This major cruise line will launch Alaska sailings for the first time

There’s a new player in the Alaska cruise game.

MSC Cruises will launch sailings to the Last Frontier for the first time in 2026, the cruise line announced Monday. The sailings on the MSC Poesia ship will depart from Seattle, Washington.

“Guests from all over the world tell us they want to see Alaska’s beauty firsthand, which makes these itineraries the perfect addition to MSC Cruises’ global portfolio of bucket-list destinations,” Lynn Torrent, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at MSC Cruises USA, said in a news release. “Seattle will be our fifth U.S. homeport, bringing our signature mix of European style and American comforts to the west coast as we continue to expand our offerings in the North American market.”

The news marks the latest growth of MSC’s stateside footprint. The line also announced plans earlier this year to add a Galveston, Texas, homeport in 2025.

When are MSC’s Alaska cruises?

The line’s first Alaska cruise will set sail on May 11, 2026, with the season running through September. MSC Poesia can accommodate 2,550 passengers based on double occupancy.

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Where will the cruises go?

Passengers will visit destinations such as Vancouver, Canada; Juneau; Ketchikan; Icy Strait Point and more as part of the seven-night itineraries, featuring snow-capped mountain views and sightings of wildlife like bald eagles. They will also be able to choose from a range of shore excursions, including whale-watching, ziplining and ATV rides.

How much do MSC’s Alaska cruises cost?

Pricing info was not available ahead of publishing. Travelers can book on MSC’s website.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.