Now offering

MSC Alaska
2026 sailings

Alaska Travel Desk is not only an expert in Alaska, but also MSC!

Our agents & team have been helping travelers come to Alaska in the summer, and during the winter, we send our Alaskans on vacation to the Caribbean & Europe – many on MSC cruises.  Including us!   We’ve got experience on every US based MSC ship and tie that into our extensive Alaska sailings, we can help you plan your BEST 2026 adventure!

Best Prices, Best Options

MSC's Sailings
fit every traveler!

The MSC Poesia will offer cruisers to Alaska with a fantastic “mid-size” ship – just 2550 guests to the key ports in Alaska – Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan and cruising in Tracy Arm!

Special Rates and Perks

Alaska Travel Desk offers our guests a discount off the regular prices you’ll find online, plus a $25 onboard credit!**  You’ll also get a “Welcome to Alaska” bonus delivered to your home once final payment has been made!

 

We’ve got space on most sailings to Alaska.  Lock in these amazing deals before they sell out!  Check out the pricing here!

itinerary

The MSC Poesia will operate 2 itineraries with slight modifications from May 11, 2026 thru September 14, 2026.  You’ll see them in our pricing guides as “Itinerary A” or “Itinerary B”.

PRICING

MSC's pricing is Amazing

WOW – was our reaction to the pricing when the sailings were announced.  We’ve been following Alaska cruise pricing (since we DO live up here) for years – and we are amazed at the affordability of these cruises!  We’ve listed OUR pricing for a few of the cruises below – but check out each sailing for individual pricing!

SAMPLE Pricing shown is per person, based on double occupancy.  Includes port charges.  Not all sailings & cabin types shown. 

ports

THE SHIP

Built in 2008, the MSC Cruises MSC Poesia cruise ship weighs 93K tons and has 1275 staterooms for up to 3060 passengers served by 1039 crew. There are 16 passenger decks, 8 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 30 gross tons per passenger on this ship.

 

The Poesia completed a dry dock in 2021 & will be getting an update in a shorter dry dock in 2026 to ready her for the US and Alaska cruise season, including addition of the Yacht Club.

 

One thing we like about this ship:  there are both forward & aft sections of the ship open to view the amazing Alaska scenery!

 

Yacht Club

Introducting "Yacht Club Lite"

Early in 2026, MSC Poesia will go into a dry dock for a short refurbishment that will transition some cabins from regular balcony to Yacht Club.   

 

Poesia’s class of ship – Musica – have lacked some of the core amenities we find on most of the US based MSC fleet, including Yacht Club and specialty dining. 

 

The ship will be converting a handful of “premium deluxe balcony” and Aurea Balcony cabins into two-room cabins called “Yacht Club Two -Room Grand Suite”, in which the 2nd room is an adjacent cabin which will have a sitting area, larger bathroom (and tub).  We’re also going to see them add in a Yacht Club restaurant & bar,  but right now we aren’t sure exactly where that’s going to go unless they are doing some super-structure additions on deck 16 (by adding 17) – as the space on Deck 16 is presently the Top 16 Exclusive solarium.

CABINS

Dining & Bars

MSC Poesia has 3 restaurants, plus a buffet & pizzeria.  Kaito Sushi Bar is available for an upcharge.  Guests will find ample bars & lounges – with 10 onboard!

Relax & Fitness

3 pools, 7 hot tubs, Aurea Spa and thermal area, casino, and a fitness center will keep you occupied when not looking for whales!

You Should Come to

ALASKA

An Alaska cruise is the best way to explore the wilderness of this northernmost U.S. state. Sail through the breathtaking Inside Passage, a 500-mile stretch of waterways carved by glaciers millions of years ago. Along the way, take in sweeping views of picturesque fjords, the expansive Tongass National Forest, and over 1,000 islands.

On an Alaska cruise from Seattle, you’ll discover these natural wonders both from the ship and on planned excursions. Sail past Tracy Arm Fjord, where you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery– towering green cliffs, snow-covered mountains, and icebergs gently floating by.

