MSC Cruises is giving us a peek into the future of onboard entertainment. The cruise line has just announced a fleet-wide entertainment rollout for 2026 designed to appeal to multiple generations. From interactive game shows and music venues to something that definitely wasn’t on our “Coming to a Cruise Ship in 2026” BINGO card – AI-powered robot dogs – the line is promising “next level” experiences for travelers this year.
If you are sailing with MSC in 2026, here is a complete breakdown of the brand-new and newly enhanced experiences coming to a ship near you.
The AI Revolution at Sea: Robot Dogs & Humanoids
Without a doubt, the most bizarre and intriguing highlight of MSC’s 2026 announcement is the introduction of AI-powered robotic dogs and humanoid robots.
In a world-first for the cruise industry, MSC has partnered with Unitree Robotics to pilot these high-tech additions. Currently being tested aboard MSC Bellissima in Asia, these robots will soon make their way to additional sailings, including segments of the 2026 World Cruise aboard MSC Magnifica.
What to expect:
- Meet-and-Greets: Guests will be able to interact with the robotic canines.
- Robot Parades: A futuristic take on the traditional cruise ship promenade parade.
- Tech Workshops: Children ages 7 and older can participate in interactive robotics sessions to learn about future technologies.
- The Family Disco: The robots will even be making special “dance appearances” during the line’s signature Doremix Family Disco.
Are robot dogs the future of the kids’ club, or just a fun novelty? We’ll let you decide, but it is certainly a conversation starter!
Revamped Parties and Live Music
MSC is giving its nightlife and stage productions a bit of a freshening up, tailoring experiences to the regions their ships are sailing.
- Yee Haw for Texas: Sailing out of Galveston, MSC Seascape will debut a new American Country Band experience as well as a Dueling Pianos concept.
- Big Bands for Alaskan: As MSC Poesia heads to Alaska for its inaugural season there this summer, it will debut 20 new Big Band performances, as well as the highly anticipated Dirty Dancing: In Concert.
- Production Refreshes: MSC Seaview and MSC Grandiosa are launching a complete refresh of their main theater production shows, while MSC Meraviglia will welcome back the fan-favorite Flamenco show, Paz.
- Fleetwide ’70s Party: My absolute fave, the signature ’70s Party is getting a full revamp across the entire fleet, featuring updated music, upgraded costumes, and more interactive elements. Let’s just hope there’s more Abba than ever.
Game Shows and Enrichment
If you prefer to be part of the action rather than just watching it, MSC has developed two brand-new, original game shows rolling out across the fleet:
- Chart Toppers: A music game show celebrating the biggest hits from the 1970s to today.
- Quiz O’Clock: A competitive twist on the classic cruise trivia game that most people take way too seriously and cheat like their life depends on it.
Following a successful pilot program, the MSC Professional Coaches Program is expanding to 15 ships in 2026. This gives guests the opportunity to take classes covering sports, wellness, and arts & crafts while at sea.
Those sailing to Alaska on MSC Poesia will get to partake in an expanded Naturalist Program that will include wildlife and geology presentations, a dedicated session just for children, and enrichment talks on sea days.
Upgraded Family Fun
2026 sees an expansion of their most popular brand partnerships for younger cruisers:
- More LEGO Magic: The popular LEGO®Parade (which features seven LEGO mascots alongside MSC’s own mascot, Doremi) will expand from seven ships to 14 ships this year.
- Digital-First Game Shows: Following a pilot on MSC World America, families can look forward to a refreshed LEGO Family Game Show launching fleet-wide.
- MasterChef at Sea: The onboard cooking competition experience will feature refreshed formats specially tailored for adults, kids, and teens.
- Ocean Day: A new educational entertainment program sponsored by the MSC Foundation, “Ocean Day,” will roll out fleet-wide to inspire younger guests through marine awareness and interactive play.
MSC Cruises is making some interesting choices in new entertainment. Which ones will be a hit, and which will be misses? Time will tell, but I’m pretty sure the robots are going to be the star of the show.