MSC Cruises has announced an extensive MSC Poesia refurbishment, one of the most ambitious projects in the company’s history. The ship will undergo a sweeping transformation designed to elevate the onboard experience and prepare her for her first Alaska itineraries in summer 2026. The upgrade introduces the acclaimed MSC Yacht Club, new specialty dining, a dynamic sports bar, and revitalized wellness spaces, making MSC Poesia a flagship of modern cruising.
A New Standard with MSC Yacht Club
The centerpiece of the MSC Poesia refurbishment is the addition of the MSC Yacht Club, the line’s signature luxury-within-a-ship concept. This private enclave offers 63 spacious suites in multiple categories, from ocean-view balconies to family-friendly connected suites. The most extravagant accommodation, the Royal Suite, comes with a whirlpool, outdoor shower, and an expansive terrace overlooking the sea.
Yacht Club guests enjoy 24-hour butler and concierge service, fine dining in an exclusive restaurant, and access to the Top Sail Lounge with floor-to-ceiling views. The private sundeck features two whirlpools, a bar and grill, and stylish cabanas, offering a serene retreat after days exploring Alaska’s dramatic landscapes.
Expanded Dining and Entertainment Options
As part of the MSC Poesia refurbishment, culinary and leisure choices will grow significantly. Butcher’s Cut, a traditional American steakhouse, will debut alongside the newly reimagined Kaito Sushi Bar, providing a taste of Asia with expertly prepared sushi and other delicacies. The addition of the lively All-Stars Sports Bar brings game-day energy to sea, offering guests the chance to watch live sports, play bar games, and enjoy casual snacks.
Entertainment throughout the ship will continue to emphasize MSC Cruises’ European flair with American comfort, enhanced by these new venues that add diversity and depth to the onboard experience.
Wellness and Fitness Redefined
For travelers who value health and relaxation, the MSC Poesia refurbishment delivers a revitalized MSC Aurea Spa and a modernized MSC Gym powered by Technogym®. The spa now includes a salt room, ocean-view sauna, steam rooms, and Kneipp path for thermal therapy, complemented by serene relaxation zones and fresh tea service. Fitness enthusiasts will find state-of-the-art equipment, yoga facilities, and an outdoor sports deck with tennis, basketball, and jogging tracks, all set against panoramic ocean views.
Year-Round Adventures
Following her summer 2026 Alaska program, MSC Poesia will continue to showcase her upgraded features on a series of winter cruises in the Caribbean and Central America. Departing from Miami, she will call at destinations such as Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Aruba, ideal for travelers seeking warm-weather escapes. She will also offer transits of the Panama Canal, providing guests with a once-in-a-lifetime passage between oceans on an extended Grand Voyage.
Highlights of the Alaska Experience
The debut Alaska season will feature seven-night itineraries roundtrip from Seattle, visiting some of the state’s most iconic destinations. In Ketchikan, guests can explore historic Creek Street and admire centuries-old totem poles while savoring wild salmon. At Icy Strait Point, Alaska’s only Indigenous-owned port, visitors encounter opportunities for whale watching, bear viewing, and cultural performances alongside adventure options like the world’s largest zip line. Tracy Arm Fjord offers a dramatic passage to the twin Sawyer Glaciers, with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife along the way. Juneau, the capital, blends history and nature with options from gold panning to riding the Goldbelt Tram for sweeping mountain views. Finally, Victoria in British Columbia enchants with British heritage, lush gardens, and whale-spotting opportunities before returning to Seattle.