FAQs

We do our best to cover most of the frequently asked questions about MSC and Alaska below!

When do the ships sail?

MSC begins Alaska sailings on May 11, 2026.  They will operate every Monday thru September 21, 2026

What is the price?

The price for each sailing may vary.  Alaska Travel Desk has contracted special rates on each of the sailings, which are lower than you’ll find on MSC’s website – and many are also HUNDREDS cheaper than comparable cruises that depart Seattle roundtrip.  Otherwise, you can scroll through each individual sailing to view pricing.

Deposit of $199 per person is required to lock in your space and is deposit is refundable.

How much money is due now?

To hold your space, we need a $199 USD deposit per person.

You can make payments over time for your cruise, but final payment is due 110 days before sailing.

Should you cancel *before* final payment is due, the $199 per person deposit is refundable.

Can I get any additional discounts?

The rates we offer on this site are already discounted off the MSC rates – however we are happy to check on discounts for healthcare workers, US military, state/city/federal government employees.

Our travel designers will also look at other criteria for discounts (such as government workers, military, and healthcare) to find the BEST deal for you!

Alaska Travel Desk also has discounts on shore excursions with preferred vendors – however we will not have our pricing for 2026 excursions until November of 2025.

Can we book these online?

Sadly we aren’t allowed to offer online booking for these rates, you will need to click on the EMAIL button below to the left, or contact us directly!

Can we call in to book?

YES!  You can reach us at 907-531-9140 or email us at cruisedesk @ alaskatraveldesk. net.

What happens if the price changes?

As your travel agent, we will advocate for you to get either an upgrade or onboard credit should the public price change lower than our special negotiated rates.

How many people can go in a cabin?

Most of MSC’s cabins are designed for 2 occupants, however some allow for triple and quad occupancy.

Most of the cabins on the MSC Poesia have murphy beds (that drop down from the ceiling) and/or a sofa that converts to a full size bed.

MSC does not have rollaway beds.

What is the price for children?

Children (aged 2 to 17 at time of sailing) will pay a special fare of $339 to $771 when they are the 3rd or 4th occupant in the cabin.  Please contact us for exact pricing.

What is the price for additional adults in a cabin?

The price for 3rd or 4th guest as adults vary – from a low of $551 to $931. 

Do I need a passport?

Canadian & US Citizens do NOT need a passport for this sailing, however you will need an official goverment issued ID and an original birth certificate, or a Nexus card to board.

These cruises do transit Canadian waters and stop in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  

It is IMPORTANT that if you or anyone in your party has a FELONY on their record, please let us know so we can help you beging the Visa Waiver process.

What MSC experience are these rates?

Our cabins are all for FANTASTICA Experience on MSC, except for the Aurea premium balcony cabins – which include the MSC Aurea perks & access to the Thermal Spa & exclusive sun deck.

We do have a special Wifi & Drinks Package special for the following sailing dates:

  • May 18, 2026
  • May 25, 2026
  • June 8, 2026
  • July 6, 2026
  • July 13, 2026
  • August 3, 2026
  • September 7, 2026
What is the cost for WIFI & Drinks packages?

We are still awaiting the final costs for the different packages:

Wifi – Browse,  Browse & Stream: Special for 2 devices: $392 for Browse, $490 for Browse & Stream

Drinks – Premium Drink Package is $490 per person (although we have some sailings where it is on sale – $392!).  Non-alcohol package is $210, and minors are $133

What does the thermal spa consist of?

The Aurea Spa thermal area consists of 2 saunas, 2 steam rooms, gender-specific restrooms/shower areas, and a relaxation area with lounge chairs and 3 jacuzzi tubs.

Aurea Balcony guests have this included with their sailing, otherwise space is limited and can be reserved in advance when booking your cruise.

Can we upgrade or change cabins after final payment?

Certainly!  Your Alaska Travel Desk agent can assist you with either the Bidding process or confirming your upgrade options.   Please note, the upgrade bid program is based on a variety of factors that may or may not result in an upgrade.

How about airfare & hotel?

