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.

‘Everything’s done for you’: The pros and cons of cruise land extensions

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.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Ahead of the city’s first major snowfall of 2024-2025, residents and business owners said on Sunday that life in Alaska is about dealing with and loving the snow.

The Municipality of Anchorage faced criticism after a record-breaking snow season in 2023-2024. Matters of snow removal became a top issue in the mayoral election and debates, ultimately being part of now-mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s platform. LaFrance said in the first 100 days of her office that several millions of dollars were invested into aging snow equipment.

Snow removal crews with the Alaska Department of Transportation have been preparing equipment for weeks and employees have switched to their winter schedules. Staff with JEFFCO Ground Maintenance, a private snow removal company, said they were feeling the adrenaline before being called out. The president of the company, Jeannie Schenderline, said their busy season also starts with equipment maintenance. Several of their plows had already been dispatched to Palmer and Wasilla as of early Sunday afternoon.

“We generally plow after hours, so things are pretty quiet in the middle of the night, but it’s sounding like this one’s going to come in during the daytime,” said Schenderline, pointing out that unpredictable timing is a major factor in keeping their clients happy. “It can be stressful for the operators. We want everybody to that’s out grocery shopping, to be able to get through the parking lots with minimal snow there for them.”

Anchorage residents interviewed by Alaska’s News Source on Sunday agreed with Schenderline that the first snowfall can bring uncertainty, even for long-time residents. Anchorage resident Max Romey said snow is a constant factor in Alaska and people can never be too careful.

“The carnage of the first day with snow is always pretty scary for everybody who doesn’t have snow tires or maybe just moved to Anchorage,” said Romey. “That’s always something to watch out for.”

Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.

A lawsuit filed against Alaska Airlines alleges negligence in the death of a French bulldog during a flight from New York to San Francisco. Michael Contillo, a San Francisco resident, claims that his beloved pet, Ash, died due to the airline’s mishandling, the Independent reported. 

Mr Contillo and his father had purchased first-class tickets to ensure ample space and comfort for their two French bulldogs, Ash and Kora. Before the flight, both dogs were examined by a veterinarian and declared fit to fly. However, Alaska Airlines staff insisted on moving the passengers and their pets further back in the plane, citing safety concerns.

The sudden relocation caused significant distress to Ash, who began exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, including heavy panting and gasping for air. Mr Contillo was unable to monitor his pet during takeoff and landing due to airline regulations. Upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport, Mr Contillo discovered that Ash had died.

The lawsuit highlights several key allegations against Alaska Airlines:

• Negligence in Handling Brachycephalic Breeds: The airline allegedly failed to consider the specific needs of brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs, which are particularly vulnerable to respiratory problems during air travel.
• Breach of Contract: The lawsuit claims that Alaska Airlines breached the contract by downgrading the passengers from first class without a valid reason.
• Inadequate Staff Training: Mr Contillo alleges that the airline’s staff lacked proper training in handling animals, especially those with specific health concerns.

In addition to seeking financial compensation, Mr Contillo is also seeking punitive damages to hold Alaska Airlines accountable for its negligence. The lawsuit emphasizes the emotional distress caused by the loss of his pet and the airline’s lack of empathy following the incident.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has warned that brachycephalic breeds are at a higher risk of respiratory issues during air travel. The organization recommends that these breeds should be kept in the passenger cabin and not transported as cargo or in confined areas.