MSC Cruises has hit another milestone as its MSC Poesia, which recently underwent major enhancements, successfully transited the Panama Canal and is now making her way up the West Coast to Seattle where she will begin her inaugural Alaska season on May 11, 2026.
MSC Poesia began her 18-night Grand Voyage in Miami, Florida, made port stops in Cartagena, Columbia, and Colon, Panama, before making passage through the iconic Panama Canal. Connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal is one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements and a bucket list item for many travelers.
The newly upgraded ship features a brand-new MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s ship-within-a-ship concept; an upgraded MSC Aurea Spa; a new MSC Gym which was moved aft where guests can enjoy glacier views; a Gentleman’s Barber; and Top 15 Exclusive Solarium. MSC Poesia also received two new specialty restaurants–Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar–which will feature menus which reflect the destination. Around the ship, there will be other destination-inspired food and beverage options such as the themed cocktail, Unwind in Juneau. Guests sailing in Alaska will also be the first to enjoy “Dirty Dancing in Concert” on MSC Poesia.
While in Alaska, MSC Poesia will sail 7-night itineraries from Seattle to some of the region’s most iconic destinations such as Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, scenic cruising in Tracy Arm, and more.
Following her Alaska season, MSC Poesia will return to Miami for the 2026-27 winter season joining MSC World America, MSC Meraviglia, and MSC Seaside–a record lineup for the cruise line. MSC Cruises will also have two ships–MSC Opera and MSC Europa–sailing in the Southern Caribbean further solidifying MSC Cruises commitment to the North American market.