Alaska Travel Desk advisors are experts in air travel – with some over 30 years experience in the airline/travel industry!  When you book a cruise with ATD, we waive our ticketing fees for airline tickets & also offer exclusive deals on hotels in Seattle & Alaska as part of the deal.

MSC has also announced they will have an air program in place for Alaska cruises – and we’ll make sure to sniff out the best deal for you!

When can we book shore excursions?

MSC has a few shore excursions preloaded, however we have some special deals with local vendors – and don’t worry, you’ll get back to the ship in PLENTY of time!

We will not have pricing or availability for 2026 shore excursions until November 2025

Do we need to buy insurance now?

Not necessarily.  MSC’s insurance is $68 per person with limited coverage.   We can also price out an Allianz Insurance plan, however we highly recommend the Allianz Annual Insurance plans to all of our clients – they cover trips up to 45 days for a calendar year.

To learn more about insurance, go here!

Can anyone book this?

Yes, our agreement with MSC Cruises allows us to sell these cruises to guests around the world.  

Pricing & payments will be done in USD.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

Our special rates with MSC require a $199 per person, refundable deposit + a $25 per cabin Agency Deposit.

The Agency Deposit will be refunded at time of final payment or we will deduct it from your final payment.  This is to cover our credit card & marketing costs for this exclusive deal.

Cancellation fee schedule is as follows:

**Days before cruise:**
– 61-47 days: 50% penalty of fare, plus $25 fee
– 46-17 days: 75% peanalty of fare, plus $25 fee
– 16 days to departure: 100% penalty of fare, plus $25 fee

Please note:  name changes are possible within 110 days of travel, please contact your travel designer for additional details.

Can I book a separate cabin for my kids?

Yes.  Parents can book a second (or third) cabin for their children.   Anyone traveling under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

What forms of payment do you accept?

In order to keep your Alaska adventure safe & compliant with all the laws, we can accept ONLY credit/debit cards for payments.  We can NOT accept cash, Zelle, ACH, or wire transfers.

MSC accepts all major credit cards – American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.

Foreign credit cards are also accepted.

Who processes my credit card payments?

Your cruise deposit & final payment will be done directly with MSC Cruises and charged by MSC Cruises direct.  We do NOT store or save your credit card data.

Why book with Alaska Travel Desk

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Experienced Agents

We've sailed frequently on MSC & also Alaska cruises!

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Special Rates

ATD has exclusive rates and perk on the MSC Alaska sailings!

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We live here

Nothing better than boots on the ground, eyh? ATD is based in Juneau, Alaska - one of the busiest ports in the Inside Passage

Special Perks

ATD has special rates with MSC for their Alaska 2026 program, and each cabin will get a $25 onboard credit!

Living 'Encyclopedia'

All of us at ATD are avid travelers AND cruisers! Booking with us allows us to walk you thru the entire process & make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible!

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Excursion Help

Based in Alaska, we've been on all the excursions and can help you chose the best ones for your budget & dreams!

Sustainable Tourism

Booking with ATD means part of our profits STAY in Alaska! In fact, we make a small donation to United Way of Southeast Alaska for each cruise sold. We're also members of all the Chambers of Commerce/Visitors Bureaus in Southeast - and we participate in our local economy. Something that the "big" dot com travel agencies & booking engines don't do. Support local, support us!

MSC Deals

Check out our MSC sailings of the week & promotions!

Ships

Learn about MSC's Fleet of newer, environmentally friendly ships

US Cruises

Learn about US departures from Miami, New York, Port Canaveral, and now Galveston!

Cabins

MSC offers a variety of options on all its ships - including Yacht Club

Dining

MSC's vast array of dining options will please every pallate!

Onboard Experience

Learn about MSC's onboard entertainment, spas, pools, F1 racers, and much much more!

Sustainability

MSC is part of a global effort to reduce carbon emissions and make cruising more sustainable

Plan an Unforgettable Cruise Experience to Alaska

Call us today

Special rates require a $199 USD deposit per person.  $199 is refundable if cancelled within 100 days of sailing. 

MSC Poesia.  Ships registry: Panama