail from Seattle with Alaska-inspired, hearty dining options with a seafood focus, designed to enhance every moment of a voyage through the Last Frontier.

The refreshed culinary experience is designed to complement the natural beauty and cooler climate of Alaska, delivering comforting regional flavors, expanded seafood selections and warming beverages across the ship’s dining and bar venues. Where feasible and based on availability, locally sourced Alaskan seafood will be incorporated throughout the season.

Neil Palomba, EVP, Operations, MSC Cruises USA, said: “Our inaugural season in Alaska represents an exciting milestone for MSC Cruises, and enhancing the onboard dining and beverage experience to reflect the destination was a key priority for us. We’re bringing our mix of European style and American comfort to MSC Poesia, giving our guests a chance to enjoy everything from the perfect cup of hot chocolate as they sail past stunning glaciers, to a taste of Alaska’s trademark seafood after an exhilarating day of exploring on shore. Our goal is for the culinary experience to match Alaska’s natural charm.”

Hearty Dining Options with a Seafood Focus

Guests will experience Alaska’s influence across the ship’s main dining venues, with menus reflecting the destination while still maintaining MSC Cruises’ international culinary approach.

The menus will include several nods to Alaskan heritage, such as Halibut Tacos with tangy lime cabbage slaw, Alaskan amber-battered cod served with classic accompaniments, hearty seafood chowders, and more.

Locally sourced Alaskan salmon will also be featured throughout the season across different venues, highlighting the region’s well-known seafood while complementing the overall dining experience.

Comfort-Driven Scenic Cruising Enhancements

Recognizing that scenic cruising is a highlight of any Alaska voyage, MSC Cruises is introducing thoughtful culinary touches to enhance the glacier viewing experience. During scenic sailing periods, guests will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate on deck and in the buffet, creating a cozy environment for taking in the scenery.

New and Warming Beverage Experiences

• Beyond hot chocolate, the onboard bar program is heating up to complement Alaska sailings. Guests can enjoy spiked hot chocolate, hot cocktails and Alaska-themed drinks throughout the sailing. Highlights include:
• Hot Honey Soother – A "botanical steam-bath" for the soul, the cocktail delivers a clever, winterized evolution of gin’s aromatics, turning it into a light, floral alternative "botanical toddy."
• Un-Wined in Juneau – A "high-latitude" take on winter warmth, trading the heavy, spiced-wine profile of a traditional Glühwein for the crisp, alpine clarity of the Alaskan wilderness. It is essentially "Alaska in a mug"—bright, piney, and bracingly aromatic.
• Hug in a Mug Toddy – A classic warm cocktail renowned for its comforting and aromatic profile.
• Bring the Heat Martini – A decadent, “grown up” twist on a classic winter comfort, combining the rich, creamy texture of hot chocolate with a spirited alcoholic kick and a spicy surprise.
• Lox & Loaded Martini – A cocktail that pushes the boundaries of classic mixology, offering a radical, savory, smoked salmon twist on the traditional drink. It is designed to be an unforgettable, upscale appetizer in a glass.
• Fjord the Love of Bubbly – A sparkling cocktail that offers an aromatically fruity taste with crisp, clean flavors.

Plus, while the ship is underway during the day, the Mojito Bar will host a dedicated Bloody Mary experience, creating a lively daytime gathering spot while guests admire their surroundings.

Expanded Dining Variety Onboard

In addition to the Alaska-focused enhancements, MSC Poesia will feature expanded specialty dining options that will be added during the ship’s dry dock enhancements. Updates include the addition of Butcher’s Cut, an authentic American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, inspired by the Far East where guests can savor expertly crafted sushi and authentic Asian dishes.

From May through September 2026, MSC Poesia will sail seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle, calling on iconic destinations including Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau—along with Victoria, British Columbia—while also cruising alongside stunning glaciers. Following the inaugural season, MSC Poesia will return to Alaska for summer 2027, continuing to build the cruise line’s presence in the region.

For more information about MSC Cruises’ Alaska sailings, click here.

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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.