PHOTO STORY: MSC POESIA COMPLETES PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT AHEAD OF ALASKA SEASON DEBUT

• MSC Poesia has transited the iconic Panama Canal ahead of its summer 2026 Alaska season debut
• Following MSC Poesia’s inaugural Alaska season, the ship will reposition to offer roundtrip Caribbean sailings from Miami during Winter 2026–2027
• Guests seeking to take part in an unforgettable Panama Canal transit can opt to book on MSC Poesia ahead of its Alaska 2027 season or on MSC Magnifica for the MSC World Cruise 2027  

GENEVA – May 6, 2026 – MSC Cruises announced today that the newly refurbished MSC Poesia successfullytransited through the Panama Canal during its 18-night Grand Voyage from Miami to Seattle, marking a key milestone as it prepares for its inaugural Alaska season.

The passage through the iconic Panama Canal is a standout highlight of the itinerary, offering guests a rare once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements while sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans amidst breathtaking tropical landscapes and rich biodiversity.

The freshly upgraded MSC Poesia now features a brand-new MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, offering spacious and elegantly appointed suites, private facilities and 24-hour butler and concierge service. The ship’s enhancements also include an upgraded MSC Aurea Spa, cutting-edge gym and specialty restaurants Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar.

MSC Poesia’sGrand Voyagebegan with its departure from Miami, with calls in the Caribbean and Central America before transiting the world-famous Panama Canal. The shipis now in the Pacific and will continue north along the coast on the final leg of its journey to Seattle, where it will begin its Alaska itineraries on May 11, 2026.

Following MSC Poesia’s inauguralAlaska season, the ship will reposition to offer roundtrip Caribbean cruises from Miami during the Winter 2026–2027 season, visiting destinations including Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Curaçao, and Belize before resuming Alaska cruises during the Summer 2027 season.

Upcoming MSC Cruises’ sailings offering a Panama Canal transit:

MSC Poesia will offer an unforgettable 18-night Grand Voyage sailing between April 8-26, 2027, featuring a full Panama Canal transit ahead of its second Alaska season.

MSC Cruises’ 2027 World Cruise aboard  will begin on January 5, 2027, sailing for 121 nights across five continents and 46 destinations in 26 countries, including a bucket list transit of the Panama Canal.

###

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 on MSC Cruises, please click here.