MSC Cruises Sets Course for Alaska Adventures in 2028
July 31, 2026 Team Contributor
MSC Cruises has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, giving travellers an early opportunity to secure sailings aboard the recently refurbished MSC Poesia. The ship will return to Seattle for a third consecutive Alaska deployment, operating weekly seven-night voyages from April 24 through September 18, 2028.
Alaska Cruises Continue to Gain Momentum
The announcement reflects growing interest in Alaska cruises, a market that has remained one of the strongest performers in North American tourism. MSC Poesia will sail itineraries featuring some of the region’s most sought-after destinations:
- Ketchikan, known for its waterfront culture and Indigenous heritage
- Icy Strait Point, an Indigenous-owned tourism destination
- Tracy Arm, home to dramatic fjords and glacier scenery
- Juneau, Alaska’s capital city
- Victoria, British Columbia, a favourite stop for cruise visitors from around the world
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said, “Alaska has quickly become one of our most popular destinations, and opening sales for a third season reflects the strong demand we’ve seen since launching there this year. Expanding our program for the 2028 summer season gives guests even more opportunities to explore this extraordinary region and plan their holiday in advance. Following her recent upgrade, MSC Poesia will offer guests the finest hospitality MSC Cruises is known for, with enhanced facilities and the newly introduced MSC Yacht Club.”
Upgraded MSC Poesia Targets Premium Travellers
A major focus of 2028 Alaska season is the upgraded MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s luxury “ship-within-a-ship” retreat. Introduced as part of MSC Poesia’s recent refurbishment, the exclusive enclave is designed for travellers seeking a more private and elevated cruise experience while retaining access to the ship’s wider amenities.
Key MSC Yacht Club features
- 69 elegantly appointed suites designed for added comfort and privacy.
- 24-hour butler and concierge service for personalized assistance throughout the voyage.
- A dedicated restaurant reserved exclusively for Yacht Club guests.
- Access to a private lounge for relaxation and socializing.
- An exclusive sundeck with whirlpools offering additional space and panoramic ocean views.
- A private grill restaurant and bar available only to Yacht Club guests.
- Priority-style access to a secluded luxury retreat while still enjoying the entertainment, dining and activities available across the rest of MSC Poesia.
The refurbishment also introduced two new specialty dining venues, Butcher’s Cut, an American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar. Guests will also find an enhanced MSC Aurea Spa, a Gentleman’s Barber, multiple workout studios and the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium, a spacious outdoor retreat reserved for Aurea guests. These additions further strengthen MSC Poesia’s premium onboard offering.
Ship Onboard Experiences Extend Beyond Panoramic View
While glacier viewing and wildlife encounters remain the headline attraction, MSC Poesia also offers a robust entertainment lineup. Guests can enjoy evening production shows, live music across the ship and Dirty Dancing in Concert, a live-to-film experience featuring singers, dancers and musicians performing alongside the beloved movie soundtrack.
MSC Cruises Makes Alaska More Accessible for Canadians
For Canadian travellers, the inclusion of Victoria, B.C. provides an additional West Coast touchpoint on every sailing, while Seattle remains one of the most accessible U.S. cruise departure ports from Western Canada.
The launch also comes as cruise lines continue extending their long-range booking windows. That trend is evident across the industry, with brands unveiling future itineraries well in advance, similar to the recently announced Oceania Cruises 2028-2029 voyages that target travellers planning major bucket-list journeys years ahead.
With sales now underway for 2028, MSC Cruises is also continuing to accept reservations for its 2027 Alaska program, running from April 26 to September 27. The expanded booking window underscores the cruise line’s growing commitment to Alaska as one of its fastest-rising North American destinations.
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