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MSC Cruises continues US expansion with Alaska in 2026

MSC Poesia will become a US-based ship, operating the Alaska program and Panama Canal repositioning sailings from Miami.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

October 28, 2024

1 Min Read
The mid-sized MSC Poesia will operate the new Alaska programPHOTO: MSC CRUISES

MSC Cruises will chart Alaska for the first time when MSC Poesia sails weekly roundtrips from Seattle in 2026.

This mid-sized ship will operate there between May and September, with calls at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneeau and Victoria, BC, and scenic cruising of Tracy Arm.

'... By introducing sailings to Alaska we’re further extending our global offering and giving our guests the opportunity to experience this must-see region,' MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said.

'Excellent international flight connections'

He added the program introduces a fifth US homeport for his company, and one with 'excellent international flight connections, making it easily accessible to guests from around the world. In particular, we know our European guests have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sail to Alaska with MSC Cruises.'

MSC plans to offer shore excursions catering to adventure, culture and culinary interests, from exploring the wilderness including an ATV expedition, riding world’s largest zipline and whale-watching.

Bookended by Panama Canal cruises

MSC Poesia will be dedicated to US itineraries, spending summer 2026 cruising to Alaska and then moving to PortMiami for the winter, so Panama Canal cruises will bookend the Alaska season.

Up to 10 destinations will be visited between Seattle and Miami including San Diego, Los Angeles; Cartagena, Colombia; and Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

The first Panama Canal voyage, departing from Miami on April 23, 2026, is open for booking.

Repositioning from Rome to Miami

A 'grand voyage' on MSC Poesia will reposition the ship to Miami. It sails April 6, 2026 from Civitavecchia (Rome), calling Marseille, Barcelona, Funchal (Maderia), Philipsburg (St Maarten) and Ocean Cay before reaching Miami for an overnight stay.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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