MSC Cruises announced today that they will begin sailing into the Far North, adding Alaska itineraries to their list. MSC Poesia will be homeporting in Seattle offering roundtrip 7-night itineraries during Alaska season beginning May 11, 2026.
The MSC Poesia will be dedicated to sailing itineraries from the U.S., spending summer 2026 cruising to Alaska and then moving to Miami for the winter. It will also offer transit cruises through the Panama Canal on its way to and from Alaska.
MSC Poesia is a mid-sized ship perfectly designed to explore the narrow channels of the Inside Passage and stunning glaciers up close. Her 7-night itineraries include calls to:
- Icy Strait Point, Alaska – Alaska’s first Indigenous-owned cruise destination is set amid more than 23,000 acres of private beach and temperate rainforest about a mile from Alaska’s largest Tlingit village, Hoonah. It features the largest zip line in the world, the most accessible coastal brown bear viewing platforms in Southeast Alaska, whale watching, fishing, local cultural dances and oral histories, cooking classes, kayaking and more. The facilities include a museum and locally owned retail shops in a restored 1912 salmon cannery, along with several restaurants offering local seafood, craft beer and more.
- Juneau, Alaska – The state capital is only accessible by air or sea, which makes a cruise the perfect way to experience Juneau’s snow-capped mountains, historic landmarks and breathtaking views. The city was founded during a gold rush in 1880 and continues to invite visitors to try their hand at panning for gold. Right at the cruise port, the Goldbelt Tram rises 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, offering the perfect vantage point for taking in the Chilkat Mountains, Douglas Island, the Gastineau Channel, and more.
- Ketchikan, Alaska – The best fishing town in Alaska offers prime opportunities for catching or eating wild salmon, as well as spotting the abundant population of bald eagles attracted by the fish. Historic Creek Street is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, with an abundance of local artists and craftspeople. Ketchikan is also known for its impressive displays of authentic totem poles, and also known as having some of the best shopping in Alaska.
- Tracy Arm, Alaska – The journey along Tracy Arm is every bit as amazing as the destination, with every hairpin turn along the way to the Sawyer Glaciers revealing something new. Entering the narrow fjord, guests will marvel at cliffs rising 3,000 feet along either side of the narrow and winding passage. Excitement builds as the ship passes waterfalls, roaming bears and a local seal colony. After 27 miles, a final turn reveals the intense blue color of the Sawyer Glaciers towering above the waterline.
- Victoria, British Columbia – The calm waters of the Salish Sea and the towering rainforests of Vancouver Island surround a city known for its British heritage, colorful gardens, and magnificent architecture such as striking architectural marvels like the famed Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. Before entering the harbor, wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to spotting whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and birds. Foodies will find nearly infinite choices with the highest concentration of restaurants anywhere in Canada. Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city—among the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest region.
MSC Poesia’s seasonal repositioning between Miami and Seattle allows for two truly unique itineraries sailing through the iconic Panama Canal at the start and end of the season. Offering guests an extraordinary opportunity to explore new horizons and embark on a bucket-list experience.
Guests will have the chance to experience the canal transit, while also being able to explore up to ten vibrant destinations between Seattle and Miami including sunny West Coast highlights like San Diego and Los Angeles; historic Latin American treasures such as Cartagena and Cabo San Lucas; and the lush, exotic beauty of Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province.
The two sailings—departing from Miami on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and from Seattle on Monday, September 28, 2026—are available to book.
Itineraries are currently available to book.