For the first time in the company’s history, MSC Cruises' guests will have the opportunity to sail to the must-see region of Alaska between May and September 2026, with weekly departures from Seattle, Washington. Guests can expect to visit beautiful ports in Alaska as well as British Columbia's capital, Victoria, and enjoy their unrivalled beauty, breathtaking scenery and magnificent wildlife while also experiencing Alaska’s rich Native culture.

7-night Alaska
Seattle Roundtrip aboard MSC Poesia
May 11 – September 21, 2026

MSC Poesia, carries 3,000 guests on board and is well suited to explore the narrow channels of the Inside Passage and Alaska’s stunning glaciers up close. Her seven-night Alaska itineraries include calls to:

Icy Strait Point – Alaska's first Indigenous-owned cruise destination 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.

Juneau – 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 visitors the perfect vantage point for taking in the Chilkat Mountains, Douglas Island and the Gastineau Channel.

Ketchikan – The best fishing town in Alaska offers prime opportunities for catching and/or eating wild salmon, as well as spotting the abundant population of bald eagles. Historic Creek Street is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, featuring an abundance of local artists and craftspeople. Ketchikan is also known for its impressive displays of authentic totem poles dating back to the 19th century.

Tracy Arm – 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 colour of the Sawyer Glaciers towering above the waterline.

Victoria – The calm waters of the Salish Sea and the towering rainforests of Vancouver Island surround a city known for its British heritage, colourful gardens, and magnificent architecture such as the famed Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. 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. British Columbia’s capital is also among the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest region.

A range of exciting shore excursions will be on offer in each port of call to cater to the needs of every type of traveller, whether they are looking for adventure, culture, or culinary delights. From exploring remote wilderness on an ATV, riding the world’s largest zipline or gliding through the serene waters on a whale-watching vessel, shore excursions are designed to showcase the state’s breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and exceptional wildlife encounters.

MSC Cruises' new sailings in Alaska also open up two new “Grand Voyage” style itineraries sailing through the iconic Panama Canal on each side of the Alaska season – these departures offer adventure-seeking travellers, culture lovers and history aficionados alike an extraordinary opportunity to embark on an unforgettable lifetime experience. Often hailed as one of the few human-made wonders best experienced by ship, guests will have the chance to see the “greatest engineering achievement of the century” from the comfort of their ship’s deck, while also being able to explore up to ten vibrant destinations between Seattle and Miami including sunny West Coast favourites such as San Diego and Los Angeles, historic Colombian treasures in Cartagena, and the lush, exotic beauty of Costa Rica. The first Panama Canal “Grand Voyage” sailing departs Miami on April 23rd, 2026 and is available for you to book now. More information on the second sailing departing Seattle to come soon.