MSC Cruises is expanding its reach in a big way. Known primarily for its sailings from Miami to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, the cruise line is preparing for some of the most ambitious moves in its history. In just a few weeks, MSC Seascape will leave Miami to begin year-round service from Galveston, Texas, marking the first time MSC has based a ship there. But the bigger news is what comes in 2026, when MSC enters the Alaska cruise market for the very first time.
To prepare for this, the line’s MSC Poesia will undergo one of the most extensive refits in the company’s history, transforming her into a ship more in tune with the expectations of North American cruisers while keeping MSC’s signature European flair.
A Major Refit for MSC Poesia
MSC Poesia’s transformation is centered around the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, which has never before been part of this ship. This “ship within a ship” experience will include 63 new suites across five categories, with options ranging from family-friendly connecting rooms to the ultra-luxurious Royal Suite. The Royal Suite will have a private whirlpool, a massive 840-square-foot terrace, and panoramic ocean views.
The Yacht Club will also feature a dedicated restaurant, the Top Sail Lounge, and a private sundeck complete with a Grill & Bar, two hot tubs, and cabanas. It’s an all-inclusive experience with butler and concierge service, premium in-suite amenities, and spaces for travelers who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the ship.
Beyond the Yacht Club, the refit brings new and refreshed venues throughout the ship. Guests will now be able to enjoy Butcher’s Cut, MSC’s American-style steakhouse, as well as a completely reimagined Kaito Sushi Bar. A new All-Stars Sports Bar adds a casual option for catching a game or enjoying bar bites. The MSC Aurea Spa will be upgraded with an ocean-view sauna, steam rooms, a salt room, and relaxation spaces. For those who are dead-set on burning off all the calories they consume on the cruise, will appreciate the enhanced MSC Gym.
Sailing Alaska in 2026
Once her transformation is complete, MSC Poesia will head north for MSC’s first-ever Alaska season. From May through September 2026, she will offer seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle.
Highlights of the Alaska itineraries include: Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia.
After her summer in Alaska, MSC Poesia will reposition to Miami for winter 2026/2027 sailings to the Caribbean and Central America, including destinations such as Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Curaçao, and Belize. Guests looking for that “once-in-a-lifetime experience” can also opt for Panama Canal transits as the ship repositions between Seattle and Miami.
Between the upcoming move of MSC Seascape to Galveston and the introduction of Alaska cruises on a newly transformed MSC Poesia, it is clear that MSC is making a significant play for the North American cruise market.
Game on!