MSC Cruises is dialling up the flavour for its inaugural Alaska season on MSC Poesia, unveiling Alaska‑inspired menus, warming drinks and two new specialty restaurants ahead of seven-night sailings from Seattle starting May 2026. The refreshed culinary program is designed to mirror the Last Frontier’s wild scenery and cooler climate, with hearty regional dishes, expanded seafood choices and cosy glacier‑viewing touches like complimentary hot chocolate on deck.

For full Alaska itineraries and fares, visit:
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/destinations/alaska-cruises​

Alaska-Inspired Menus with a Seafood Focus

Across MSC Poesia’s main dining rooms, guests will see Alaska’s influence woven into the daily menus, while still enjoying MSC’s international style. Look out for:

• Halibut tacos with tangy lime cabbage slaw
• Alaskan amber-battered cod with classic sides
• Hearty seafood chowders and other cold‑weather favourites
• Locally sourced Alaskan salmon featured throughout the season, where available

The aim, says Neil Palomba, EVP Operations for MSC Cruises USA, is to pair the line’s mix of European style and American comfort with a culinary experience that “matches Alaska’s natural charm” – from that perfect hot chocolate as you pass glaciers to a plate of signature seafood after a day ashore.

Glacier Viewing with Hot Chocolate and Warm Cocktails

Recognising that scenic cruising is a highlight of any Alaska voyage, MSC is adding thoughtful comforts whenever the ship is alongside glaciers and dramatic fjords. During these periods, guests can enjoy:

• Complimentary hot chocolate on deck and in the buffet
• A new line-up of warm, Alaska-themed cocktails and spiked hot chocolates

Signature drinks include:

• Hot Honey Soother – a “botanical steam-bath” riff on a gin hot toddy
• Un-Wined in Juneau – a lighter, alpine take on Glühwein, described as “Alaska in a mug”
• Hug in a Mug Toddy – a classic, comforting hot toddy
• Bring the Heat Martini – a decadent, boozy hot-chocolate-inspired twist
• Lox & Loaded Martini – a bold, savoury smoked salmon spin on the martini
• Fjord the Love of Bubbly – a sparkling cocktail with bright, fruity notes

By day, the Mojito Bar will also host a dedicated Bloody Mary experience while the ship is underway, creating a social daytime hub as guests watch the scenery roll by.

New Specialty Dining: Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar

As part of MSC Poesia’s upgrades, guests will gain two extra specialty dining venues for even more variety on Alaska cruises:

• Butcher’s Cut – an authentic American‑style steakhouse focusing on premium cuts of beef and classic sides, already a favourite across the MSC fleet.
• Kaito Sushi Bar – a Far East–inspired venue serving expertly crafted sushi and Asian dishes, ideal for a lighter or more indulgent evening.

These additions sit alongside Poesia’s existing restaurants and buffets, giving guests a blend of Italian, international and destination-led cuisine over a week in Alaska.

MSC Poesia’s Alaska Itineraries from Seattle

From May through September 2026, MSC Poesia will operate seven-night roundtrip Alaska cruises from Seattle, calling at favourites such as Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Victoria, British Columbia, with glacier cruising built into the itinerary. Following the debut season, the ship is scheduled to return to Alaska in summer 2027, expanding MSC Cruises’ footprint in the region.

To discover MSC Poesia’s Alaska sailings, deals and dates, start here:
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/destinations/alaska-cruises