For the first time, MSC Cruises is offering cruises in Alaska aboard the MSC Poesia, departing from Seattle from May to September. The itinerary includes stops in Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Victoria (Canada).
You can currently book this 7-night cruise in an inside cabin from €643 per person. Oceanview cabins are available from €873, while balcony cabins start at €1,103 (prices per person based on double occupancy).
Do you have questions about the offer, need help, or are you looking for a cruise that suits you even better? Feel free to contact us via our inquiry form. We’re glad to help.
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MSC Cruises adds an automatic crew gratuity of US$14.50 per person, per day to your onboard account if you book via CruiseDirect, but is included with Travel-Dealz.
The cruise price includes full board in the main and buffet restaurants, as well as coffee, water, tea, and iced tea during the buffet’s opening hours. Use of most onboard facilities, such as the pools and gym, is also covered.
Here is the list of dates that you can book this cruise for this summer season:
- May 11 – 18, 2026
- Inside: €643
- Outside: €873
- Balcony: €1,103
- May 18 – 25, 2026
- Inside: €787
- Outside: €987
- May 25, 2026 – June 1, 2026
- Inside: €716
- Outside: €942
- June 8 – 15, 2026
- Inside: €781
- Outside: €981
- June 15 – 22, 2026
- Inside: €745
- Outside: €945
- June 22 – 29, 2026
- Inside: €796
- Outside: €996
- June 29, 2026 – July 6, 2026
- Inside: €749
- Outside: €949
- July 6 – 13, 2026
- Inside: €779
- Outside: €979
- August 17 – 24, 2026
- Inside: €787
- Outside: €958
- August 31, 2026 – September 7, 2026
- Inside: €789
- September 7 – 14, 2026
- Inside: €799
- Outside: €991
- September 14 – 21, 2026
- Inside: €770
If you live in Europe, we recommend booking through Travel-Dealz, and if you live in the USA, book via CruiseDirect, as long as the price difference is not significant. If the difference is considerable, you can choose the cheaper option, but keep in mind that the consumer guarantees are different for Americans and Europeans.
Editor’s Note: If you want to take a cruise to Alaska where you can be attended to in French, Italian, German, or Spanish, and enjoy a more European atmosphere, this is your option. In December, I cruised on the MSC Musica through the Canary Islands, and I was delighted with the experience, despite it not being a new ship. At these prices, I wouldn’t have a problem travelling with MSC for an Alaska cruise.
Route (Example for May 11)
The ship departs from Seattle in the late afternoon. Following a day at sea, the first port of call is Ketchikan, followed by Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) the next day. On May 13, the ship performs a brief scenic cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord in the early morning before docking in Juneau at 14:00. After another sea day, there is a short evening stop in Victoria, Canada, arriving at 20:00. The cruise concludes back in Seattle the following morning.
| Date | Port | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | Seattle, United States | 17:00 | |
| May 12, 2026 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| May 13, 2026 | Ketchikan, United States | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| May 14, 2026 | Icy Strait Point – Hoonah, United States | 10:00 | 19:00 |
| May 15, 2026 | Tracy Arm, United States (Scenic Cruising) | 07:00 | 07:30 |
| May 15, 2026 | Juneau, United States | 14:00 | 22:00 |
| May 16, 2026 | At sea 🌊 | ||
| May 17, 2026 | Victoria, Canada | 20:00 | Midnight |
| May 18, 2026 | Seattle, United States | 07:00 |
Most Europeans need an electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) to enter the USA for up to 90 days. This costs US$40 (~€34) and you should apply for it a couple of days before your trip, at the latest.
There are some cases where you cannot apply for an ESTA, e.g. if you’ve been to Cuba since 2021 or to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, or North Korea since March 2011. In those cases, you’ll need to get a visa from a US embassy or consulate, which can take multiple weeks.
The Ship
The MSC Poesia, launched in 2008, is one of MSC Cruises’ mid-sized ships, carrying around 2,500 passengers. Compared to the newer, much larger ships in the fleet, it offers a more traditional cruise experience with a layout that’s easier to navigate and a slightly calmer atmosphere. The interior design leans on MSC’s signature mix of marble, glass, and bold colours, giving the ship a distinctly European style.
Public spaces include a central atrium with a piano bar, a large theatre for nightly shows, several lounges, and themed bars. Outdoors, passengers will find two main pools, hot tubs, and open deck space for sunbathing or casual activities. There’s also a spa and fitness centre, along with areas for sports like tennis and basketball. Bars and lounges offer a mix of atmospheres, from lively spots with music to quieter corners for a drink.
Cabins are available in a range of categories, from inside staterooms to suites with balconies. While the ship doesn’t feature the latest attractions seen on MSC’s newer flagships, it appeals to travellers who prefer a smaller scale, a straightforward layout, and a more classic style of cruising with a European influence.
Getting There & Back
You will need to fly to Seattle to take this cruise. For the May 11 sailing, the best non-stop option from Europe with checked luggage is with Delta from London for €637 (~£553).
To find the cheapest flights for your desired dates, you can use the form below and then proceed to Trip.com with a single click:
Cover Picture: © Pjotr Mahhonin under cc-by-sa-3.0