MSC POESIA MAKES FIRST-EVER CALLTO ICY STRAIT POINT DURING MSC CRUISES’ INAUGURAL ALASKA SEASON

• Guests can experience wildlife, adventure and rich Huna Tlingit culture at Icy Strait Point during weeklong Alaska sailings from Seattle aboard newly enhanced MSC Poesia
• Plaque exchange onboard MSC Poesia celebrates MSC Cruises’ inaugural call to Icy Strait Point and reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the local community

Hoonah, Alaska – May 14, 2026 – MSC Poesia arrived at Icy Strait Point this morning as part of MSC Cruises’ inaugural Alaska season. To celebrate the ship’s first-ever call to the destination, elected officials, community leaders and representatives from the Huna Totem Corporation joined MSC Cruises leadership onboard for a traditional plaque exchange ceremony, recognizing the growing partnership between the cruise line and the local community.

MSC Poesia now serves 7-night itineraries from Seattle to Alaska through September 2026, calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau in Alaska, along with Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Sailings also include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm, featuring views of Dawes Glacier and Alaska’s fjord scenery.

During MSC Cruises’ Alaska season, guests at Icy Strait Point can explore Alaska’s wildlife, rainforest and Huna Tlingit culture through whale watching, bear viewing, cultural performances and storytelling. Adventure options include the Sky Peak Gondola, ZipRider, kayaking, ocean RIB tours, guided hikes, backcountry driving and local culinary experiences.

Lynn Torrent, President, MSC Cruises North America, said: “Icy Strait Point is a unique destination that offers guests an authentic connection to Alaska’s natural beauty, wildlife, and local culture. We are proud to mark MSC Poesia’s first call as part of our inaugural Alaska season, an important milestone in the continued expansion of MSC Cruises in North America. As we bring our signature blend of European style and American comfort to the region, we look forward to working closely with the community and creating unforgettable experiences that allow our guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage that make Alaska so extraordinary.”

Russell Dick, President & CEO, Huna Totem Corporation, said: “This is a landmark moment for Icy Strait Point and the people of Hoonah. Welcoming MSC Cruises for the first time isn't just a business milestone — it's an invitation to share something truly irreplaceable: our living culture, our land, and our way of life with travelers from around the world. Icy Strait Point was built on a promise to our community — to create real, lasting opportunity while honoring who we are as Tlingit people. MSC Cruises shares that spirit of respect and authenticity, and we believe this partnership will open an extraordinary new chapter — not just for our destination, but for every visitor who steps ashore and experiences Icy Strait Point and all it has to offer.”

Guests sailing aboard MSC Poesia this season will discover both new and refreshed venues following the ship’s recent refurbishment. The ship now features MSC Yacht Club, the Line’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, offering private amenities, elevated service and 24-hour butler and concierge services. Guests will also find new specialty dining venues including Butcher’s Cut – an American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar, along with an upgraded MSC Aurea Spa and enhanced MSC Gym powered by Technogym®.

The Alaska season includes a culinary program inspired by the Pacific Northwest, featuring Alaska-themed dining and beverage offerings created specifically for MSC Cruises’ sailings in the region. Menus celebrate hearty local cuisine with expanded seafood selections sourced from the Pacific Northwest, alongside warming beverages and Alaska-inspired cocktails served throughout the voyage.

Onboard MSC Poesia, the ship features entertainment and enrichment programming anchored by “Dirty Dancing: In Concert,” a live-to-film production featuring singers, dancers and a live band performing alongside the iconic movie. Additional offerings include live music, themed parties, comedy performances, family activities, and Alaska-focused enrichment such as expert talks, narrated scenic journeys and interactive workshops inspired by the surrounding wildlife, geography and culture.

As part of MSC Cruises’ commitment to responsible operations in the region, the cruise line is partnering with marine conservation organization ORCA. An ORCA-trained Marine Mammal Observer will sail aboard MSC Poesia during peak whale season to support crew training, guest education and research focused on whale behavior and vessel interaction in Alaskan waters. Guests will also have opportunities to learn more about Alaska’s marine wildlife and environment through onboard educational programming.

Click here to learn more about MSC Cruises’ Alaska sailings.

# # #

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.