MSC Cruises has opened bookings for its summer 2028 Alaska season, confirming that the recently upgraded MSC Poesia will return to Seattle for a third year of weekly voyages through the region.
The season will begin on April 24, 2028, and continue through September 18, with the ship operating seven-night round-trip itineraries from Seattle. The schedule gives travelers an early opportunity to reserve cruises focused on Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, coastal communities and Inside Passage scenery.
MSC Poesia will visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm and Juneau, along with Victoria in British Columbia. Ketchikan is known for its fishing history, waterfront and Alaska Native culture, while Indigenous-owned Icy Strait Point combines wildlife viewing with outdoor and cultural experiences.
Tracy Arm will provide one of the itinerary’s main scenic highlights. The narrow, glacier-carved fjord is surrounded by steep cliffs, waterfalls and views toward the Sawyer Glaciers. Juneau adds access to glaciers, hiking and Alaska’s state capital, while Victoria provides gardens, historic architecture and a waterfront stop before the ship returns to Seattle.
MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said Alaska has quickly become one of the company’s most popular destinations. Opening sales for a third season reflects the demand generated since the cruise line entered the market and allows travelers to plan farther ahead.
The 2028 program will also showcase the results of MSC Poesia’s major refurbishment. The ship now features an MSC Yacht Club, the company’s luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, with 69 suites, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and private areas reserved for Yacht Club guests.
Those facilities include a dedicated restaurant, lounge, sundeck with whirlpools, and an exclusive grill restaurant and bar. The addition gives MSC a more premium product for travelers who want access to the ship’s wider entertainment and dining while retaining a quieter, more personalized experience.
The refurbishment also introduced Butcher’s Cut, an American-style steakhouse, and Kaito Sushi Bar. Other upgrades include an expanded MSC Aurea Spa, a Technogym-powered fitness center, new workout studios, a barber and the Top 15 Exclusive Solarium for Aurea guests.
Wildlife remains one of the strongest reasons to book the itinerary. Passengers may see whales, orcas, bald eagles, bears, otters, deer and harbor seals, with some whale sightings possible directly from the ship.
MSC is already selling its 2027 Alaska season, scheduled from April 26 through September 27. Between its summer deployments, MSC Poesia will operate Grand Voyage itineraries between Miami and Seattle through the Panama Canal.
The early release of the 2028 program shows how quickly Alaska has become an important part of MSC Cruises’ North American expansion. With an upgraded ship, a new luxury enclave and a familiar Seattle itinerary, the company is betting that demand will remain strong well beyond its first seasons in the region.
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