MSC Cruises is making significant progress in its strategy to grow its U.S. footprint. Since restarting its U.S. cruise program from Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, post-pandemic, the cruise line has been steadily increasing its offerings from U.S. ports.

In 2023, the cruise line added year-round sailings from New York City with plans for a new homeport in Galveston, Texas in the works. With the launch of Galveston sailings set for November 2025 and a brand new U.S. megaship, MSC World America, setting sail from Miami in April, the cruise line will sail a record number of ships from U.S. homeports next year.

Related: MSC Cruises designs new ship to tempt the American palate

Now, MSC Cruises is sharing plans for even more to come in 2026. The cruise line will add a fifth U.S. homeport in May 2026, as it launches its first-ever cruises to Alaska.

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MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle,

Seattle will become MSC Cruises’ fifth U.S. homeport on May 11, 2026, as MSC Poesia begins its inaugural Alaska cruise season. The ship will sail seven-night Alaska cruises from May through September 2026.

A mid-sized ship, MSC Poesia will be able to explore the narrow channels of Alaska’s Inside Passage and offer passengers up-close glacier viewing. Now available for booking, the seven-night Alaska cruise itineraries include calls to:

Icy Strait Point, Alaska – Alaska’s first Indigenous-owned cruise destination is set amid more than 23,000 acres of private beach and temperate rainforest about a mile from Alaska’s largest Tlingit village, Hoonah. It features the largest zip line in the world, the most accessible coastal brown bear viewing platforms in Southeast Alaska, whale watching, fishing, local cultural dances and oral histories, cooking classes, kayaking and more. The facilities include a museum and locally-owned retail shops in a restored 1912 salmon cannery, along with several restaurants offering local seafood, craft beer and more.

Related: MSC Cruises bringing world record program to its entire fleet

Juneau, Alaska – The state capital is only accessible by air or sea, which makes a cruise the perfect way to experience Juneau’s snow-capped mountains, historic landmarks and breathtaking views. The city was founded during a gold rush in 1880 and continues to invite visitors to try their hand at panning for gold. Right at the cruise port, the Goldbelt Tram rises 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, offering the perfect vantage point for taking in the Chilkat Mountains, Douglas Island, the Gastineau Channel, and more.

Ketchikan, Alaska – The best fishing town in Alaska offers prime opportunities for catching or eating wild salmon, as well as spotting the abundant population of bald eagles attracted by the fish. Historic Creek Street is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, with an abundance of local artists and craftspeople. Ketchikan is also known for its impressive displays of authentic totem poles.

Related: MSC Cruises adds a new tool that might make cruises cheaper

Tracy Arm, Alaska – The journey along Tracy Arm is every bit as amazing as the destination, with every hairpin turn along the way to the Sawyer Glaciers revealing something new. Entering the narrow fjord, guests will marvel at cliffs rising 3,000 feet along either side of the narrow and winding passage. Excitement builds as the ship passes waterfalls, roaming bears and a local seal colony. After 27 miles, a final turn reveals the intense blue color of the Sawyer Glaciers towering above the waterline.

Victoria, British Columbia – The calm waters of the Salish Sea and the towering rainforests of Vancouver Island surround a city known for its British heritage, colorful gardens, and magnificent architecture such as striking architectural marvels like the famed Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. 

Before entering the harbor, wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to spotting whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and birds. Foodies will find nearly infinite choices with the highest concentration of restaurants anywhere in Canada. Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city—among the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest region.

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After spending the summer cruising Alaska, MSC Poesia will move to Miami for the winter, offering bucket-list Panama Canal cruises during the ship’s repositioning between the East and West Coast. 

MSC Poesia’s two 2026 Panama Canal sailings are now available to book. The ship will depart from Miami on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and from Seattle on Monday, September 28, 2026.

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